Are you one of the many people who suffer from insomnia and struggle to get a good night's sleep? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people worldwide have trouble sleeping, and this can lead to a range of problems, including fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. However, there may be a solution that you haven't tried yet - CBD.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant that has gained a lot of attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. One of the areas in which CBD may be helpful is insomnia. In this post, we'll take a closer look at what research says about CBD and insomnia.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. There are two types of insomnia: acute and chronic. Acute insomnia is short-term and often caused by stress, while chronic insomnia is long-term and often the result of an underlying medical or psychiatric condition.
CBD and Insomnia: What Does Research Say?
There is a growing body of research on the potential benefits of CBD for insomnia. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that CBD may improve sleep in people with anxiety. Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD may improve sleep quality in people with insomnia.
In addition, a study published in the Permanente Journal found that CBD may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Finally, a review of studies published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine concluded that CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating a range of functions, including sleep, mood, and appetite. The ECS is made up of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. CBD interacts with the receptors in the ECS, which can help regulate sleep patterns.
Is CBD Safe for Insomnia?
CBD is generally considered safe, but it's important to talk to your doctor before using it to treat insomnia, especially if you're taking other medications. CBD can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and anticonvulsants.
Conclusion
CBD may be a promising treatment for insomnia, based on the growing body of research on its potential benefits. However, it's important to talk to your doctor before using CBD to treat insomnia, especially if you're taking other medications. CBD is generally safe, but it can cause side effects, and it can interact with certain medications.
Sources:
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041
Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9