Sleep-related problems are so common that they affect one in five Americans every year. Considering how all-important sleep is for our overall health and well-being, that fact is more than a little concerning. Is it any wonder, then, that so many people turn to over-the-counter sleeping pills?
Who could blame them? A choice between chemically-assisted sleep and little to no sleep is no choice at all. However, there is an alternative to OTC sleeping meds that is not only harmless but also far less damaging to the body — and it won’t even lead to addiction. We are, of course, talking about CBD oil, the all-natural insomnia remedy that’s taking the world by storm.
So, What Is CBD Oil?
CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid—one of the chemicals found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, its more infamous counterpart, CBD is not psychoactive in the least, meaning that it won’t make anyone high. What CBD does affect, however, is a specific series of receptors found throughout our bodies. These are called endocannabinoid receptors, and their activation helps regulate the body’s homeostasis—or balance.
Simply put, by binding to endocannabinoid receptors, CBD helps our bodies keep track of their important metrics, such as temperature, pH state, inflammation, and sleep cycles. And when our bodies know what (if anything) is wrong, then they can regulate it much better. That overall positive effect is the reason behind many current (and potential) uses of CBD.
How Can CBD Oil Help Us Sleep Better?
Among the many potential causes of insomnia, three are by far the most common:
- Anxiety
- “Shallow” sleep
- Chronic pain and/or discomfort.
By taking CBD oil, we will be able to fight off all three and get a good night’s rest. Given that it helps our bodies regulate their chemistry, cannabidiol will balance out the irregularities that lead to those states.
Our episodes of anxiety will become briefer, more spaced-out, and may even go away after extended use of CBD oil. Cannabidiol will also help the shallow sleepers among us by increasing the duration of our deep sleep phase. Finally, CBD has shown extremely effective at alleviating pain—and with no side-effects when compared to conventional painkillers.
How to Dose CBD Oil for Sleep?
Finding your correct dose of CBD for sleep can be tricky because its effect will differ depending on how much you take. As a general rule, low dosages lead to increased alertness, while higher dosages will nudge you toward more serene states. Of course, everyone is different, and what promotes activity in one person may make another drowsy.
We recommend that you start with a very low dosage—usually as little as 1 or 2 milligrams. Keep increasing the dose by 2 mg each day, until you start noticing a positive trend in your sleeping pattern. If at some point you start feeling tired again, feel free to up the dose by 2 more milligrams. Eventually, you will find a dose that you won’t have to play around with and that will give you consistent, high-quality sleep.
Factors to Consider When Buying CBD Oil
As is the case with all medicinal products, you should always research before you buy. The highest quality CBD will always be:
- Derived from organic hemp.
- Extracted via CO2 extraction.
- Certifiably tested in a third-party lab.
Recommended CBD Oil Retailers
Of course, when buying from well-known, reliable brands, you won’t have to research a thing beforehand. Here are some CBD sellers that we think stand out among the rest:
- CBD Pure
- CBDistillery
- Royal CBD
Conclusion: A Long-Term Investment For Better Rest
Of course, for all of its perks, CBD oil is no wonder drug. It is simply a supplement that is generally good for the body. Cannabidiol won’t cure anyone’s insomnia overnight, but with extended use and the right dose, it will help almost anyone get a good night’s sleep.