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The Science of CBD and Sleep

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When you are finding it difficult to get to sleep or to stay asleep, you will do almost anything to get a good night’s rest. Even a single night of troubled sleep affects your energy levels, your attitude, your digestion and your skin; when you suffer from chronic sleep deprivation, you encounter some severe health consequences, including diabetes, heart disease and increased risk for stroke. The sooner you find something that helps you achieve restful sleep, the better.

Fortunately, there could be a quick, easy and affordable solution for your sleep-related woes: CBD.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, belongs to a group of compounds called cannabinoids because they can only be found in the cannabis plant. Despite being non-psychoactive, meaning the compound does not manifest changes to a user’s behaviour, perception or mood, CBD is the second-most plentiful cannabinoid, meaning it could have a significant impact on how the drug affects the human body.

The discovery of CBD occurred in the 1940s, but due to the stigmatization of the drug and nationwide bans, further research on the compound was impossible until recently. Today, we know that cannabidiol has significant potential as a powerful medical tool. Already, CBD is present in one FDA-approved medication used to treat extreme childhood epilepsy, and increasing bodies of research indicate that CBD could be beneficial in applications for managing chronic pain and inflammation, thwarting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and perhaps reducing symptoms associated with some mental illnesses, like anxiety or depression.

Unlike psychoactive cannabis compounds, CBD has been legalized at the federal level, so adults in almost every state have ready access to a variety of CBD products. So, can CBD solve your sleep issues?

How Does CBD Affect Sleep?

People who sleep well are all alike; people who suffer sleep difficulties experience those difficulties in their own way. Often, insomnia is not the result of a single health concern but of several issues that all require treatment for you to achieve restful sleep. Fortunately, unlike many other medications designed for assisting with sleep, CBD has the potential to address many conditions that may be preventing you from falling and staying asleep. For instance:

CBD fights anxiety. When you are consumed by worry and fear, it becomes impossible for your mind and body to relax in preparation for sleep. By fighting symptoms of anxiety, CBD can improve rest.

CBD alleviates pain. Chronic pain sufferers often experience worse sleep as the body is kept in a state of stress by feelings of pain. CBD interrupts messages of pain and thus allows for higher-quality sleep.

CBD eliminates inflammation. Inflammation can be a source of pain, or it can merely cause discomfort that stresses the body and prevents rest and recovery. In soothing inflamed tissues, CBD can assist the body in preparing for sleep.

CBD relaxes muscles. Muscle tension can be a symptom of stress, or it in itself can cause sleep disruptions. CBD addresses tension as both a symptom and a cause of disordered sleep.

Because your problem with sleeping is likely a collection of different issues impacting your ability to achieve rest, a solution like CBD that can tackle many health conditions at once might be an excellent option.

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How Should You Take CBD

Unlike other cannabis compounds, which engage directly with a critical human system called the endocannabinoid system, CBD seems to influence the body to produce its own natural compounds. Knowing how CBD interacts with the human body is beneficial as it can provide guidance for administration and dosing. For example, some studies have found that CBD is energizing at low doses and sedating at high doses. As we learn more about CBD, we will be able to offer more accurate directions to those suffering from insomnia.

Until then, you might need to experiment with your CBD regimen. You should look for a high-quality, trustworthy CBD sleep aid, like Uleva Sleep, and you should keep a sleep journal to track your insomnia symptoms as you try different doses.

Are There Any Risks?

CBD is remarkably low-risk, which is why the U.S. legalized the compound in 2018. The worst side effect most users will encounter is dry mouth, though there is some potential for digestive trouble. As always, you should talk to your doctor before sampling any health treatment, especially if you are taking any kind of medication or have another health condition that requires careful monitoring.