In 1940, American chemist Roger Adams isolated and identified CBD. Since then, scientists have discovered that CBD is not psychoactive and have investigated the potential health and medical benefits of CBS.
In recent years, this natural remedy has become increasingly popular as a sleep therapy. Although the exact mechanism of how CBD works is still being researched, it may lead to improved sleep quality by addressing symptoms that negatively impact sleep.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, colloquially known as CBD, is a compound found in cannabis. Along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it constitutes the two most common cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC can make people feel high, but CBD does not.
Additionally, CBD is non-addictive, has a generally good safety profile, and has no known lethal dose. Although there is no exact recommended dose for sleep, recent studies have shown that taking 150 mg every night had positive effects.
endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) controls several bodily functions, including sleep. CBD modulates, rather than binds to, cannabinoid receptors, preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids.
This allows you to better regulate your sleep-wake cycles and promote healthy circadian rhythms. The ECS is important for maintaining homeostasis within the body. Our ECS is what enables CBD's effects, but the exact mechanism by which CBD improves sleep is not fully understood.
Read more: What is CBD oil? Why do people take CBD oil?
How CBD helps you sleep
The following symptoms often cause insomnia and can be alleviated to varying degrees with the use of CBD.
Anxiety and depression: The interaction between CBD and serotonin receptors may help reduce anxiety and depression, which can interfere with sleep.
Chronic pain: CBD has been shown to reduce pain due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. CBD is a better alternative to opioids for some people because there are no addiction issues.
PTSD: A common feature of PTSD is nightmares that occur during REM sleep. CBD suppresses REM sleep and improves sleep in people with PTSD.
Restless Leg Syndrome: Although there is not enough data to reach a final verdict, some CBD users report a reduced urge to move their legs.
Read more: Benefits of CBD oil
Different types of CBD
There are two types of cannabis plants: indica and sativa. Indica has a high CBD content, and this strain is considered good for aiding sleep. This is due to its calming and relaxing effects, as opposed to Sativa, which is more stimulating and euphoric.
CBD is available in a variety of formats, including capsules, oils, tinctures, gummies, and lozenges. Oils and tinctures are taken sublingually and are the fastest acting because they do not need to be processed by the digestive system.
Read more: Yes, CBD creams can relieve pain. But science is still studying its benefits and risks
What are the best CBD products?
With so many products on the market, understanding the different types of CBD spectrum can help you make an informed decision about the product that best suits your needs.
Full-spectrum: This includes all the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant from which CBD is derived. Because it contains all the cannabinoid compounds, it contains trace amounts of THC.
Broad Spectrum: Like full spectrum, broad spectrum also offers a wide range of cannabinoids, but THC has been removed.
CBD Isolate: CBD is pure cannabidiol and nothing else. Despite being the most concentrated form of CBD, it doesn't seem to be very effective.
Potential risks and side effects of CBD
CBD can interact negatively with certain drugs, including those processed by the liver, and can affect the rate at which certain drugs are metabolized. Medications that can be affected by CBD include blood thinners, statins, thyroid hormones, anti-inflammatory drugs, benzodiazepines, and blood pressure medications.
CBD is usually well tolerated even at high levels. Side effects, if they occur, may include digestive problems, loss of appetite, and headaches. When taken for sleep, drowsiness can be another side effect, although not a negative one.
Read more: Is CBD a panacea?
Article source
Discovermagazine.com's writers use peer-reviewed research and quality sources in their articles, and editors review them for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Check out the following sources used in this article.
Allison Futterman is a writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, whose science, history, and medical/health writing has appeared on a variety of platforms and in local and national publications. These include magazines such as Charlotte, People, Our State, and Philanthropy. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in criminal justice.
