Is Cannabidiol a Safe and Effective sleeping Aid ?

Is Cannabidiol a Safe and Effective sleeping Aid ?

Many people often try conventional over-the-counter (OTC) sleep pills when struggling with sleep deprivation. 

Regular sleep medications may be reasonably effective. But these drugs are also notorious for triggering a host of nasty side effects. That explains the growing interest in alternative sleep aids, such as cannabidiol. 

Read on as we explore the role of cannabidiol in making your sleep safe better.

What Is Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol, commonly abbreviated as CBD, is a bioactive chemical that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant and is widely administered for various common diseases. CBD constitutes the over 130 pharmacologically valuable compounds in marijuana, otherwise known as phytocannabinoids or simply cannabinoids. 

When consumed, cannabinoids affect the body by interacting with various endocannabinoid receptors, hormones, and chemical neurotransmitters. These complex processes relieve various ailments, including sleep disorders like insomnia, parasomnias, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. 

What CBD Products Are The Most Effective Sleep Aids?

Cannabidiol is available in many forms. You can find the compound in raw extracts like smokable cannabis flowers or processed goods like CBD e-juices, ointments, tinctures, and the best CBD gummies for sleep

The past few years have witnessed an increased interest in cannabidiol gummies, and understandably so. 

CBD gummies resemble traditional gummy bears, except that they contain cannabidiol as the main bioactive ingredient. Therefore, these products can offer maximum discretion to users who’re reserved about letting their inner circles know they’re using CBD. 

CBD gummies are also incredibly easy to dose as they’re formulated with predetermined amounts of cannabidiol. Besides, you do not require complex paraphernalia to consume them, as is usually the case with other products like CBD tinctures and vape oils. 

The best part is that the cannabis industry teems with credible retail outlets where you can find CBD gummies for sleep. You only need to establish that the product contains hemp-derived CBD, was obtained using the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extraction Method, and comes with a certificate of analysis (CoA). A CoA acts as proof that a CBD-infused product has been rigorously tested by independent laboratories and deemed safe for consumption.

How Might Cannabidiol Make Your Sleep Safe And Effective?

  • CBD May Shorten Sleep Latency

Cannabidiol comes from a plant renowned for its powerful sedating properties. Therefore, CBD at bedtime can boost sleep quality by shortening your sleep onset time. 

In other words, CBD might help you drift off to sleep faster than you usually do. 

  • CBD May Reduce REM Sleep

Studies have also shown that cannabidiol may reduce rapid eye movement (REM) duration. 

Rapid eye movement, as the name implies, is a period during sleep in which the eyes move rapidly in all directions within the sockets. REM typically occurs about 1 – 1 ½ hours after falling asleep. It’s also during this stage that we tend to have vivid dreams. 

Dreams can make sleep more peaceful. But they can also cause frequent sleep disruptions, especially where they present as nightmares. 

By reducing the time taken at REM, CBD guards against sleep-disruptive nightmares. The net effect is improved sleep duration and quality. 

  • CBD May Treat RBD

Some studies cite cannabidiol for its positive effects on REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). 

RBD is a severe sleep disorder marked by the unconscious dramatization of one’s dreams. Expectedly, this condition typically occurs during REM sleep. 

In their unconscious state, RBD victims may leave the bed and walk around the house. Some may even attempt to prepare meals or take a shower. The consequences of these actions are too grim to ponder, especially considering that they’re undertaken unconsciously. 

The fact that CBD can shorten REM sleep duration consequently makes it effective against RBD. 

  • CBD May Combat Sleep Apnea

You can also administer cannabidiol for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is the worst form of sleep apnea, which refers to conditions marked by irregular breathing patterns during sleep. 

In OSA, the muscles supporting the soft tissues in your throat temporarily relax and collapse into your airways. This causes your airways to constrict or close, momentarily cutting off breathing. 

Early animal studies indicate that cannabinoids like CBD can improve respiratory stability during sleep. Therefore, these compounds may be effective at treating OSA. 

  • CBD May Fight Grogginess

This is probably the most interesting bit about using cannabidiol for sleep deprivation. 

Not only will CBD make you sleep better at night. The compound can also improve your concentration during the day by fighting grogginess, thereby boosting your workplace productivity. 

Grogginess is a term for increased daytime sleepiness. According to research, taking CBD in the morning might go a long way in suppressing the feelings of daytime sleepiness. This is especially true for CBD products formulated with substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), otherwise known as full-spectrum products.

THC is another popular cannabinoid in marijuana. The compound contains powerful stimulating effects, which explains its ability to optimize daytime concentration.

  • CBD May Relieve Pain and Anxiety

Pain and anxiety can have a direct effect on sleep quality. Indeed, it’s difficult to achieve restful sleep with aching joints or racing thoughts. 

Fortunately, cannabidiol contains both analgesic and anxiolytic properties. That makes it potentially helpful in treating sleep disorders triggered by persistent pain and anxiety.

Final Word

Cannabidiol can increase sleep safety and efficacy, and there’s plenty of research to back that up. 

To make the most of CBD for sleep, avoid using the product alongside other sleep pills. At least not before you consult your doctor.