Sleepless Nights and CBD

A full night’s sleep is integral to overall health and wellbeing. Seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep is recommended each night. The optimum amount of sleep not only ensures rest but also enough energy for the next day. Sleep also contributes to memory formation,the growth and repair of muscle and tissue, as well as fortifying the immune system to hold off illness.

According to studies, as many as 70% of Americans report not being able to sleep the recommended hours. Those with more severe sleep issues such as insomnia have trouble concentrating during the day and the lack of rest often affects mood. Insomniacs are also five times more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression and have double the risk of heart failure. People with insomnia may also suffer from anxiety about getting inadequate sleep, which – in a vicious cycle – increases sleeplessness.

CBD is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional sleep medications and treatments. CBD has shown success in treating anxiety and, thus, can reduce the anxiety associated with insomnia.

CBD is a common cannabinoid that does not have psychoactive properties as it does not contain THC. CBD also doesn’t lead to any potential dependence or abuse. CBD has been found to interact indirectly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. It is these receptors which researchers believe aid in pain reduction, inflammation, reduction in anxiety, and, by association, sleep.

Research has shown that CBD improves sleep and reduces anxiety. The subjects involved in the study were each given 25 milligrams (mg) of CBD each night. The study found sleep improved within the first month of CBD use in 66.7 percent of the patients.

CBD’s benefit is its ability to help patients remain sleeping – as opposed to just helping in the initial stages of sleep.

In addition to CBD, many individuals have found it easier to sleep when taking CBG, CBN and Delta 8. All of which are available in our online store and our Miami Medical Marijuana Clinic.

Another study from 2018 showed CBD was associated with greater statistically significant symptom relief than THC and that “Consumption of medical Cannabis flower is associated with significant improvements in perceived insomnia.”

The dosage of CBD usage, and the time it’s taken depends on a number of factors. Bodyweight, personal body chemistry, and the nature of the sleep issue affects how CBD works in each individual. Most clinical trials have involved doses between 25 to 1,500 mg. It’s always best to start with lower dosages and then gradually increase to an optimum, individualized level.

CBD comes in several forms including: Oral solutions, oral sprays,oils and tinctures, vaping products, edibles such as gummies, pills or capsules and topical solutions including patches. CBD flower can also be smoked.

Though CBD is also used for alertness, higher and more potent doses are used for treating sleep disorders.

Some CBD sleep products involve yet another cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN). Though CBN is derived from THC, it’s only technically psychoactive. It is known for carrying over the sedative effect of THC without the high. CBN has also been shown to be more effective when combined with other cannabinoids. These products also often result in no residual grogginess that usually occurs after more typical sedatives.

CBN is technically a degradation product of THC. When THC is exposed to heat or light it slowly converts to CBN. Since the body’s endocannabinoid system is naturally occurring, all cannabinoids including THC, CBD and CBN are simply plugging into those receptors although CBN has a lower affinity for binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Many people use CBD for insomnia and other sleep disorders. Generally, CBD is well tolerated. However, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable cannabis clinician. Consulting with Dr. Fernando Fandino-Sende and his team at Miami’s LifeCannMD, can help patients research CBD products before choosing one for sleep..

Florida’s top-rated medical marijuana referral clinic has served over 3,000 satisfied patients. For more information, please visit www.lifecannmd.com, email health@lifecannmd.com or call (833) 543-3226.