10 Sep Does CBD Function as a Sleep Aid?
Cannabis has long been used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. But not everyone is aware of its specific benefits it provides to the body. Cannabis works through the use of compounds called cannabinoids that have dramatic effects on the brain; these compounds are called THC and CBD.
It’s the CBD that provides the benefits people are looking for, while THC is the chemical responsible for providing you with a high. So with all the research going on, can CBD be used as a sleep aid?
Growing Interest in CBD
Over the years, research has continued to develop in regards to how CBD can help the body. It has been shown to help with the regulation of pain, anxiety, and seizures. Recent studies have begun to demonstrate that CBD can be used to support sleep.
But don’t just go out and buy CBD hemp oil online; you need the right dosage in order to start experiencing the benefits. Studies have shown that you need at least 160 mg of CBD in order to increase sleep duration.
Why This Is A Problem
When people experience insomnia, it’s due to increased cortisol levels in the blood during the night, which makes it difficult for them to fall asleep or to remain asleep for long periods of time.
However, studies have shown that after taking 300 or 600 mg of CBD oil, cortisol levels decreased significantly, to the point that subjects found it easier to fall asleep or remained asleep for a lot longer throughout the night.
What Are The Side Effects of CBD?
With use of CBD, many people report that they experience fatigue and mental sedation, making it difficult for them to concentrate throughout the day. Although long-term use of CBD has not been shown to have any dramatic effects on a person’s health, there are reports that high levels can aggravate certain cognitive deficits, such as schizophrenia.
Other adverse side effects include:
- Decreased fertilization capacity
- Inhibition of drug metabolism in the liver
- Decreased activity in certain drug transporters in the body
Research and professional advice should be sought from a medical doctor before considering CBD for your sleep problems, especially if you’re also on other medications.
Other Uses of CBD
As stated earlier, there are many other uses for CBD, especially in the treatment and management of anxiety, nausea, vomiting, inflammation, or other psychiatric disorders. Other sources have stated that it can also be used in the treatment of depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic pain, and opioid addiction, but more research needs to be conducted in regards to these conditions.
When To See A Doctor
You should always see a doctor first if you have poor sleep quality, have trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep before you start self-medicating with CBD. Your doctor may be able to help you to find the best treatment options that work best for you and your health.
Insomnia is a common problem that can be treated with behavioral changes as well as medication. Although CBD is safe, it’s not a good idea to self-medication since the long term effects of CBD use still hasn’t been documented.
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Last Updated on September 10, 2021 by Marie Benz MD FAAD