According to doctors, you need to sleep 6 to 8 hours a day to stay healthy. That said, a large portion of the world’s population doesn’t meet this requirement and suffers from sleep disorders. Between stress, work, and daily screen time, the difficulty and frustration of falling asleep are on the rise. And yet, a good night’s sleep is essential for recharging and leading a peaceful life.
CBD has been making headlines for several years now! France allows the sale and use of CBD derived from hemp because it contains less than 0.3% THC. Most often sold as an oil to be taken sublingually, CBD is said to offer numerous benefits: pain relief, relaxation, natural anxiety relief, and more.
When it comes to sleep, CBD works wonders, too! The terpenes found in hemp oil help regulate the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (CB1 and CB2), which in turn affect the nervous and immune systems. The result? An immediate stress-relieving effect, easier falling asleep, reduced insomnia, and restful sleep—all without sleeping pills.
How is our sleep structured?
First of all, it’s important to understand how our sleep works. A lot goes on in the brain and body while we sleep. Our sleep consists of a series of different cycles.
Fall-asleep phase
This is the well-known “let-go” phase. It’s also called “light sleep” or stage 1 sleep. As you fall asleep, your eyes close and your breathing slows down: this is the gateway to sleep. After a few minutes, your sleep becomes deeper, but you can still be easily awakened by noise or light.
Deep, slow sleep
Our heart rate gradually slows down, and our body temperature drops; this is a phase during which it is difficult to wake up, because the brain responds less and less to external stimuli. This is the most restorative part of the cycle.
REM sleep
That's when we dream the most. It's called that because of the paradox between the signs of deep sleep—when the body is still and completely relaxed—and the signs of wakefulness—when brain activity is rapid and the eyes move.
Is insomnia the ailment of our time?
According to an IFOP study conducted last March to mark International Sleep Day, 7 out of 10 French people suffer from a sleep disorder. Insomnia is certainly linked to anxiety-inducing messages, but also to phone screens. Women who have a very heavy mental load are the most likely to report sleep problems. 43% of women wake up every night—and sometimes even several times a night (compared to 35% of men). 87% of them sometimes have trouble falling asleep because their minds are preoccupied with other things. For 32% of women, this sleep problem occurs almost every day (compared to 17% of men).
Have you tried everything to beat insomnia without success? What if the solution were CBD, or cannabidiol, to help you sleep?
What effect does CBD have on sleep?
CBD, or cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, has an indirect effect on sleep and insomnia by acting on the endocannabinoid system. This system consists of two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. Cannabidiol can bind to both of these receptors, whereas THC (the psychoactive substance in cannabis) can only bind to CB1 receptors.
When cannabidiol is ingested, this molecule stimulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in many tissues and organs of the human body. That’s why CBD has such a wide range of effects!
For example, there is a decrease in the intensity of neural activity, which promotes muscle recovery and relaxation. Thanks to the beneficial effects of CBD, anxiety is reduced, making it easier to achieve better-quality sleep. Under the influence of cannabidiol’s naturally relaxing effect, the brain falls asleep more easily, while the body regains a balance conducive to calmness and physical and mental rest.
How Can CBD Help You Sleep Better?
Wellness hemp helps you sleep better thanks to its relaxing and stress-relieving properties and its effect on our endocannabinoid receptors. Free of the psychoactive compound THC, CBD is said to provide general relief, both physical and mental. By stimulating the endocannabinoid system, CBD is believed to help regulate and balance the body.
Promote deep sleep for better recovery
Circadian rhythm disorders result from a disruption of our biological clock. Cannabidiol is thought to prolong the duration of deep sleep, reducing the duration of REM sleep (which promotes anxiety and dreaming). The body then spends more time in the deep sleep stages. The key is better physical recovery!
Reduce Anxiety to Sleep Peacefully
CBD is a cannabinoid commonly used to reduce anxiety and shows promise for treating many anxiety disorders. By calming the nervous system, it is believed to relieve tension, stress, and anxiety disorders.
Relieve pain
Because of its potential pain-relieving effects, cannabidiol may help people suffering from chronic pain. Using CBD to relieve pain could therefore be a natural way to get a good night’s sleep…
Internal Clock Synchronization
To transition from wakefulness to sleep and benefit from this important rest phase, fatigue alone is not enough. It’s also a matter of biological rhythm and the body’s internal clock. By stimulating neural connections, CBD is thought to support the brain regions involved in sleep: the hypothalamus, amygdala, thalamus, hippocampus, and reticular formation. It’s important to note that the hypothalamus houses our biological clock. CBD could therefore act directly on this region to regulate our internal clock.
Sleep Apnea
According to an INSERM study, at least 5% of adults suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) causes spontaneous awakenings or micro-awakenings several times throughout the night. CBD, a compound found in cannabis, may reduce the symptoms of SAS, particularly by limiting the effects of serotonin on the vagus nerve, which controls respiratory functions.
Reduction in Parasomnias
Sleepwalking, bruxism (teeth grinding), somniloquy (talking in one’s sleep), and night terrors are abnormal phenomena that occur during slow-wave, deep, or REM sleep. They cause fatigue and can lead to nighttime awakenings, disorganization, and sleep fragmentation.
Although CBD has not yet revealed all its secrets, the relaxing effect of the cannabidiol molecule on the human body appears to reduce factors contributing to parasomnia.
How Can You Use CBD to Sleep Better?
Before you start taking CBD, you need to know the right dose for you. Everyone’s needs are unique. As a result, some users will need higher CBD doses than others. Therefore, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by an expert in the field.
The risk of a CBD overdose is very low, but not impossible. In excessively high doses, it can cause diarrhea, nausea, or drowsiness. These symptoms disappear as soon as you stop taking CBD. Cannabidiol should never be used as a substitute for a prescription medication. Feel free to ask your doctor for advice if you would like more information.
To overcome insomnia that interferes with sleep, adjust your CBD dose to suit your needs and tolerance. It is recommended that you start with small doses and gradually increase them. This will ensure a better and safer experience.
There are many different ways to take CBD. Cannabidiol is a popular product that comes in several forms. This is a real convenience for those who like to have options.
- Oral CBD
There are foods that contain CBD. Simply eating them can help you fall asleep and prevent insomnia.
- Sublingual CBD
Choose CBD oils for a fast-acting, relaxing effect. To experience the immediate effects of CBD, place the dropper under your tongue and add a few drops.
- CBD by inhalation
Made popular by CBD e-liquids for vaping, cannabidiol is a very trendy product. Consumers can inhale flavorful vapor to relax. The amount of CBD should be tailored to your needs to ensure a restful experience.
Consumers can also choose herbal teas or infusions. CBD-infused food products take longer to take effect. However, their calming effect will last longer.
When should you take CBD to sleep better?
Using CBD to help you fall asleep is completely legal in France. Its formulation contains a THC level below the legal limit in France. Consumers can therefore purchase CBD at pharmacies, specialty stores, and online.
If your goal is to sleep better, you need to know when to take CBD before bed. This new ingredient needs time to take effect in the body to promote restful, high-quality sleep. On average, it’s recommended to take CBD 10 to 15 minutes before bedtime.
Its relaxing effect makes it easier to fall asleep. Users experience a reduction in stress and enter the relaxation phase more quickly. In this way, they gradually drift into a restful sleep. This improves the sleep-wake cycle, promoting effective rest.
Can CBD interact with certain medications?
Yes, CBD can interact with certain medications. Therefore, before you start using CBD oil, it’s best to consult a doctor for your own safety. This is especially recommended if you’re taking any medications.
In any case, keep in mind that CBD could help with sleep problems! But it isn’t the only compound in the hemp plant that promotes deep sleep. More recently, CBN has also shown positive effects and may even be the most effective cannabis compound for helping us combat sleep disorders.
