In the last decade, growing public interest in the benefits of marijuana, and CBD in particular has encouraged researchers to study its effects. Many of us have trouble falling or staying asleep. CBD oil is derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) with science pointing to its ability to help people sleep. Early studies indicate that high dosages of CBD may support sleep. In this article you will see how studies have proved CBD to help with sleep.
Studies related to CBD and sleep
There are numerous studies indicating that CBD helps with better sleep if used in correct dosage. In one study on the effects of CBD, researchers found that cortisol levels decreased more significantly when participants took 300 or 600mg Trusted source of CBD oil. These results suggest that CBD affects the release of cortisol, possibly acting as a sedative.
A more recent analysis of CBD and sleep researchers studied the effects of CBD combined with those of other prescribed medications. The CBD dosages ranged from 25-175 mg. The researchers found that 25mg was the most effective dosage for anxiety and that addressing troubled sleep required higher dosages.
One investigation found that compared with a placebo, a CBD dosage of 160mg increased sleep duration. The researchers also concluded that the placebo, 5mg of the insomnia drug nitrazepam, and 40, 80 and 160mg of CBD helped the participants fall asleep.
During the 3-month study, the investigators followed up with the participants monthly. At the first follow up, 66.7% reported an improvement in sleep but 25% had worsened sleep. At the second, 56.1% of the participants reported improved sleep, but 26.8% had worsened sleep.
The cannabis plant has thousands of years of medical use behind it and CBD and sleep go way back too. In a medical journal publication from 1843, Dr. O’Shaughnessy describes hemp as a “powerful sedative”. Now research is beginning to build, supporting CBD’s calming impact on the central nervous system.
These researches conclude that although CBD might help people sleep in short term, the effects may not be sustained.
Endocannabinoid system and CBD
The endocannabinoid system is present in human as well as other mammals. This system comprises neurotransmitters which are known as endocannabinoids and protein receptors. It is these receptors that react with plant-based cannabinoids, like THC and CBD which are present in hemp products. THC is responsible for the psychoactive high when you use cannabis while CBD does not produce a high, rather it has a soothing and calming effect.
The endocannabinoid system is quite complex but researchers have found that it regulates several physiological and cognitive processes including sleep, mood, pain and appetite. One research shows how CBD, endocannabinoids and sleep are connected.
Available is tincture and capsule forms, some CBD products have added sleep aids like melatonin and other botanicals. It is also worth noting that hemp plant also contains other compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids all of which work together to offer effective therapeutic benefits and herbs traditionally used to aid relaxation.
Short- or long-term use?
CBD’s ability to improve sleep may diminish the longer you use it, so you may not want to use it daily or long-term. In Shannon’s study, people whose main complaint was sleeplessness improved in the first month, but then faded during months two or three.