If you’ve ever tossed and turned through the night, you might have considered various remedies to help you sleep better.
Among the most talked-about lately is CBD.
CBD for sleep: How does it work, anyway?
Let’s break it down into simple, understandable terms, helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your bedtime routine.
What Do CBD Sleep Products Do?
Here’s the rundown in case you’re new: CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp plants which, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is non-psychoactive.
This means it won’t get you high.
Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network that helps maintain certain body functions, such as mood, appetite, and sleep.
By influencing these receptors, CBD can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and indirectly promote more restful sleep.
Essentially, CBD helps manage the stress and anxiety that often stand in the way of a good night’s sleep.
How Long Does It Take CBD to Kick in for Sleep?
The onset time of CBD can vary based on several factors like the method of consumption, the quality of CBD product, and your body metabolism.
Typically, CBD taken in tincture form under the tongue works within 15 to 45 minutes.
Edibles and gummies might take longer, generally from half an hour to two hours, as they need to pass through the digestive system first.
Finding the right timing might require a bit of experimentation with different forms and timing of intake to see what works best for your body.
Does CBD Affect REM Sleep?
REM sleep, or Rapid Eye Movement sleep, is a critical phase of the sleep cycle that is thought to be essential for cognitive functions like memory and learning.
Some sleep medications can suppress REM sleep, potentially leading to a less restorative sleep experience.
Interestingly, research suggests that CBD does not significantly disrupt REM sleep and may, in fact, help achieve a more consistent cycle of sleep by addressing the underlying issues like anxiety and pain.
Should I Take Broad or Full-Spectrum CBD for Sleep?
When choosing CBD gummies for sleep, you’ll likely come across terms like ‘broad-spectrum’ and ‘full-spectrum.’
Understanding these can help you select the product that suits your needs best.
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all phytochemicals naturally found in the plant, including CBD, trace cannabinoids, terpenes, and oils.
It also includes trace amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD also contains these compounds but without THC.
The choice between the two often depends on personal preferences and sensitivity to THC.
Some studies suggest that full-spectrum CBD may be more effective due to the ‘entourage effect,’ where all components work together more effectively than isolated CBD.
We support this idea and sell full spectrum CBD gummies in our product line as well.
How Does CBD Help You Sleep?
On a physiological level, CBD’s interaction with the ECS may help regulate the stress response by reducing cortisol levels, a stress hormone often associated with sleep disturbances.
By moderating stress and anxiety, CBD can make it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Moreover, CBD may also exert a sedative effect when taken in higher doses.
This sedative effect isn’t like traditional sleeping pills.
Instead, it’s more about easing the body and mind into a tranquil state that leads to sleep.
In a Nutshell
CBD could be a helpful ally in your quest for better sleep, not by knocking you out as sleeping pills do, but by helping manage the root issues that disturb sleep.
Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or pain, CBD may offer a natural approach to improve your sleep quality without the harsh effects of chemical sleep aids.
At Bradford Wellness Co., we believe in empowering you with knowledge and quality products to support your natural wellness journey.
