Sleep. Seems like it shouldn’t be hard to fall and stay asleep at the end of a long day, and yet for many people a good night’s sleep is as elusive as getting that final number right on a lottery jackpot ticket.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that one-third of Americans don’t get the amount of sleep they need, which is a recommended seven or more hours a night for adults. If you’re one of those folks in search of regular, solid sleep, CBD may be able to help.
- Many people have found CBD to have calming, relaxing properties. So from that standpoint alone, some CBD before bedtime can make sense for those who experience stress or anxiety that keeps them up at night.
- In addition, studies* have shown that people with insomnia may have high cortisol levels at night, which is associated with an increased number of episodes of nighttime wakefulness. Researchers found that cortisol levels decreased more significantly when participants took 300 or 600 mg of CBD oil, suggesting that CBD may affect the release of cortisol and possibly act as a sedative.
- When it comes to choosing between CBD and melatonin, know that they work completely differently. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland that helps regulate your sleep/wake cycle. Melatonin doesn’t make you sleepy; it triggers your brain to start the process of getting ready for sleep. It needs to be taken 90-120 minutes before you want to fall asleep and has around a six-hour half life. If it’s still in your system when your alarm goes off, you may feel a little foggy because your brain thinks it’s still sleepy time. As discussed, CBD has relaxing properties that are different from melatonin and, in general, should not leave you feeling wooly headed in the morning.
- The same can be said for other OTC sleep aids that can leave you groggy rather than refreshed upon waking. Sleep aids containing diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, can cause some people to fall asleep quickly but have a hard time shaking the effects of the drug when it’s time to get their day rolling.
Incorporating CBD into your nighttime routine, especially if you enjoy it in a soothing cup of hot CBD tea, can not only help reduce stress and anxiety but can also help set the mood for transitioning to sleep. Try some of these THD products to help you get more shut-eye:
- Sleep. The name of this product is a dead giveaway to what it can help you achieve! This dreamy blend of holy basil, moringa and coconut incorporates 25 MG of CBD-rich hemp extract along with hemp flowers, leaves, goji berries and a hint of spiced nutmeg.
- Calm. Another aptly named THD creation, Calm takes the warming properties of turmeric ginger and combines it with 9 MG of CBD along with organic ingredients like apple pieces, lemongrass, hibiscus, beet root, cardamom, nutmeg and black pepper plus some hemp leaves and flowers for good measure. A good night’s sleep and some added wellness, all in one cup.
- Chill. If you’re spotting a trend here, you’re not wrong! We straight-up named these products so you can choose the one that will help you achieve your goals. A central element of Chill is chamomile, well-known for its relaxing properties and a beloved nighttime beverage all on its own. We added 16 MG of hemp extract and topped it off with some peppermint for that extra “chill” factor.
- Rest. When something hot isn’t what you’re craving before bed, Rest to the rescue! This beautiful purple butterfly pea flower lemonade with 15 MG of CBD hemp extract has all the makings of a mellow, relaxing experience.
There are other easy ways to help get a good night’s sleep, such as:
- Making sure your bedroom is dark, which includes getting rid of the blue lights from your tv, computer and phone.
- Decreasing the amount of caffeine and alcohol you have in the evening. While limiting caffeine is understandable but it seems like alcohol would help you sleep, the opposite is true. Too much alcohol can be disruptive to a good night’s rest.
- Keeping a consistent bedtime. Your body will get used to the fact that it’s time to get ready for sleep when you go to bed at roughly the same time every night.
- Writing in a journal or doing self-guided meditation before bed. These practices can help empty your mind of the things that are worrisome, preparing you for a peaceful sleep.
While there aren’t a significant number of studies on CBD and sleep just yet, there is enough anecdotal evidence from people who have used CBD as a sleep aid that it can be beneficial. As always, remember that CBD affects everyone differently, so start with lower amounts and adjust until you find the perfect amount for you, day and night! Also, consult your healthcare provider prior to using CBD if you are pregnant or nursing, taking any medication or if you have a medical condition.
*https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-and-sleep#research
