There’s nothing like waking up after a good night’s sleep, feeling refreshed, rested, and ready to take on the world. But getting enough hours of shut-eye matters more than you might realise.
Over a long enough period, restless nights can cause your short and long-term well-being to take a serious dive. Sleep deprivation can lead to tiredness, memory lapses, and mood swings, and even physical problems like cardiovascular disease and a weakened immune system.
Unfortunately, a lot of us find it hard to get the sleep we need to stay healthy. One in five Brits admit to not getting enough sleep at night, mainly due to factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain conditions. Because of this, a lot of people have been exploring ways to improve their sleep and wake up feeling energised.
One of these solutions has been topping headlines since it was first introduced: CBD.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. It has exploded in popularity in recent years for its potential health and fitness benefits, including its ability to improve sleep.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the potential ways CBD can help you achieve a good night’s sleep. Let’s get started!
1. Reduces Anxiety and Stress
It’s hard to drift off when worries about work, money, or relationships are whirling around your mind like a blizzard. Anxiety and stress can have a major impact on how well you sleep, with around 50% of insomnia cases connected to anxiety, depression, or psychological stress.
Studies indicate that CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. Consuming it before bed may help calm your mind, allowing you to drift off to sleep faster and enjoy more restful nights. You can even brew up a tea using loose leaf CBD for an extra cosy bedtime treat!
2. Relieves Physical Pain
Trying to sleep when you’re in pain can feel impossible, whether it’s a chronic issue or a temporary ache. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or pain from an injury can send you reeling every time you close your eyes, making it tough to get more than just a few short spurts of rest each night.
CBD is believed to work as a pain-reliever by regulating pain signals and reducing inflammation. This can lead to a noticeable reduction in discomfort and an improvement in your sleep quality. You take it orally or, if your pain is in your hands or joints, you can try a CBD-based cream.
3. Tackles Sleep Disorders
Stress, anxiety, and physical pain are common culprits behind sleep disorders, but they’re not only ones. Hormonal changes, circadian rhythm disorders, medications, genetics, and the passage of time can all lead to disorders like insomnia developing. In some cases, a disorder may develop without a clear reason why.
Some research suggests that CBD may interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. By modulating the endocannabinoid system, CBD may help regulate circadian rhythms and promote a more consistent sleep pattern overall.
Before using CBD for sleep or any other health concern, it’s always best to consult with your GP first. They’ll be able to advise you on whether it’s a suitable option for your specific sleep issues and to look after your safety and well-being.
