What Are the Possible Benefits of Taking CBD for Insomnia?
Exploring Sleep Disorders and the Benefits of Taking CBD for Insomnia
Insomnia refers to a difficulty with falling or staying asleep for a desired period. This disorder is often accompanied by daytime sleepiness, irritability and other issues that can lower the quality of life. Insomnia may occur on its own or because of other issues. It impacts between 10 and 30% of adults over time and almost half of people may experience it in a particular year. This article delves into this issue and explores whether taking CBD for insomnia offers relief.
Also known as sleeplessness, insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep for a desired length of time. This sleep disorder is usually accompanied with daytime tiredness, lack of energy, irritability and a depressed mood. This lack of sleep can lead to serious problems such as lack of alertness when operating vehicles or heavy equipment. An inability to focus or learn may also result from insomnia which can last for a few days or weeks, or longer than a month. Sleeplessness sometimes occurs on its own or due to other issues. An estimated 10 to 30% of adults experience this disorder during their lifetime. It’s believed that only 6% of the population has long-term insomnia not connected to other issues. Lifestyle changes and medication offers mixed results. Given the many reports of how cannabis helps users relax, it’s worth exploring the effectiveness of taking CBD for insomnia.
All About Insomnia
Risk factors for this sleep disorder include late or overnight working periods and sleep apnea. Other conditions that may lead to difficulty with sleeping include the following:
• Psychological stress
• Recurrent pain
• Heart failure
• Heartburn
• Hyperthyroidism
• Restless leg syndrome
• Menopause
• Certain medications
• Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other drugs
A patient may be screened for insomnia by asking about difficulty sleeping or trouble falling or staying asleep. Diagnosis may involve completion of a sleep study. Treatments will vary, but changes in lifestyle and sleep hygiene are often recommended. Sleep medication may also be prescribed for temporary use.
CBD for Insomnia
CBD is a cannabis compound that is widely believed to offer analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. While some patients report that CBD helps with sleep, these reports are largely anecdotal. There is research that shows a connection between better sleep and a CBD regimen, but this was a pediatric case study involving post traumatic stress disorder. Some people have experienced success taking CBD for mental health disorders, anxiety and other conditions related to insomnia. Some have had better sleep but it is not clear whether this is purely from CBD or other mechanisms. Before taking full or broad-spectrum CBD oil for sleep disorders, consult your physician.
