Is This the Secret to a Good Night’s Sleep?

There is a lot of hype around cannabidiol (CBD), which is a compound in cannabis. Unlike THX, another compound that creates psychoactive effects, CBD doesn’t and is continued to be studied for its potential effects to improve a variety of ailments. So far, CBD is most noted for the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy in children.

Recent studies are showing a promise of CBD in treating anxiety, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, depression, chronic pain, and sleep problems.

Many people who have sleep problems often have another underlying condition that is keeping them awake like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or pain. Therefore, treating the underlying problem can help improve sleep.

CBD is effective at calming anxiety and treating depression because it interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter.

Cannabis physician Dr. June Chin explained, “GABA tells the body it’s time to power down. Since millions of neurons all over the brain respond to GABA, the effects include reducing anxiety, calming the nervous system, helping with sleep and relaxing the muscles. CBD is a GABA uptake inhibitor, meaning that it creates a surplus of GABA in the brain. This results in a quieting and calming effect. With CBD supplementation, patients don’t have the racing thoughts that paralyze them at work or even lying awake in bed at night.”

Along with anxiety and depression, pain is another large reason for keeping people up at night. Numerous studies are emerging, which reveal the potential benefits of CBD in reducing pain.

The use of CBD to treat sleep problems is on the rise. Among CBD users, the use of prescription medications to aid in sleep are on the decline. Prescription sleep aids can be quite strong, addictive, and dangerous if taken for a prolonged period of time, so finding alternative treatment methods to improve sleep is important.

Currently, CBD can be purchased in all 50 states, with the most popular form being CBD oil. Dropping the oil beneath the tongue can cause a fast-acting solution to your sleep problems. When CBD oil is put in other substances like food or drinks, it can take longer to digest and the effects can take longer to take effect.

If you’re struggling with poor sleep, then CBD may be a more natural alternative to help you get back to sleep at night. Speak to your doctor or cannabis professional to determine whether CBD is a good alternative for you to try.

Also read:

• Yoga for Sleep: Simple Yoga Exercises for Restful Sleep
• Essential oils for sleep: 13 ways to get the best sleep ever