CBD and Sleep

For optimal health, a person needs to be able to consistently get a good night's sleep.  Sleep is an aspect of everyday life that most everyone understands is essential, and yet, many still struggle to get as much as they need. According to The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, adults aged 18-60 years old need at least seven hours of sleep each night to realize optimal health and well-being. Yet, 10-30 million Americans regularly do not get enough sleep. 

Why is sleep so important?  

Simply put, sleep directly impacts one’s productivity and overall health and well-being. Recent findings suggest that sleep plays a housekeeping role that removes toxins in your brain that build up while you are awake. Its biological purpose is still not completely understood. What we do know is that sleep affects every type of tissue and system in the body – from the brain, heart, and lungs to metabolism, immune function, mood, and disease resistance — all of which are regulated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

How to get a better night’s sleep 

Here are five general steps to support a good night's sleep: 

1. Create an inviting sleep environment
2. Maintain a regular sleep schedule to keep your body on track
3. Avoid stimulants consumption in the afternoon
4. Exercise regularly
5. Reduce stress with meditation few hours before bed

Can CBD help? 

Some research indicates that CBD may interact with specific receptors, potentially affecting the sleep/wake cycle and another study shows that the use of CBD may decrease symptoms of insomnia. There is also evidence that points towards CBD creating a calming effect in the central nervous system, which will help your body prepare for sleep.  In comparison to conventional prescription pharmaceutical sleep aids, CBD is believed to be much safer and is often described as a non-psychoactive alternative.  

Additionally, CBD may also decrease anxiety and pain, which can both interfere with restful sleep. By reducing certain symptoms, it’s also possible that sleep may improve.  

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to CBD and sleep. The first is consistency. Just like it is important to try and get yourself into a consistent nightly routine, CBD is often most effective when it is taken regularly. The second is dosage. There is not much research on dosing, but what there is suggests low doses might not be very effective. It is suggested to start with a modest dose of 25 mg and slowly increase if that does not work. It might take some trial and error to determine what works best for you. 

Which CBD products are best for sleep? 

When it comes to deciding what the best product is for you, it helps to understand how each option was designed to fit into your routine. 

CBD oil is a great option and an easy add-on to bring CBD into your daily routine. By using the measured dropper, you can easily adjust your dose and it can be mixed into your favorite nighttime snack or drink.  

CBD capsules make taking CBD quick and easy. Each of Lily Hill’s capsules are 25mg which is a great starting point to help with sleep and delivering a precise dose every time.  

If you are diligent about working it into your daily routine, there is evidence that you can harness the powers of CBD for sleep. As always, please consult your health care provider before beginning any supplement routine.