According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should get approximately seven hours of restful sleep every night. Despite that, fewer than two-thirds are receiving enough sleep, and the situation is becoming worse. Sleep deprivation has become such an issue among Americans that the CDC has labelled it a “public health epidemic.”
The National Sleep Foundation reports that 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep-related issues each year. This implies that about one out of every five Americans has difficulty sleeping each year. When you consider how important sleep is for our health, this is an alarming statistic. Sleep deprivation may have a negative impact on everything from cognitive performance to cardiovascular health.
The use of cannabidiol, or CBD, as a remedy for various ailments has grown substantially in recent years. CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits for a number of ailments and symptoms have been demonstrated in preliminary studies. This article will cover the importance of sleep, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and tips for quality sleep. Additionally, we will introduce a natural remedy, CBD, and describe the relationship between CBD oil and sleep, followed by key considerations.
Importance of Sleep
Sleep deprivation is a concern not only because it can lead to poor sleep quality due to a misaligned body clock and sleep schedule, but it has also been related to many chronic health conditions. Several common problems people face include insomnia, obesity, and depression.
Sleep may be divided into three stages. In the first two to four hours, the deep sleep cycle occurs, during which enormous amounts of growth hormones and collagen are created. The following two hours are spent in the rapid eye movement (REM) cycle. Antioxidants are produced, which aid in removing toxins that affect your skin. A person’s internal body temperature hits the lowest point during the final two to three hours of sleep, and the body’s healing and mending process continue throughout this time.
Many biological activities, including sleep, are regulated by our internal body clock, often called a circadian rhythm. It is a 24-hour cycle that tells the body when to eat, sleep, digest food, and so on. Almost every organism has a clock, albeit some animals have a different 24-hour schedule compared to humans.
Two primary factors control the biological clock, the first being light and darkness in your exterior surroundings. The second aspect has to do with genetically encoded internal memory. When it is time to go to bed, your body gives you a signal. If you persistently reject these cues by staying up later than usual, your body adjusts to a new schedule.
Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
There are many consequences of sleep deprivation, the most common being irritability and brain fog, weight-gain problems, and a weaker immune system.
Irritability and brain fog:
You may find it difficult to maintain a conversation or concentrate on anything after a restless night’s sleep. According to researchers studying MRI scans of brains, sleep deprivation affects parts of the brain that engage with attention and memory. Furthermore, sleep deprivation has been linked to changes in reward processing in the brain. When you do not get enough sleep, you are more likely to take risks and make hasty decisions. It may also be challenging to recognize and distinguish between emotions. As a result, you are more likely to respond to circumstances with extreme emotions and irritation, putting you in confrontation with others.
You are more inclined to seek deep-fried or sugary foods when sleep-deprived, and it can increase your cravings for sweet, salty, and carbohydrate-rich meals. This is because two hormones involved in the metabolic process, leptin and ghrelin, are out of sync. Ghrelin stimulates appetite, whereas leptin reduces it. Sleep deprivation results in lower leptin levels and greater ghrelin levels, which leads to an overall rise in appetite. Consequently, you resort to unhealthy, calorie-dense meals to satisfy your desires, increasing the risk of obesity.
Weaker immune system:
If you are chronically deprived of sleep, you have a higher chance of becoming ill, and it may also impair your recovery time. This is because lack of sleep has a harmful influence on your immune system. Sleep boosts adaptive or acquired immunity, which helps your body to detect pathogens and fight conditions caused by those pathogens. When you lack sleep, your body does not produce crucial immune cells involved in this process. Furthermore, this reduces the quantity of natural killer blood cells in the blood, which are necessary for short-term immunity.
Tips for Quality Sleep
To ensure you are getting quality sleep, here are a few tips to consider.
Reduce blue light exposure prior to bed:
It is easy to unwind at night by watching TV, surfing the web on your laptop, or swiping through your phone. However, these technological devices emit blue light, which activates the brain and makes you attentive. Researchers from Harvard University performed an experiment comparing 6.5 hours of blue light exposure to the same number of hours of green light exposure. They discovered that blue light decreased melatonin (the sleep hormone) release for double the amount of time as the green light. It also caused a 3-hour change in circadian rhythms, compared to 1.5 hours with green light. It is recommended to turn off your electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime to prevent blue light from interrupting your sleep. Otherwise, you can try downloading a blue-light-blocking app for your phone or investing in a pair of glasses that block blue light.
Limit eating and exercising before bedtime:
Eating late at night not only keeps you awake throughout the day, but it can cause acid reflux and heartburn, which makes it harder to sleep. If you are hungry, look for a low-sugar, high-protein snack. Also, avoid exercising too close to nighttime as it will make you feel alert. Exercise induces the production of endorphins, which create a feeling of euphoria through hormones secreted in the brain and neurological system. This boosts your heart rate, adrenaline, and body temperature. According to researchers at John Hopkins, you should wait at least 1 to 2 hours for the endorphins to wash out of the system and your adrenaline and body temperature to reduce to normal levels.
Have a consistent sleep routine:
Maintaining a consistent sleep and waking schedule, even on weekends, aligns the circadian rhythm and helps you sleep better, just like natural daylight does. According to Martin Reed, a qualified sleep health educator and creator of Insomnia Coach, getting out of bed at the same time daily reinforces the sleep/wake cycle, ensuring appropriate sleep pressure accumulates during the day. Over time, this may make it simpler to fall asleep and increase the quality of your sleep. These findings were backed up by research published in BMC Public Health, which found that individuals with irregular bedtime routines had lower sleep quality. Sleep is considerably improved by establishing a regular schedule.
Take a natural sleep aid:
Natural sleep aids are a healthy option to enhance sleep quality. This includes lavender, chamomile, melatonin, valerian root, and magnesium. There are a variety of forms natural sleep aids come in, like teas and essential oils. According to experienced doctors, it is difficult to have a decent night’s sleep without adequate magnesium because magnesium promotes the creation of sleep-regulating melatonin. Magnesium has been demonstrated in studies to aid in deep and peaceful sleep.
According to Grand View Research, the market size for dietary supplements is growing. This means that people in the United States are increasingly looking to ingredients like vitamins, botanicals, amino acids, minerals, and enzymes in their dietary supplements.
Another popular natural sleep aid is CBD, which will be the focus of the remainder of this article. Many of the ingredients discussed are added to CBD sleep products for optimal benefits.
What Is CBD Used For?
The majority of sleeping medications available in pharmacies are sedative-hypnotics, a type of medicine that works by suppressing central nervous system activity to produce sleep. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, or Ambien, are the most frequent medications in this group. The issue stems from the fact that these drugs can be addictive, leading to withdrawal effects. As a result, people feel nervous, paranoid, and cannot fall asleep without taking another dose of the medication.
Because of the substantially improved safety profile and a comparable degree of effectiveness, more individuals are turning to alternative remedies like CBD to promote a good night’s sleep. CBD is among the most studied cannabinoids, with about 540 chemical components in the Cannabis Sativa plant. The cannabis plant contains hundreds of distinct cannabinoids, the most prevalent of which are CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD, unlike THC, is a non-psychoactive molecule, which means it is safe to take without causing a high. CBD may be made accessible to a wider variety of prospective customers as a viable alternative due to this differentiation. Independent testing has shown that CBD is non-addictive and has no history of causing harm to the body, even at large doses.
Before searching for the best CBD for sleep and anxiety, there are a couple of things you need to know about CBD. CBD oil comes in three varieties: full-spectrum, CBD isolate, and broad-spectrum. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, whereas full-spectrum CBD is an extract that includes additional hemp-derived components like terpenes. Broad-spectrum CBD is the third kind, which comprises naturally occurring chemicals but generally does not contain THC. Each type of CBD is used differently, and personal preference is an important factor.
Furthermore, you may have heard the term hemp, which is another component of the Cannabis Sativa plant, and may wonder what the difference is between hemp oil and CBD oil. Figure 1 below shows that hemp oil has low cannabinoid content, where seeds are pressed to produce the oil. It is generally common in nutritional and industrial uses. On the other hand, CBD is higher in cannabinoid content and more widespread in medicinal use. Leaves, flowers, and stalks are used to produce the oil using solvent extraction with carbon dioxide. Nowadays, there are even products like CBD hemp oil for sleep which is essentially a full spectrum of oil derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, specifically from the hemp oilseed.
Figure 1
Categories | Hemp Oil | CBD Oil |
Cannabinoid Content | Low | High |
Parts Used to Produce Oil | Seeds | Leaves, Flowers and Stalks |
Production Method | Pressing | Solvent Extraction Using CO2 |
Uses | Nutritional and Industrial | Medicinal |
CBD has many uses in medicine and is commonly taken to relieve muscular and joint pain. CBD products that are diluted in different carrier oils are becoming increasingly popular to promote vitality and combat the stress of our daily lives. Chronic stress, restlessness, pain, and insomnia may all impact everyday performance and the total potential of an individual. Some studies have even found that CBD may have other health advantages, such as seizure management and acne alleviation.
Along with the benefits discussed, CBD oil sleep solutions can be beneficial in unexpected ways. Now, let us examine the relationship between CBD oil and sleep.
How CBD Supports Sleep
Based on research, CBD oil improves the duration of “deep sleep” – the stage during which we recuperate. It also decreases REM sleep, which is the phase where we dream. People with fewer dreams have better sleep, stronger memory, and fewer psychological problems. As a result, using CBD oil for sleep may result in a natural increase in the quality of your sleep.
So, is CBD oil good for sleep? Many people can indeed benefit from its soothing effects over time, particularly when using CBD oil for anxiety and sleep. CBD has been demonstrated in studies to make people feel calmer and functions largely through a group of receptors called endocannabinoid receptors. This system can be found in cells all over the body. The endocannabinoid system is needed to maintain homeostasis or balance in the body. It helps keep track of critical metrics, including blood acidity, body temperature, inflammatory responses, and sleep cycles, which improves cellular communication.
By reducing the breakdown of naturally generated endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-AG, CBD aids the regulatory mechanism. It also binds to endocannabinoid receptors, enabling the finding and activation of these receptors by other endocannabinoids. We can better sustain optimal function for numerous organs throughout the body by enhancing the system that maintains homeostasis. This explains why CBD has so many uses and advantages, including sleep – the effects of CBD on your endocannabinoid system (ECS) are the scientific basis behind this.
CBD oil sleep solutions are intended to offer a natural sleep remedy that will help you sleep better. CBD oil for sleep is the most well-known, and it comes in a compact bottle with CBD extract oil that is suitable for oral ingestion. To use CBD sleep oil, place a few drops under your tongue, hold for around 30 seconds, and then swallow. The CBD will enter your bloodstream, causing soothing and drowsy effects. You may find an array of CBD-based products that are used for various purposes, one of the most prevalent being to aid sleep.
Key Considerations
Finding the best CBD oil for sleep depends on several factors, so it is important to keep in mind the following items when buying CBD online.
Extraction process:
After the hemp plants have been harvested, processing is required to extract the cannabinoids and additional phytochemicals. CO2 extraction is by far the most effective way to do so. In traditional extraction processes, cold water or solvents including methanol, butane or hexane are used, all of which are harmful to people. This solvent is eliminated after the extraction, although removing all solvents from the finished product is not possible. CO2 extraction is the industry standard since it creates a safer product free from toxins with a high CBD content.
Third-party testing:
Since tests are so easy to falsify these days, the industry standard is to employ a recognized laboratory that is unaffiliated with the firm. This is referred to as a third-party laboratory. These laboratories will test a sample of the company’s CBD product and offer an unbiased, transparent study of the product. Always check for third-party lab studies on the items you are considering buying. If something is missing or appears to be out of order, choose a different company.
Formulation of vitamins and herbs:
The best CBD oil for sleep will also include additional vitamins and herbs to help support CBD’s benefits. These are important in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. The following are some typical ingredients that enhance the effects of CBD and help in promoting sleep:
- Ashwagandha
- Hops and passionflower
- L-theanine
- Melatonin
- Magnesium
Choosing your CBD oil dosage for sleep:
Figure 2 provides recommended CBD oil dosages for sleep. The low, medium, and high dosages are separated based on a person’s weight. This table can be used as a benchmark on how much CBD sleep oil to take, but it is recommended to start with the low end of the spectrum if you are a new consumer of CBD. You may consider increasing your CBD oil for sleep dosage gradually.
Figure 2
Weight (lbs) | Low Dosage | Medium Dosage | High Dosage |
Up to 130 lbs | 10-15 mg | 30-45 mg | 60-90 mg |
130-230 lbs | 15-22 mg | 45-67 mg | 90+ mg |
More than 230 lbs | 22-25 mg | 67-75 mg | 90+ mg |
It is always recommended to consult your doctor or physician before starting a CBD regimen, as they can provide you with expert advice based on your individual needs.
CaniBrands for Sleep
CaniBrands is a leading CBD company that produces high-quality, third-party lab-tested CBD supplements. CaniBrands’ numerous product lines are precisely created to fulfil the demands of both athletes and health enthusiasts, such as Olympian Dara Torres and NHL emergency back up goalie David Ayers. Combining vitamins, nutraceuticals, and herbal extracts into CBD offerings, the products are designed to function together to provide the best experience possible, resulting in optimal health benefits.
One of the experiences CaniBrands offers is Cani-Sleep, a natural sleep aid that has a blend of melatonin and 5-HTP, along with other herbal extracts to help you relax and unwind at night. Cani-Sleep can support your wellness by improving your quality of sleep and recovery.
Final Remarks
So, can CBD oil help with sleep? CBD indeed has many benefits, including its ability to provide relaxation and restore equilibrium to the endocannabinoid system, which is crucial for sleep and recovery. That is why many consumers searching for natural alternatives for their wellness needs are now looking to CBD oil for anxiety and sleep.
This article has explored a range of areas surrounding the importance of sleep, tips for quality sleep, the connection between CBD and sleep, and some other considerations for taking CBD. Along with that, we have covered the types of CBD products, including ones that may be new to you like CBD hemp oil for sleep.
Finding the ideal CBD oil for sleep dosage varies for each person, so keep in mind that patience is part of the process. What works for one person may not work for another – trial and error is the key. Overall, sleep significantly impacts your overall wellness and should be made a priority.