The need for sleep 

Lack of sleep is the #1 complaint I encounter when talking to my family and friends regarding their general wellness. I, too, have suffered from bouts of insomnia and poor quality sleep. It is downright miserable. We are in the company of many others who suffer the same problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 30M United States residents suffer from lack of sleep.  This number is steadily rising.  Inadequate sleep can lead to loss of productivity, other diseases and addiction (especially to sleep medications).  It also can throw hormones off balance, and can lead to depression and weight gain.  

How does supplementing with CBD help with sleep?

There is a large correlation between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and sleep regulation. Studies have shown that CBD increases the amount of total sleep, reduces anxiety (which has been shown to improve sleep quality), decreases the amount of REM sleep, and increases the amount of non-REM sleep (deep, restful, restorative sleep).  CBD helps regulate balance and homeostasis in the body by activating CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body.  CBD also helps to block sleep rebound (your body doesn’t have to make up for the missed sleep) and the hunger that is associated with few hours of sleep.  CBD has also been found to block restless leg syndrome by facilitating inhibition of muscle movement, and increases airway muscle tone, which can be helpful for sleep apnea.

There are two aspects with CBD that resemble a paradox.  CBD acts as a wakeful agent by day and improves quality of sleep by night but it won’t make you sleepy!  OK this seems completely contradictory but studies have shown that the quality of daytime wakefulness can lead to improved sleep at night.

In the morning and afternoon, CBD has been shown to improve  executive functions, focus, reflexes, vision, taste, smell, and reduction of anxiety and pain.  At nighttime, a total deeper and more restorative sleep occurs.

Numerous studies have shown how CBD can help with sleeplessness. A 2006 study on rats showed an increased alertness with light, displaying that CBD could potentially be used for relief of day-time drowsiness. Another study revealed how CBD fights anxiety, a common factor that keeps people awake.

When and how much CBD should you take for sleep?

The amount of CBD varies per person but it is suggested that you start your first dose in the morning and second dose in the afternoon,  It is suggested to not take CBD right before bed because the aspect of wakefulness could cause the brain to be active instead of relaxing for sleep. CBD dosing is a very specific to the individual.  For example, one person might discover that 15 MG in the AM and another 15 in the PM does the trick and enables a full night’s sleep.  However, another person may need 30 MG in the AM and another 30 MG in the PM to accomplish a full night’s sleep.  There are no adverse effects, toxicity or drug interactions and dosing is modest with positive results realized within the first day (though results may vary).  If you suffer from sleep issues CBD may just  help improve your sleep routine so you can fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up feeling awesome!
