Struggling with sleep is a common problem for many of us, and being awake in the middle of the night is more than just annoying.  A lack of sleep is thought to lead to a variety of problems downstream, including a lack of concentration and an altered mood.

In the past, a warm drink, whether that’s milk or a cup of Horlicks, has been the everyday go-to before bed. But in the last 12 months, CBD has taken the world by storm. Touted as a magical elixir for almost any problem, can it help with sleep?

But you might have a quick question first:

What’s CBD?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It’s a cannabis compound (cannabinoid) extracted from the hemp plant and is non-intoxicating. While research is on-going, studies suggest CBD has a whole host of wellness benefits associated with improving sleep, mood, and inflammation. 

How does it help with sleep?

Cannabinoids act on receptors within our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is known as a system which regulates our sleep patterns. Anecdotally, positive reports of using a CBD for sleep are on the rise. Additionally, multiple research studies also paint a positive light on the connection between CBD and sleep.

CBD has also been used by many people for pain relief. For some, chronic pain from a serious accident or illness can lead to sleep loss. While car accident lawyers may be key to getting your compensation, they can’t fix the pain that may be impacting your sleep schedule. For that, CBD can help ease your pain and allow you to get a fuller, more restful sleep. 

How to find the best CBD oil for sleep

Not all CBD is made equal. There are many different varieties of the compound on the market and finding the right one can be difficult.

Here are the points you should look out for:

A full or broad-spectrum CBD oil. Containing CBD, other minor cannabinoids, and a variety of sleep-promoting terpenes. For example, Nature and Bloom CBD Oil 10%, which includes added myrcene for a restful nights’ sleep.

Third-party tested. This ensures the product contains the labelled CBD content and that it’s free from harmful contaminants. Convenient forms CBD oil. Most people enjoy CBD gummies and capsules to improve their sleep, just because they are easy to consume. The others prefer taking CBD only in liquid forms.

How much should I take?

While CBD has been declared safe by the World Health Organisation, dosing isn’t as clear cut as you might think. 

The most common methodology is to go slow and start low. Incrementally increasing the dose at a weekly cadence, taking notes as to how you feel to assess its impact.

The dose varies from person to person because of the number of factors involved:

• Weight.
• Quality of the CBD.
• The Individuals endocannabinoid system.
• If the product is full/broad-spectrum or Isolate based.

As a result, finding your CBD ‘sweet spot’ can take some time, but once it’s established, the hard work’s complete!

CBD starter tips for sleep

Instead of seeing CBD as a miracle for sleep, look at it as a booster for your endocannabinoid system. Couple this with a bedtime routine that you stick to. Including not using your cell phone late at night and avoiding any rigorous physical activity just before sleep.

Maintaining a healthy diet can also be helpful, so put away those late-night sugary snacks if you want to wind down easily!

Lastly, sticking to it! CBD can take some time to have the desired effects. This requires consistency in your approach, along with experimentation to find your sweet spot. 

The good thing is that you know that thousands of others, if not more, have been on the same journey, and it’s worked for them given the anecdotal evidence available.

Summary

There is much more to getting a peaceful nights sleep than taking a supplement. Still, there is a place for CBD in your bedtime routine to encourage a restful night. 

Remember that it can take time to work, so stick at it and don’t give up if you don’t immediately find it helps!