(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans develop insomnia each year?
That's right-and battling sleep issues is often really challenging, especially if they've been going on for a while.
If you feel like you've tried everything from drinking warm milk to sprinkling lavender on your pillow, it might be time to start thinking outside the box.
While it's still being researched, CBD has shown some serious potential when it comes to treating sleep problems.
Keep reading to find out exactly how to use CBD oil for sleep.
CBD Can Reduce Bedtime Stress and Anxiety
Do you lie awake, tossing and turning, unable to stop worrying?
CBD can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, which indirectly improves the quality of your sleep. Once you start sleeping better, you should also feel less anxious during the day, so it puts a positive cycle into motion.
In one study, a group of subjects experiencing anxiety or poor sleep were given 25mg of CBD daily.
One month in, 79.2% of the participants reported lower anxiety levels, and 66.7% reported better sleep-and these benefits continued for the duration of the study.
Only three of the participants suffered negative side effects.
This means that the idea that CBD can help with sleep and anxiety isn't just hearsay-there's actually significant scientific evidence around the claim.
If excessive worrying is the cause of your insomnia, it's well worth giving CBD a try.
CBD Interacts with Receptors That Affect Sleep
Want a more in-depth scientific explanation on how CBD could improve your sleep quality?
The cannabis compounds found in CBD act on receptors throughout the brain and body, known as the endocannabinoid system.
Some of these receptors affect the natural sleep/wake cycle in your body, which can be altered by the change in seasons, caffeine consumption, stress, and other factors.
The full details on how CBD interacts with the receptors that influence sleep aren't known yet, but it's clear that there's something going on.
So, CBD isn't just a hippie cure with no scientific foundation. There's actually a clear link between the compounds in CBD and the brain receptors that influence sleep.
CBD Can Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Is your insomnia linked to bedtime pain and discomfort? Or caused by side effects from pain medication?
If you suffer from a chronic pain condition, it's no surprise that getting to sleep is a struggle. You might resort to taking strong painkillers or sleeping pills, which usually come with plenty of negative side effects.
If pain is the root of your sleep problem, CBD could be the answer.
The compound has been proven effective at reducing inflammation and lowering pain levels. It works by interacting with key neurotransmitters in the brain-again, acting on the endocannabinoid system.
CBD could be especially useful if you're dealing with a condition like arthritis, muscle spasms, or joint pain since inflammation plays a big role in these issues.
Reducing your pain levels is guaranteed to improve your sleep, as well as your overall quality of life.
If CBD works for you, you'll be able to avoid stronger drugs that often have insomnia and other sleep issues as side effects. CBD is highly unlikely to cause side effects, which means one less thing to worry about.
CBD Often Works Better in Higher Doses
Wondering how much CBD you should take to address your sleep issues?
Research has shown that higher doses tend to be more effective.
If you've already tried CBD and it didn't work, it's worth looking at the dose you were taking. It was too low, or your CBD wasn't high-quality, then it's worth giving the substance another try.
Many of the top CBD oils are more potent than cheaper options, increasing your chances of seeing results. You can't put a price on a good night's sleep, so don't be afraid to spend a little more.
As with any new medication or herbal remedy, it's advisable to consult your doctor before usage and increase your dose gradually.
CBD Rarely Produces Negative Side Effects
When a doctor prescribes sleeping pills, it's usually a last resort. This is because most pharmaceutical solutions come with the risk of serious side effects, both mental and physical.
The side effects of sleeping pills can include dizziness, headaches, mental slowing, stomach pain, shaking, weakness, nightmares, and parasomnias. Some sleeping pills, like benzodiazepines, also come with the risk of addiction.
CBD, on the other hand, is non-addictive and very unlikely to cause any side effects.
If you do experience any side effects, they're likely to be fairly minor. Reported issues include dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and changes in mood.
In most cases, the side effects should stop as soon as you stop taking CBD-but it's always wise to get a medical opinion if you do experience any issues.
CBD is Easy to Take Before Bed
There are multiple ways to CBD, so it's easy to find one that slots into your usual bedtime routine.
Vaping CBD gets it into your system the fastest. However, edible forms of CBD last longer in your body, providing benefits the whole night through.
You can consume CBD in the form of gummies, capsules, and oils. If you choose to take your CBD this way, you should consume it about an hour before bed to give it time to work.
Experiment with a few different methods to see which works best for you.
Should You Try CBD Oil for Sleep?
If your sleep issues are caused by stress, anxiety, or pain, then CBD could be the solution you're looking for. It acts on the endocannabinoid system to promote good sleep and lower stress levels.
Since CBD is non-addictive and unlikely to cause side effects, there's no harm in giving it a try, even if you're not totally convinced.
CBD oil for sleep is easy to consume and available from plenty of reputable suppliers. Choose a higher dose for the best chance of seeing results.
Want more expert tips on staying mentally and physically healthy? Check out the rest of our blog today.