2018’s Hemp Farming Act struck hemp from Schedule I. Hemp is simply cannabis featuring less than 0.3% THC. Once it was removed, legislators made it a normal agricultural product. Since then, an array of CBD products and new research have characterized the market and industry in general within a short timeframe.
Among the many studies and research were done on CBD, one of them sought to establish the relationship between CBD and sleep. Does CBD make you sleepy? This is the query we’ll delve into in this comprehensive primer.
The CDC opines that roughly 70 million Americans grapple with sleep issues. Over 80 different sleep disorders exist in the world today, the Cleveland Clinic opines. As sleep research continues to be done, various researchers establish different findings.
From different studies, we can conclude that anecdotally, many people use cannabis to enhance their sleep. Unfortunately, conclusive, limited, or minimal research is available regarding its effects on daytime functioning and sleep particularly on those grappling with insomnia.
The thing is, cannabis has been handy for recreational and medicinal purposes for several years now. Compounds by the name cannabinoids in cannabis play a role in affecting the brain. Two of the most abundant cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
CBD is handy for different functions such as reducing pain, anxiety, and seizures. Some quarters claim CBD is helpful with matters of sleep. The million-dollar question is, is this true? Is there proof to support these claims?
Does CBD Make You Sleepy?
No! CBD doesn’t make one sleepy. What it does is provide a ‘sedative effect’ that plays a role in making you sleepy although not the chief reason you’ll sleep.
This study indicates that CBD has ‘therapeutic potential’ for sleepiness. The same study established that synthetic cannabinoids like dronabinol and nabilone might benefit patients with sleep apnea, although only in the long term. CBD might help with disorders to REM sleep behaviors as well as excessive sleepiness during the day.
Nabilone is magical in better management of nightmares related to PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
CBD interacts directly with brain receptors that inform the sleep cycle and body’s wake. The second way that it can help with sleep is the fact that it is efficient at alleviating stress and pain. Without these two issues disturbing you, you’ll certainly enjoy a comfortable night full of peaceful rest.
Forms of CBD for Sleep
Having established that CBD has a role to play when it comes to sleep, we must look at the different forms of the same that you can take. Learning about this makes you make the right decision into which form is best suited for your needs.
Extraction of the CBD plant produces CBD. Extraction can be from the hemp plant or marijuana. These constitute the Cannabis sativa plant strains. Their harvesting is what makes them different. The source of hemp is the plant’s stalks and seeds. It features less THC compared to marijuana.
CBD’s THC content varies. The state/region where it is disposed is a major determinant. Some states strictly permit the sale of CBD oil if it doesn’t have THC. Depending on your state’s laws on medical marijuana, you may or might not require the prescription of a doctor to buy CBD oil.
One of the ways to consume CBD is by putting it below your tongue. You might also infuse it in several other products such as:
- Tinctures – With this form of CBD, you can add several drops into drinks. Tinctures are usually liquids; mostly oils you place beneath your tongue using a dropper. They are an incredible choice for those who aren’t into capsules or pills.
- Vaporing – Extracts of CBD can be utilized in a vape pen or vaporizer. Once the extracts begin to heat up, they create an inhalable vapor. If you desire for CBD to kick in fast into your system, consider this form. Once you vape, inhalation and absorption of vapor finds its way into your bloodstream. With this method, you need to exercise caution as you do not want to harm your lungs.
- Edibles – Different forms of edibles infused with CBD oil are available. They comprise cookies, cakes, and gummy bears. CBD concentrations in edibles in milligrams. Edibles are not only tasty and discrete but also portable and affordable.
- Capsules or pills – CBD pills and capsules are utilized for systemic treatment of digestive issues and seizure disorders. The FDA approved Epidiolex a CBD drug for the treatment of seizure disorders. The only downside of CBD pills or capsules is that they take ages for ingestion to kick in.
- Lotions or creams – These are mostly magical for easing joint/muscle aching. They can also be handy for combating skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema.
Best CBD Type for Sleep
Three types of CBD exist. So which one is the best for sleep? Let’s see in this section:
1. Full Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD features minimal quantities of omega 6 and 3 present in the hemp plant. Rich in healthy fatty acids, hemp plants, demonstrate incredible anti-inflammatory attributes based on this research.
They have 0.3 percent or less THC. THC combined with other cannabinoids such as CBDV, CBC, CBN, and CBG work hand-in-hand to give you the ‘entourage effect’ you desire for your sleep.
This type is also rich in other minerals/vitamins such as Vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and calcium. Full-spectrum CBD derives all these benefits during the process of production.
This type is best for relieving the pain of patients with arthritis. They are efficient at managing inflammation and swelling. You can also trust this type for the overall maintenance and functioning of the respiratory system and cardiovascular systems. They can also help keep cholesterol and blood sugar in check.
The full-spectrum CBD type is the ideal type for those seeking help in their sleep.
2. Broad Spectrum CBD
Essentially, these are CBDs with removed THC. Industrial processes need to be conducted to get rid of the THC. This type best serves athletes. It is also appropriate for those whose system doesn’t cope well with THC.
Although THC is removed, other important cannabinoids, minerals, vitamins, and omegas remain in this CBD type to persist giving the user an entourage effect.
Currently, broad-spectrum CBD is more therapeutic compared to isolates.
Note: Broad-spectrum CBD doesn’t have any trace of THC.
3. Isolates
Isolates are another CBD type worth learning about. The main job of isolates is to attain optimal CBD concentrations. Just like their broad-spectrum counterparts, these also do not have THC, hence making them great for athletes as well.
Note: THC is one of the substances banned by anti-doping rules.
They are the best type or those trying to combat addiction to cannabis. If you’re resistant to THC and desire to take CBD, this is your best form or type.
Both isolates and broad-spectrum CBD oils are efficient when it comes to anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These are handy in getting rid of various diseases. This research discovered that large doses of isolates aren’t problematic, although doctors do not advocate for taking larger doses.
Safe CBD Dosage
When it comes to dosage, it is relative. One dosage might work excellently for one person but become ineffective for another. Fortunately, general guidelines exist. The FDA has set out general recommendations for users of CBD.
According to the drug’s body, you need 1 – 6 mg for every 10 lbs of weight. For instance, if you weigh around 100 lbs, an appropriate intake would be 10 – 60 mg per day.
This CBD dosage calculator should be handy in helping you ascertain your appropriate dosage. Of importance to note is that CBD products come in different sizes and doses. Their size shouldn’t fool you as they might contain many mg per serving.
The amount of CBD you consume depends on an array of factors like your sex, age, quality of the product, and metabolic rate. Higher doses are necessary for guys grappling with sleep issues or even pain. The wisest thing to do is to consult your physician/doctor before you begin taking CBD,
This is particularly true if you’re taking other drugs, as CBD might react with them. Always seek medical advice beforehand utilizing any CBD type.
CBD Side Effects
While CBD is mostly safe and well-tolerated, it might be harmful to some folks particularly if abused. This study notes the following side effects:
- Fatigue
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Diarrhea
In addition to that, CBD might also interact with certain medications. Therefore, before your use of CBD, consult your physician not only for your safety but also to reduce any risk of harmful interactions.
To be specific, refrain from taking CBD for sleep if you are taking supplements or medications that bear the tag ”grapefruit warning.” These combined can interfere with CYPs, which are essential in drug metabolism, this research established.
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