Is CBD Oil The Secret To Better Sleep? Understanding Its Benefits
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Sleep deprivation affects millions of people worldwide. Although widely prevalent among shift workers, insomnia may also result from certain underlying medical conditions, such as stress and anxiety.
Fortunately, there are numerous treatments you can administer to improve your sleep quality. And no, we’re not referring to conventional sleep pills, most of which are notorious for their high propensity for adverse events. You can treat sleep disorders effectively using alternative remedies like CBD oil.
Here’s a guide to CBD oil and why it’s the secret to better sleep.
Unpacking CBD Oil
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid in cannabis widely marketed for its diverse therapeutic abilities.
Cannabidiol, alongside tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are the two most prevalent cannabinoids in marijuana. The two compounds are often contrasted by their net effects.
While CBD is non-psychoactive, THC is both psychoactive and potentially intoxicating. However, both cannabinoids can provide a broad spectrum of health benefits if carefully administered.
Now, CBD oil is an oil-based cannabidiol formulation. The product typically contains two active ingredients – CBD and a carrier oil (such as coconut oil).
CBD oil is the most common preparation that cannabidiol comes in. However, due diligence is necessary while shopping for a safe and efficient product. Insist on CBD Olie Kopen if you’re looking for high-potent, lab-tested cannabidiol supplements.
It’s also worth noting that “CBD oil” doesn’t only denote a specific cannabidiol formulation. The term may be applied broadly to any CBD-infused product, including tinctures, gummies, e-juices, creams, etc.
CBD Oil’s Health Benefits
Cannabidiol oil is largely administered for pain and inflammation. The compound’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are so potent that many professional athletes and fitness buffs use CBD-infused supplements to relieve workout-induced medical problems, such as delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS).
Sleep deprivation is another common medical problem that CBD might alleviate. The compound improves sleep quality by addressing various triggers and symptoms of insomnia.
Research on CBD Oil and Sleep
1. CBD Oil and Sleep Latency
Sleep latency, or sleep onset time, refers to the duration between complete wakefulness and deep sleep.
While sleep latency occasionally varies, some people may have an abnormally longer sleep onset time. This might consequently reduce the total sleep duration and accumulate unhealthy sleep debt.
Cannabidiol oil is a powerful relaxant. When consumed at bedtime, the compound may slow down your sleep latency by quelling racing thoughts.
2. CBD Oil and Cortisol
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone. It plays a critical role in regulating the body’s fight-or-flight responses. However, high cortisol levels in the bloodstream can trigger sleep-disruptive anxiety symptoms.
It turns out that cannabidiol oil might help regulate cortisol production and signaling.
In one study, researchers found that participants who administered measured doses of CBD oil exhibited decreased blood cortisol levels. The results were largely attributed to CBD’s sedative properties.
3. CBD Oil and PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most prevalent anxiety disorders. The condition manifests in several sleep-disruptive symptoms, including flashbacks and nightmares.
Cannabidiol’s anxiolytic properties are well-documented. A 2019 review of existing studies found that CBD oil could reduce PTSD’s most problematic symptoms.
CBD was notably able to block the brain’s formation of intrusive memories that could develop into PTSD by affecting the amygdala and hippocampus regions. Even more intriguing is that some of the reviewed literature was based on findings involving synthetic cannabinoids.
4. CBD and REM Sleep
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a sleep phase marked by involuntary, repetitive eye movements within the sockets. REM is also characterized by heightened brain activity, which explains why most dreams occur during this period.
One way to prolong sleep duration is by shortening REM sleep. And that’s where cannabidiol oil comes in.
By addressing PTSD’s core symptoms (including nightmares), CBD allows you to spend less time in REM sleep. That translates to a dreamless but more restful sleep.
5. CBD and RBD
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a serious disorder of REM sleep, in which a person acts out their dreams. People with RBD may get up in the dead of night, stroll across the room, and then get back to bed, all unconsciously.
Now, picture a scenario where someone unconsciously attempts to administer their prescription medications or prepare breakfast. You can only imagine the level of risks their dreamy escapades might expose them to.
Research has shown that cannabidiol oil might effectively treat REM sleep behavior disorder. CBD’s effects on RBD patients has much to do with its remarkable soothing properties, which allow you to spend less time in REM sleep.
Best Way to Take CBD Oil for Sleep
As previously mentioned, cannabidiol oil comes in several formulations. It’s important to pick a preparation that aligns with your wellness routine.
For instance, you could integrate cannabidiol oil into your dinner by investing in edibles. Common CBD edibles include chocolate products, baked goods, gummies, and cannabis herbal teas. Just ensure the product you pick is free from known stimulants, such as caffeine.
You could also incorporate cannabidiol oil into your bedtime skincare routine. There are equally numerous CBD-enriched topicals to explore, from creams and ointments to salves, bath bombs, and even shampoos.
Summary
Cannabidiol oil has proven to be most useful when sparingly administered. Therefore, moderation is paramount if you wish to unlock CBD’s therapeutic benefits.
Remember to also insist on THC-low CBD oil for better sleep. While tetrahydrocannabinol boasts immense health benefits, the compound’s psychoactive properties may trigger euphoria rather than lull you to sleep.
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