Unlike THC, which makes up 15-25% of cannabis, CBD has no psychoactive action. Nevertheless, research has shown the positive effects of CBD on the body, and in particular on sleep. So far, CBD is proving promising in terms of relaxation. Here's everything you need to know about this still controversial product; but first, let's devote a few lines to sleep.
Restful or recuperative sleep
Sleep is essential for every human being. It allows cell regeneration and is referred to as restorative sleep. In fact, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping. But a good night's sleep does not only mean that we have slept for more than 8 hours in a row. Good sleep depends on REM sleep phases and deep cycles.
Restorative sleep is defined by the elimination of waste products from neural activity.
During recuperative sleep, the body renews skin, bone and muscle cells. It also releases growth hormones. Cellular regeneration and growth are thus conditioned by restorative sleep.
It should be noted that while the average amount of restful sleep is around 7 to 9 hours per day, short sleepers only need 5 to 6 hours.
What is a sleep disorder?
Today, sleep-related disorders are numerous.Insomnia, for example, affects about 15 to 20% of French people, so it is a real public health problem.
Sleep disorder is a decrease in the quality and quantity of sleep. In a chronic form, it is prevalent in up to 20% of the population. A sleep problem can be primary or secondary. A primary sleep disorder results from a lack of sleep, stress or anxiety.
On the other hand, a sleep disorder is said to be secondary when it occurs as a consequence of a treatment or an illness. Sciencesetavenir tells us more in its sleep section.
Also, there are almost a hundred sleep disorders.Sleep apnoea, insomnia and restless leg syndrome are the most common. There are also parasomnia, dyssomnia and hypersomnia.
All sleep disorders have repercussions on the whole day. Stress, anxiety and even irritation will disrupt the day, but not only that. Without a good night's sleep, the body is unable to perform its vital functions, resulting in a drop in productivity.
What about CBD and its effects on sleep
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid from the hemp plant. It was discovered in the middle of the XX ͤ century by a group of researchers from the University of Illinois. CBD has beneficial properties, including relaxing and calming. Its positive effect on anxiety was first proven. Secondly, CBD has been shown to cure nausea and reduce neuronal degeneration. In addition, CBD is said to have a pain-relieving effect.
Despite the controversy surrounding its action, CBD offers many prospects. Its use against sleep disorders is now the subject of several preclinical studies. The main advantage of this molecule is that it does not induce addiction.
CBD for better sleep?
Although the positive effects of CBD have not yet reached the clinical stage, the results are promising. To fully understand CBD's effects on sleep, we need to take a closer look at its mode of action on the body. CBD attaches itself to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, modifying the message they send to the brain. The cannabidiol decreases the intensity of neuronal activity, helping to reduce the factors that increase it. Stress and anxiety are the main causes of this increase. In addition to these two, various types of inflammation complete the list.
Thus, CBD's action, albeit indirect, on sleep homeostasis helps the body to relax. This is why cannabidiol relaxes and relaxes muscles and neurons.
Consumption of CBD therefore helps to improve sleep and to achieve optimal recovery in terms of cell regeneration.
Although CBD offers positive results on sleep in general, it may not be suitable for some people. It is therefore important to take certain factors into account and to consume small amounts.
Research on CBD and sleep
As mentioned earlier, several studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of cannabidiol. Indeed, in 2007, a study showed that CBD helps people to get a good and restful sleep. It also reduces pain during sleep. CBD would thus be a factor in improving sleep both in quality and quantity.
In addition, the Department of Medicine in Taiwan has carried out a special study on cannabidiol.
The study focused on the administration of CBD in patients suffering from sleep disorders. It demonstrated a decrease in REM sleep, which is a sleep disorder characterised by insomnia accompanied by eye movement.
Also, a study was conducted on subjects with sleep disorders in 2019: Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A large Case Series in www.researchgate.net. It found the following results:
- 66.7% of the test subjects showed a clear improvement in sleep during the first month;
- 79.2% experienced a significant decrease in anxiety over the same period.
But this study is only one of many. In 2017, CBD was shown to be actively involved in extending sleep duration and reducing the risk ofsleep apnoea. This study highlights the interaction of cannabidiol and melatonin. For more information, please see "Cannabis, cannabinoids and sleep: a literature review".
Finally, a study on the effect of CBD on sleepiness showed that it boosts productivity. Even after a bad night's sleep, a person who has taken CBD remains alert and is less likely to feel sleepy during the day.
In what form is CBD effective for good sleep?
CBD can be taken alone or with melatonin to ensure its effectiveness. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland or epiphysis, it is involved in the sleep/wake rhythm and its secretion is inversely proportional to light. In other words, the pineal gland produces more melatonin in the dark (melatonin production increases tenfold without light).
Today, CBD is available in several forms. It can be taken directly, as an infusion or with preparations such as drinks. Vaporisation and inhalation are also possible, as well as oral administration (capsules) or skin administration (cream). In addition, CBD is available as dried flower and oil.
Where to find the right CBD products?
CBD is available everywhere today. There are stores specialized in CBD as well as it is possible to get CBD products through websites and e-commerces. It is only necessary to take care to buy good natural products and without chemicals. Because with a low-end product, you risk not feeling the beneficial effects of CBD. For us at Naturalpes, it is important that we offer our customers quality products that work. And don't forget that your pets can also benefit from the effects of CBD.
Can CBD be prescribed by a doctor?
Cannabidiol is an active ingredient derived from Cannabis Sativa L. It is therefore not considered a medicine. Therefore, CBD cannot be prescribed by a doctor and is not reimbursable. It only falls into the category of dietary supplements.
CBD, depending on the legislation in your country, can be consumed in many ways. For example, you can buy CBD flowers for inhalation/vaporisation, Cannabidiol oil, balms or creams... It is up to you to choose your preferred method of consumption. Before using CBD or any of its derivatives, it is important to seek advice from a qualified health professional.
CBD and legislation
Despite the fact that it cannot be directly prescribed by a doctor, CBD remains legal and its use is not prohibited. Unlike THC, CBD is not addictive.
However, the legislation on CBD remains more or less unclear. You can find more details about this in Switzerland at www.ch.ch - and in France at www.drogues.gouv.fr.
However, it is possible that the current legislation will change as the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol on health continue to increase. Today, it is proving beneficial in combating epileptic seizures and Alzheimer's disease, for example.
Conclusion
Research is still inconclusive on the effects of CBD on sleep. We all have unique endocannabinoid systems and so the effects may vary from person to person. For some, CBD may help them sleep better and combat insomnia. For others, cannabidiol can promote wakefulness. It seems that in small doses, CBD is more likely to promote sleep and relaxation. The best thing to do if you want to try CBD for better sleep is to choose a quality CBD oil such as our Gold 20% (for our Swiss customers) or our Wellness 20% (for our European customers). Then start with a low dose one to two hours before bedtime. If you don't feel that you fall asleep faster or have a better quality of sleep, increase your dose gradually.
