CBD

How Can CBD Treat Insomnia? 

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. The condition is the most prevalent sleep disorder, with statistics showing one in four American adults develop insomnia symptoms annually. However, insomnia is treatable, even curable, by taking natural sleep remedies while improving sleep hygiene. 

CBD is one of the natural remedies that help treat insomnia symptoms. Most research on CBD’s effect on sleep is anecdotal, but one research review on CBD and sleep shows the compound’s efficacy for insomnia relief. Therefore, below is an overview of CBD’s mechanism of action in alleviating insomnia symptoms. 

CBD Lowers Cortisol Levels 

Insomnia has many root causes, including mental stress elevation. Stress is the body’s natural response to challenging or threatening situations. However, chronic stress causes cortisol overproduction; cortisol is a hormone that promotes wakefulness, and the body produces more of it in the morning.  

Enhanced cortisol production at night promotes wakefulness and inhibits the production of sleep-promoting hormones like melatonin. However, CBD can lower cortisol levels, helping to improve your ability to fall and stay asleep. Therefore, you can treat insomnia by going online and clicking on cbd capsules products and other CBD-infused products for consumption before bed to help lower your cortisol levels. 

One research study investigated CBD’s effect on cortisol blood plasma levels. Participants in the double-blind study took either CBD in 300mg and 600mg doses or a placebo. Moreover, the study administrators collected blood samples 35-180 minutes after CBD or placebo administration. 

At the end of the study, 300mg-600mg of CBD can substantially reduce cortisol blood plasma levels by hampering its excretion. Second, the study concluded that CBD has a potent sedative or sleep-inducing effect. 

Image Source: Unsplash.com 

CBD Enhances Sleep Hormones Production and Receptor Function 

Besides countering the effects of wakefulness-enhancing hormones, CBD also enhances sleep hormone production and function. Like other cannabinoids, CBD’s mechanism of action in the body entails interacting with the endocannabinoid (ECS) system receptors to influence various physiological and psychological processes.  

The ECS is an elaborate body signal transmission system that modulates multiple body functions, including sleep. It features CB1 and CB2 receptors, which endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids (like CBD) activate to transmit signals that cause it to take a specific action. 

According to one literature review on CB1 receptors, the receptor’s activation lowers serotonin released into the central nervous system. Serotonin is crucial in maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle because it is a precursor for melatonin production. Melatonin has the opposite effect to cortisol above because the body produces it at night to promote sleep anticipation.  

CBD does not bind directly to either ECS receptor, but one research study shows an antagonistic effect on CB1 receptors. Its antagonistic effect temporarily reduces CB1’s receptor modulatory role on serotonin released into the central nervous system, causing an increase in serotonin levels. Enhanced serotonin production means enhanced melatonin production. 

Besides facilitating an increase in serotonin levels, CBD is also an agonist for serotonin receptors. Therefore, it binds to serotonin receptors to promote the hormone’s activities, including sleep. 

Image Source: Unsplash.com 

CBD Can Alleviate Mental Health Symptom 

Mental health disorders are significant insomnia contributors. Moreover, one set of statistics shows that 50% of insomnia cases result from common mental health problems like depression and anxiety. 

Given that mental health disorders contribute to insomnia, managing the mental health problem or the root cause is pertinent to alleviating insomnia symptoms. Thankfully, CBD is an effective remedy for the two most prevalent mental health diseases, anxiety, and mood disorders, particularly depression. 

According to one research review, animal-based studies on CBD concluded that it has significant anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Although the cannabinoid’s mechanism of action in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms is still under research, there is a working theory. 

The theory is that CBD’s capacity to increase serotonin levels in the body plays a role in its anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Serotonin is nicknamed the “happy hormone” because it enhances mood and feelings of well-being. Moreover, one research study links decreased serotogenic activity with anxiety and depression. 

Second, CBD is an agonist for serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, promoting the hormone’s activity. Therefore, a dose of CBD should help treat insomnia arising from anxiety and depression. Also, one study showed that CBD could help reduce sleep disturbances that promote wakefulness in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. 

CBD Has Analgesic (Pain-relieving) Properties 

Insomnia may also arise due to physical pain resulting from injury or disease. However, CBD has analgesic properties and can treat pain-induced insomnia. According to one study review, CBD’s effect on various body transporters, enzymes, and receptors induces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, unlike prescription pain medications, CBD does not produce undesirable side effects. 

Image Source: Unsplash.com 
 

How Much CBD Should You Take For Insomnia? 

Setting a standardized CBD dose for insomnia is challenging because the cannabinoid produces individual-specific effects. Second, insomnia varies in intensity from mild, temporary insomnia to chronic insomnia. Therefore, the best option is to start low and go slow on the CBD dosage. 

Conclusion: 

The available research shows that CBD can treat insomnia symptoms while inducing minimal side effects. However, note that insomnia can be a symptom of adverse underlying health issues, so consult a doctor before taking CBD for insomnia. Also, ensure you buy high-quality CBD products in houston from trusted vendors for the best results. You can also visit this houston dispensary.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Check Also
Close
Back to top button