Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in hemp. Unlike other compounds found in cannabis, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive in nature. In other words, CBD is not associated with the “high” that cannabis is known for. While research on CBD is still in its early years, there have been incredibly promising results in terms of the positive effects that CBD can have on the body, especially when it comes to our relationship to sleep.
Is Sleep Really That Important?
Let us put it bluntly: yes. The average adult needs at least 7 hours of sleep in order to function as they should. And yet, according to the CDC, 1 out of 3 Americans are not getting the amount of sleep required. This can leave them vulnerable to attention lapses, reduced cognition, delayed reactions, and mood shifts. Additionally, it increases the risk for a long list of diseases and conditions.
But I Don’t Feel Sleep Deprived
Sleep deprivation doesn’t always look the same. Sure, you’re imagining the usual – fatigue, yawning, maybe even nodding off during your morning meeting. Sleep deprivation isn’t always so obvious, especially when your body is used to getting less sleep than it should. What else can it look like?
- Lowered ability to concentrate
- Difficulty making decisions
- Increased appetite
- Smaller memory capacity
- Not-so-flawless skin
- Decreased libido
- Increased irritability
- Late-night bursts of energy
- Klutzy behavior
- Reduced creativity
- Getting sick more often
Still not convinced? Consider this. Studies show that individuals who got 6 hours of sleep consistently for two weeks functioned at the same level as those forced to stay awake for two days straight. And yet, the same group in this study overestimated the quality of their sleep, even as their mental capacity declined.
Does CBD Help You Sleep?
Alright, so you’ve decided to get more sleep. It can feel like an impossible task, especially if you’re trying to avoid the negative side effects of many prescription sleep aids. This is why CBD is getting so much attention. Without the risk of addiction and other negative effects, CBD can help improve restful sleep by interacting with our endocannabinoid system. This network within our bodies has a variety of functions that can be aided by CBD.
One study for those whose stress levels influenced their negative sleep patterns showed that 66.7% of individuals saw improvement within the first month of CBD usage. This may be due to the compound’s relationship to cortisol, the stress hormone. More research illustrated the positive effects of CBD, including one in which the results showed greater ease in falling asleep after CBD consumption.
Studies also show that CBD can aid other bodily functions that may make it easier to sleep. For example, CBD has been shown to help decrease inflammation and relieve pain, as well as reduce both mental and physical manifestations of stress.
CBD Sleep Aids
It is important to remember that you have to continually use CBD products to truly see the effects. Studies show that changes start to occur within a month of continual usage. Like so many other things in life, it is about building a habit to better your life. The dosage needs of each individual may vary, so it is important to experiment to find the right amount for you. Additionally, to maximize the benefits of better sleep, CBD should be taken in one of its consumable varieties. This still leaves you with a few different options.
CBD Oil and Tinctures
CBD oils and tinctures are liquid forms of CBD. It is taken orally, either by placing drops under your tongue or by adding it to a drink. One of the biggest benefits of using this method is that you can easily adjust your dosage by using more or fewer drops. Plus, we like to flavor our CBD tinctures with mint, for an extra soothing experience.
When to Take CBD Oil for Sleep
Tinctures can start taking effect anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes after usage when taken directly under the tongue. With that in mind, we suggest you take CBD oil for sleep a little under an hour before bedtime. This will give the CBD oil time to take effect and let your body wind down before you hop into bed.
CBD Soft Gels
CBD Soft Gels are a pill-like form of the compound. These are ideal for those who don’t want to guess at dosages, because each has the same quantity. They are tasteless and easily swallowed, making consumption simple. We suggest our Soft Gels with CBN and melatonin – a mixture created to help you get the best sleep possible.
When to Take CBD Capsules for Sleep
Because this form has to dissolve in your digestive system, they do take longer to feel the effects. CBD capsules can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to see results. So, we recommend consuming CBD capsules for sleep at least 3 hours before bedtime.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are among the most popular consumption methods. Like capsules, the dosage is set for you. Though, you also have the option of cutting gummies up to experiment a bit more and find the right amount for you. For those that like a touch of flavor, we suggest our tasty CBD gummies.
When to Take CBD Gummies for Sleep
CBD gummies also have to digest, but they do so a bit more efficiently than CBD capsules. They typically take between 30 and 90 minutes to kick in. With that in mind, we suggest consuming CBD gummies for sleep an hour and a half before bedtime.
Sweet Dreams
Naked Roots CBD is here to support your mission to feel better. Our mission boils down to one thing – we want to be your one-stop source for what you need when it comes to CBD. At Naked Roots CBD, we will always deliver Premium Grade CBD products that are ROOTED in Quality, Trust, and Transparency. We carry the finest quality products in the industry, yet we’re small enough to care about whether or not you do business with us. With Naked Roots CBD, you’re not just a name – you’re a valued customer. Our dream as a company is for you to have sweet dreams of your own.
