Sleep problems are sadly common nowadays. There are many reasons for that, from too much work to mental problems to family issues. Luckily, there are some things you can do to improve your sleep (which is essential to your health and overall well-being), such as meditating, establishing a sleep routine, or following the right diet.
Sometimes, however, these might not work, and you may start looking further, for example, into natural supplements.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in the hemp plant. It is known for supporting the management of various ailments, such as pain, anxiety, and, yes, insomnia. So, if you have trouble sleeping, CBD products, such as CBD softgels with melatonin may prove beneficial.
Still, there are probably a few things that you don’t know about CBD and its effects on sleep, and the article below may help you gain some insight into this topic.
CBD Might Support Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects your breathing. If you have it, you probably snore loudly, have a very short breathing pause, then resume breathing. This can happen multiple times during the night and affect sleep quality, leading to later fatigue. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you might be prescribed mouthpieces or other treatments.
While there’s no conclusive evidence that CBD may help with sleep apnea, the substance is most commonly used to manage anxiety. And so, although it can’t treat sleep apnea per se, it can help you establish a healthy sleep schedule, relax your body and mind before bedtime and lead to more restful sleep without the side effects of sleeping pills or sedatives.
CBD Can Help Reduce Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that’s characterized by difficulty falling and staying asleep. People with insomnia may wake up multiple times during the night or wake up very early in the morning and not be able to fall back asleep. Insomnia can be short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic).
There are many potential causes of insomnia, from stress to medical conditions. Luckily, there are things you can do to manage it. And according to some studies, CBD may be one of them. It works by reducing anxiety and pain, which are often the underlying causes of insomnia. It does so by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
CBD Might Help With RLS Treatment
RLS is a condition that affects your nervous system and often manifests itself in the form of uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them. The symptoms usually happen when you’re resting or trying to sleep and can disrupt your sleep patterns.
There are various potential treatments for RLS, from medications to changes in lifestyle. Some people also use CBD for RLS. Just like with insomnia, CBD may help by reducing anxiety and pain, which are often the underlying causes of RLS.
CBD May Have Side Effects
Although CBD is considered to be safe, it may cause some side effects, such as drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. These side effects are usually mild and occur when you take higher doses of CBD. If you experience these, you can always reduce your intake of CBD or stop taking the supplement altogether, but you should definitely consult a healthcare professional.
It’s also important to note that CBD may interact with some medications, such as blood thinners and sedatives. So, if you’re taking any medications, make sure to talk to your doctor before using CBD.
CBD Might Help With Anxiety
Anxiety is usually characterized by feelings of nervousness, fear, or unease; it might also be accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart and sweaty palms. Anxiety disorders are quite common and can be a real problem for many people, disrupting their daily lives, sleep schedules, or relationships.
CBD is known for its calming effect, and it might be able to help with anxiety. As it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), it can help to regulate various functions, such as sleep, appetite, mood, and pain.
That being said, it’s worth mentioning that the effects of CBD on anxiety and stress are not always immediate. It may take a few days or weeks of regular use before you start noticing any improvement.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a natural remedy for your sleeping problems, you might want to try CBD. While it’s not a miracle cure, it might help you relax before bedtime, establish a healthy sleep schedule, and get more restful sleep. Just make sure to start with a low dose and increase it gradually until you find the one that works for you. And, of course, if you experience any side effects or if you’re taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before using CBD.
If you’re not sure where to start, perhaps you should try CBD oil, as this is the most popular way to take in CBD. Still, there are other methods, like CBD pills, edibles, and vaping. Whatever you choose, make sure to be safe and follow the dosage recommendations.
