Sleeping well is essential for our health and mental balance, but fewer and fewer people are getting it. Getting restful sleep becomes almost mission impossible, especially as we get older. Daytime sleepiness, exhaustion and irritability are added to long sleepless nights. Even health problems are not long in coming, since sleep is essential for the regeneration of our body, especially the brain.
In search of the magical elixir that guarantees restful sleep, Spain has become the world leader in the use of benzodiazepines, according to a report by theInternational Narcotics Control Board. These drugs are used, among other things, to treat insomnia but have numerous negative effects, from the possibility of developing addiction to their depressive action on the central nervous system, without forgetting that they often backfire as they generate non-physiological sleep and , therefore, not very restful. Given their limited effectiveness and numerous side effects, it's no surprise that scientists and insomniacs alike are looking for more natural alternatives to help them sleep. CBD oil drops for sleep are one of the most promising options.
CBD for insomnia: what is it and how does it help us fall asleep?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of over one hundred organic compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Unlike THC, the other compound famous for its psychoactive effects, CBD does not cause changes in behavior or mind, which is why its medicinal use is spreading around the world to treat a wide range of problems, from chronic anxiety pain and, of course, insomnia.
Although there are still not many studies on the use of CBD for sleep, an analysis conducted at the Center for Sleep and Chronobiology of the University of Sydney concluded that this compound has enormous potential as a treatment for various sleep disorders, from insomnia to sleep apnea or even nightmares related to PTSD.
Its mechanism of action has not yet been fully understood, but it is likely that it acts on the endocannabinoid system in the brain. This system is involved in essential functions such as our mood, memory, pain response and, of course, sleep regulation.
It has two cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. The endocannabinoids we produce naturally interact with these receptors, generating a chemical response that allows our body to stay in balance. CB1 is the receptor most involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, so an increase in endocannabinoid signaling, even through external routes through the consumption of CBD, could activate CB1 receptors and induce sleep.
One of the most comprehensive meta-analyses conducted to date on the use of CBD for sleep appears to confirm this hypothesis. After analyzing 39 studies, these researchers concluded that CBD use may produce a decrease in slow wave sleep times, a phase that typically diminishes with age, as well as a corresponding increase in time spent in stage 2 of sleep. sleep, in which this becomes deeper and our muscles relax.
This means that CBD could reduce the latency of sleep onset; that is, it helps us fall asleep earlier, instead of tossing and turning. It may also decrease the frequency of awakenings during the night and thus increase total sleep time.
However, researchers at the University of Colorado have gone in another direction and think that CBD itself does not have a great sedative effect, but that it could help you fall asleep and sleep better because it alleviates other problems underlying insomnia. from the pain that keeps us awake at night to the anxiety that prevents us from sleeping. According to them, that would be his "secret" to help us sleep better.
How to safely take CBD drops for sleep?
One of the main concerns of those who want to try CBD oil for sleep is the dosage and its safety. It is important to note that in a Canadian study of 38 insomnia patients, 71% reported improvement in sleep. Of these, 39% were able to reduce or stop their prescription drugs completely.
In fact, many people who choose CBD drops for sleep have used sleeping pills before, but have experienced unwanted side effects and are looking for a more natural solution. CBD is non-addictive and has very few side effects. The same study revealed that only 21% of patients reported problems, generally gastrointestinal complaints that were resolved by reducing the dosage of CBD oil or switching the brand of the product.
However, while consuming CBD appears safe, it is important that before using it:
1. Consult your trusted doctor. CBD is a fairly safe molecule with a very low level of toxicity, but nevertheless it can interact with other drugs, including some anticonvulsants and antidepressants, so it is important to consult your GP or psychiatrist first if you are taking any medications.
2. Start with a low dosage. Since there is still no scientific consensus on the ideal dose of CBD for sleep, it is best to start with low-strength products. The same dose in two people with identical characteristics works in different ways. Therefore it is recommended to experiment with increasing the dose in a controlled manner. This way you can test its effects, gauge your tolerance level, and increase your focus slightly if you need a higher dose to get restful sleep.
3. Choose a trusted brand. A study conducted in the United States to evaluate the labeling of several CBD products found that 42% contained more than claimed and 21% contained less. This is why it is essential to choose reputable brands with a good reputation that offer certificates of analysis or laboratory results indicating the exact proportion of the different cannabis compounds used.
Last but not least, it is vital to take care of sleep hygiene. Although CBD drops help us fall asleep, it is convenient that we help them by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bed, reducing the consumption of stimulating substances such as coffee and making sure that the room has the optimal conditions to facilitate a restful sleep. Sleep aids should help One-off, not a lifelong solution.
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Lligona, A. et. Al. (2019) Consumption guide for the good use of benzodiagrams. Valencia: Socidrugalcohol.
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Admission CBD drops for sleep: what does science say about their safety and efficacy? was published first in Corner of Psychology.
