CBD & Insomnia

CBD and sleep – Can CBD help relieve insomnia?

Humanity has long used Cannabis for medicinal purposes – from pain relief, to increasing appetite, to reducing inflammation and so on. Cannabinoids – the compounds in the plant are responsible for producing beneficial effects out of which the two most prominent ones as recognized by researchers today is CBD and THC. These compounds affect the brain in their own way – they are psychoactive but unlike THC, CBD is non-impairing and is therefore more widely used for calming and relieving purposes.

There are multiple studies that link CBD with sleep – suggesting that it may be a sleep aid. Let’s dive in and see whether that really is the case and if it could help anyone who is suffering from the debilitating effects of insomnia. 

Cortisol, the stress hormone usually peaks in the mornings, whereas, in people with insomnia, cortisol is at its highest at night. This indicates that they have trouble falling asleep and even if they do they incur a lot of night time waking.  In one study on the effects of CBD, researchers found that taking 300 or 600 mg of CBD oil decreased cortisol levels significantly. With cortisol levels down, CBD tends to act as a sedative. 

The biochemical communication system in the body – the endocannabinoid system is a complex network of cannabinoid receptors and is found throughout the body and in the CNS or the Central Nervous System where sleep is regulated. Scientists are still researching exactly how cannabinoids improve sleep but suspect that it may have a lot to do with how endocannabinoids react with Proteins, receptors and chemicals in the brain. The body manufactures endogenous cannabinoids that act as chemical messengers and using CBD may have the same effects. It effects the activity of various hormones, neurotransmitters and other cells that are responsible for the sleep-wake cycle.

Another compound that contributes to producing the sedative effects is the Terpene - Myrcene which is found in strains with high CBD. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants and fruits and Myrcene in particular has sedative properties.

Cannabidiol can mainly improve sleep quality by helping one fall asleep quicker, minimizing waking during sleep and enhancing deep restful sleep. As compared to THC, CBD also works well in the long term. Studies have mainly found that lower doses have a stimulating effect whereas higher doses have a sedative effect.

Compared to pharmaceutical sleep aids, CBD has significantly lesser side effects, and may be safer and more effective. If you’re considering using a CBD-based product to treat your insomnia, consult your physician or get in touch with ours here so you know more about the dosage, frequency and type that will be most effective for you. 

You can also check out our CBD products here and browse before you buy CBD products online at our store.