29/12/2020

Can CBD oil help with sleep?

Whether it is problems when falling asleep, with staying asleep or just experiencing low quality sleep, so many of us experience issues when trying to doze off. This can be increasingly frustrating if you struggle to get enough shut eye, for days, weeks, months or even years. A lack of sleep can leave you exhausted, unhappy and not feeling yourself.

There are many recognized solutions for improving sleep including bath oils, room sprays, ear plugs, pillow sprays and even prescribed medication, all designed to help you wind down and doze off. However, these may not work for everyone and if you’ve tried these and haven’t seen any improvement, or you worry about the long-term effects of prescribed medication, you may be wondering what else could work to finally get you the quality and quantity of sleep you need and lead you into a positive sleeping pattern.

If you are looking to try a different natural remedy to help you nod off, it might be that you are considering adding CBD products to your nighttime ritual. Below, we look at how poor sleep can affect your daily life before explaining whether CBD could be an effective solution.

What happens if you don’t get enough sleep?

When we don’t get enough sleep we can become irritable, tired and just a bit miserable. The longer you go without a good night’s rest can increase the likelihood of seeing other negative effects, like lack of concentration, forgetfulness, poor skin condition and a weakened immune system - among other things! So it is super important to prioritise those precious hours of snoozing.

How many hours of sleep should you get?

So, how much sleep should we be aiming for? This fluctuates throughout our lives according to our age, the table below outlines the recommended nightly hours we should be attempting to hit.

Birth to three months = 14 to 17 hours

Four to 11 months 12 to 16 hours

One to two years 11 to 14 hours

Three to five years 10 to 13 hours

Six to 12 years Nine to 12 hours

13 to 18 years Eight to 10 hours

19 to 64 years Seven to nine hours

65 years and older Seven to eight hours.

Now that you are aware of your target, you can begin to consider ways to improve your quality or length of sleep. Many people recommend reducing caffeine intake a few hours before bedtime, taking a relaxing bath or reading a book before sleeping and many find that reducing alcohol intake, cutting down on smoking or even giving up daily naps can improve sleep. You could also spend some time enhancing your bedroom space, whether that be altering the temperature, investing in a new mattress or pillow, lighting a soothing candle or just decluttering the space.

Does CBD oil help you sleep?

If you’re having trouble sleeping and feel that your life is becoming affected by it, you will want to find a solution that is effective and fast acting. Many people find CBD helps to quieten a busy mind, find their calm and wind down before sleep, often allowing them to get a better night’s rest.

Early studies have suggested that CBD oil could be an effective solution for improving the quantity and quality of sleep. Dr Scott Shannon of the University of Colorado published an article in The Permanente Journal in January 2019 which detailed the results of a study into the effects of CBD on sleep. From 72 subjects, 66.7 per cent saw an improvement to their sleep and 79.2 per cent experienced a decrease in feelings of anxiety. So by building CBD into your nightly routine, you may be able to find a moment to shut off, wind down, and prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep!

Can CBD help with sleep disorders?

In addition to helping us wind down and let go of the stresses and anxieties of the day, research suggests that CBD oils may be able to prevent or reduce symptoms of several conditions that impact sleep. These can range from anxiety and insomnia, to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Studies are still ongoing, but research so far is positive, with one study in the US suggesting that CBD’s effect on Cortisol, our stress hormone, may improve sleep!

What does CBD oil do for sleep?

When CBD enters the body, it interacts receptors in the body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system). These receptors are located throughout the body, and manage many of the body’s systems, from pain and inflammation, to stress, anxiety and mood. CBD interacts with these receptors to restore calm and balance to these systems. As many receptors are situated in the brain, CBD can help with both emotional and mental issues as well as physical ones.

Many people take CBD oil daily to encourage tranquility and relaxation, as it works with their ECS to restore balance. Taking CBD before bed may help to calm anxious thoughts and quell any stresses from the day, Budding this into a nightly routine allows you to take a moment to shut off, wind down and find your calm. Not only will it help you have a restful and enjoyable evening but it will prepare you for a great night’s sleep! We love a calming natural oil for this, our range of CBD oils at TRIP are also infused with Chamomile for its soothing benefits.