CBD is an ideal solution for some individuals suffering from insomnia. It promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and helps calm the mind, which can contribute to improved sleep.
Today, many people struggle with insomnia or suffer from sleep disorders. Yet, getting enough sleep is essential for our bodies to function properly. Sleep disorders can have serious health consequences, which is why it's important to treat them effectively to enjoy a fulfilling life. Due to the shortcomings and ineffectiveness of sleeping pills and other sleep medications, natural solutions like cannabidiol (CBD) are now officially approved. Discover the role of CBD in combating insomnia.
Insomnia: a recurring health concern
Insomnia, or sleep disorders in general, are very common in Europe. In France, for example, 17% of the population suffers from sleep rhythm disorders, while 16% are plagued by insomnia. But that's not all!
4% of the French population suffers from sleep apnea and 5% from restless legs syndrome. On average, 20% of French people have difficulty falling asleep or suffer from chronic insomnia.
Causes of sleep disorders
Disruptions to the circadian rhythm are fundamentally at the root of the sleep problems we experience. Also known as the circadian cycle, its role is to regulate the transition between wakefulness and sleep. It's a network of nerve cells in our brain that essentially represents the body's biological clock. CBD-based products are capable of regulating this rhythm.
What can cause disruption of the circadian rhythm?
An imbalance in the circadian rhythm can be caused by anxiety, stress, depression, and pain. But that's not all! Poor lifestyle habits, screen addiction, and jet lag can also negatively impact its proper functioning.
How do sleep disorders manifest themselves?
When you suffer from insomnia, the quality and duration of your sleep are disrupted. Symptoms can begin with nightmares or nighttime awakenings and progress to hypersomnia or acute insomnia. In any case, the individual's quality of life is significantly affected.
Over time, sleep disorders can even contribute to the development of certain degenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, or malignant tumors. That's why you absolutely must choose a specific treatment to regain good sleep quality.
Cannabidiol (CBD): an active molecule from hemp
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is a psychoactive substance that chemically affects mental activity, CBD is an active molecule. Therefore, it does not produce a "high" on the human body.
THC: a substance with powerful psychotropic effects
THC affects the nervous system. It alters the user's mood and behavior for a period of time. It is for these reasons that this molecule has been banned for consumption by the relevant authorities.
CBD does not impair the consumer's judgment or intelligence, nor does it affect mood. Furthermore, CBD, as well as all cannabidiol-based products, are authorized in France provided that the THC content is below 0.3%.
Over the past decade, the properties of cannabis, and especially those of CBD, have been widely highlighted. According to most scientific studies, products containing cannabidiol can effectively combat depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Does CBD actually have any effects on sleep?
Cannabidiol molecules affect our sleep. How? To fully understand the mechanism, you must first understand how CBD works in the body.
The endocannabinoid system
Our bodies naturally secrete, albeit in minute quantities, certain molecules that function similarly to those found in cannabis. Indeed, all human beings possess what is known as the ECS, or endocannabinoid system. And it is thanks to this system that secretion is possible.
Therefore, when we consume a CBD product, the cannabidiol molecules bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS. CB1 receptors are connected to our nervous system. Because of these receptors, the presence of cannabidiol molecules will dampen brain activity. CBD acts directly on the ECS by regulating multiple biological mechanisms.
CBD and biological mechanisms
Among the biological mechanisms that CBD molecules act on are stress, the body's natural response to pain, and anxiety. But that's not all!
CBD plays a role in stabilizing various physiological constants in living organisms (homeostasis) by modulating the circadian sleep cycle. In doing so, it allows the body to enter a state of complete relaxation, thus combating insomnia. By enabling muscles to relax, it reduces pain and inflammation. This optimizes the process of falling asleep, and therefore improves sleep quality.
In 2019, an American scientific study entitled “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep” proved that cannabidiol is effective in combating insomnia. According to the results of this study, among patients treated with CBD, nearly 70% saw their sleep improve within the first few months. Approximately 80% of these same patients experienced significantly less anxiety.
CBD and its effects on our sleep
The endocannabinoid system is one of the regulators of the human body's functions. In this sense, regulating sleep is one of its many roles. Like other regulatory systems in our body, the ECS sometimes needs external support to fully perform its functions.
Therefore, when you take CBD, you "boost" the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This could have very positive consequences on the quality of your sleep, especially if you suffer from insomnia.
CBD consumption: a list of potential benefits for sleep
Based on the results obtained from studies on CBD, two main benefits stand out regarding sleep:
Sleep quality
Consuming CBD significantly improves sleep quality. Deep sleep phases lengthen, leading to more restful sleep onset. CBD allows you to sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.
Easy to fall asleep
By relaxing muscles, CBD soothes the entire body. This state makes it easier to fall asleep. You feel like you've just had a full-body massage. In short, CBD is one of the best solutions for combating sleep disorders, especially insomnia.
In reality, in the treatment of insomnia, cannabidiol acts indirectly. Because, as mentioned above, sleep disorders are the result of anxiety, emotional shock, trauma, or depression.
So, while regular CBD intake can be very beneficial for your sleep, it does not in itself replace a good diet, a healthy lifestyle, or a therapy session (psychotherapy, aromatherapy, homeopathy, etc.).
Entourage effect
The potential benefits of cannabidiol on the human body are numerous. Despite this, some researchers believe that the effects of CBD could be more potent if combined with other substances extracted from cannabis.
In truth, hemp plants produce several molecules. Besides CBD, the plant gives several other cannabinoids (THC, CBN, etc.), flavonoids (which are compounds responsible for its color) and a wide range of terpene compounds (responsible for tastes and aromas).
The entourage effect states that by mixing CBD with other cannabis compounds (cannabinoids, flavonoids or terpenes), the benefits could be significantly better than when taken alone.
However, it should be noted that this phenomenon is not yet widely understood and remains subject to some uncertainty. But one thing is certain: taking several cannabinoids together allows you to benefit from the unique properties of each.
Fighting insomnia: which CBD products should you choose?
oiloil is fundamentally very effective in combating insomniais one of the products that quickly delivers the relaxing effects of CBD. Generally, just a few drops of CBD oil are enough to calm your stress, relax you, and ease your muscles.
There are also other cannabidiol-based products that help combat insomnia and promote better sleep quality. These include CBD CBD teas and gummies . While they can be very convenient, it's worth noting that these are slightly less effective than CBD oils.
When is the best time to consume CBD?
CBD works faster when taken right before bed. This is true for all CBD products. It's a way to feel the effects more quickly once you're in bed. Whether during the day or in the evening, cannabidiol can help you sleep better.
Consume organic CBD products
When treating sleep disorders, it is strongly recommended to choose organic CBD products. To ensure this, pay close attention to the product's origin. Avoid purchasing cannabidiol products containing chemically derived ingredients, as these could be harmful to your health.
Do not stop taking your medication
Despite the numerous benefits of CBD, it should never lead you to stop taking your medication. Abruptly stopping your current medication can have serious side effects. CBD is a legal, natural solution, but it is not a medication. It can help you combat insomnia.
It's also worth remembering that cannabidiol doesn't directly induce sleep, but rather acts as a relaxant and anxiolytic. In other words, CBD addresses the main causes of sleep disorders (stress, depression, pain, etc.) to facilitate falling asleep.
CBD oils: uses
CBD oils are the flagship CBD product. They are taken sublingually. Highly effective against insomnia, you can confidently incorporate them into your daily routine.
You could, for example, opt for broad-spectrum CBD oils. They contain other compounds derived from hemp to provide you with a better entourage effect.
To suit everyone's taste, CBD oils are now available in various flavors: peppermint, exotic fruits, citrus, etc. Therefore, you can enjoy them even if you are not particularly a fan of cannabis.
CBD infusions
Nothing beats a relaxing hot drink before bed. CBD products are also available as infusions. These are made from hemp flowers and have roughly the same properties as CBD oils.
Available in a variety of flavors, CBD infusions offer the key advantage of a gradual absorption method, allowing for a longer-lasting effect throughout the body. For example, you can choose hemp infusions or organic hemp sleep infusions from Herboristerie Alexandra.
Using CBD to combat insomnia: some practical tips
Our bodies don't all react to CBD in the same way. Therefore, when you want to use it to combat insomnia, it's necessary to do some dosage tests. Vary the doses, starting with small amounts until you find the formula that works for you.
When you choose a CBD infusion , for example, it's recommended (but not mandatory) to mix it with milk or coconut oil. This enhances the experience. If you opt for CBD oils, simply place a few drops under your tongue before going to sleep.
Editor-in-Chief specializing in CBD
Julien, born on July 17, 1978, in the Paris region, is a prominent writer and expert in the field of CBD products. Following his studies, Julien developed a passion for natural remedies, including CBD. In 2022, he joined the CBD.fr team as an expert and regular contributor. Thanks to his scientific expertise and clear writing style, Julien helps demystify the complexities of CBD, while highlighting its benefits and potential applications through his articles and conference presentations.
