Around 64% of Americans are aware of CBD oil and CBD products. Moreover, 33% of Americans have used CBD once in their lifetime. It is quite popular for its usage for health and remedial purposes. However, the buzz around CBD oil is largely associated with its usage to enhance sleep. Still, there are several reservations around this idea. In fact, in various regions, its usage is prohibited. Despite the legality issues, many still believe in the power of CBD oil for sleep benefits.
That makes us curious about it. That is why; we will try to clear the dust around this idea and know some facts about it. We will round off the basics and essential aspects as well. Let us get straight into it.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD or Cannabidiol oil is extracted from 80 known cannabinoids that are essentially derived from the Cannabis Sativa Plant. It is psychoactive in nature. That is why, in certain states, CBD usage is legally prohibited. However, the intensity is much lower than that of marijuana.
It is mostly available as crystalline isolate, which means that it has been purified to only CBD. However, one can also find it as a whole oil spectrum. That means it contains various compounds such as Cannabinoids, essential oils, and terpenes.
Now, interestingly, CBD has been actively used for centuries. The origin of its usage can be traced as far back as 1200 A.D. CBD has been an integral part of ancient Chinese medicine and was used to induce sleep. Its historical usage to enhance sleep speaks volumes about its potential to help humans with sleep issues. However, we can also find other health usages of CBD, such as to relieve constipation, reduce anxiety, cure epilepsy, and use it as a painkiller too. In fact, due to the potential of CBD to deal with epilepsy, FDA approved a plant-based CBD oil (known as Epildiolex) to help patients. In some cases, it has helped to treat mental illnesses as well.
With that in mind, it is time to explore more about CBD. Next, we will know how CBD works.
How does CBD Oil work?
It is very important to know how CBD oil works. That, in turn, will help us to understand better how it induces sleep.
Now, there is an interesting and amazing fact behind the effect of CBD oil on sleep. There is a biochemical communication mechanism present in the human body. This mechanism is known as the Endocannabinoid System. It is essentially a complex system of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found throughout the human body. Most importantly, these receptors are found in the central nervous system of the human body, which primarily regulates sleep. That makes CBD oil more effective when it comes to sleep.
Here, we need to observe how brilliantly this system associates with the Cannabinoids naturally. We have another amazing fact for you. The human body can naturally produce endogenous cannabinoids as well. These cannabinoids act as chemical messengers. However, if we use cannabinoid-based products, they also create the same effect. That is why; these products produce a drowsy effect.
Now, some bodies can be naturally cannabinoid-deficient. That is why; some experts believe that using CBD oil can help patients sleep better.
Experts believe that the cannabinoids present in CBD oil react with the receptors. Moreover, cannabinoids also interact with brain chemicals and various proteins.
On the other hand, the terpenes in CBD oil play their role as well. A terpene known as Myrcene produces a sedative effect too. That is also a major potential contributor.
Now, this tells much about how CBD oil helps with sleep.
Next, we will shed light on some research about the matter.
Tapping into the Research
Below, we have some research associated with the interconnection of CBD oil and sleep. Have a look.
According to research by the National Health Institute in 2019, CBD oil can help to decrease cortisol levels. Cortisol is essentially a stress hormone produced in the adrenal gland. This hormone in stressful situations, during anxiety, and depression. It shows that participants who took 300 or 600 mg CBD oil dosage had a major decline in their cortisol levels. That tells a lot about how CBD oil relieves anxiety and relaxes the entire body.
Now, let us consider another study that involved participants with anxiety and poor sleep. Experts used CBD dosages ranging from 25 to 175 mg. The results showed that 25 mg is an optimal dose when it comes to treating anxiety and helping with sleep disorders.
These research-based facts tell us a lot about the benefits of CBD oil for sleep and anxiety as well.
However, please know that these studies are conducted mostly in controlled settings. There are many other factors as well that come into play.
Let us consider another study. According to this study, CBD oil can help with sleep disorders that affect the REM sleep cycles. In this study, patients with Parkinson’s disease were treated with CBD oil. The results showed major improvement in symptoms associated with the REM sleep behavior disorder.
Bottom Line – We need to be Mindful of CBD Oil Usage
The studies do show that CBD oil works well for sleep. In fact, it helps in relieving anxiety, which is quite good. Anxiety and other mental illnesses are taking over the world. It would be great if we will have plant-based medicines available. However still, more research is required about CBD. Moreover, it has to be highly regulated. Any overdose of CBD or uninformed usage can have negative consequences.
In addition, it can badly react with other medicines such as blood thinners and anti-depressants. That is why; more research is needed in that area. CBD oil can cause drowsiness, which can be fatal, and safety concerns follow. One needs to consult an expert or a physician before using CBD oil.
Usama is a medical student (MD) and loves to share his medical knowledge. He loves to write on different health and medical conditions for a better understanding of a common person. To know more about him visit the About page.