Research after research shows the importance of regular night sleeps to our overall wellbeing and health. Unfortunately, sleeping issues are a very common thing. They rob us of the benefits of a good night’s rest. In this article, we’ll find the answer of Are CBD gummies effective for sleep?

Every one of us, at one point or the other, had trouble sleeping. When you try to sleep at night, a thousand thoughts run through your mind. Then, you discover you have only two hours before you get up and prepare for the day. For some persons, this is a nightly occurrence. 

There are many popular strategies people try out for better sleep. Yoga, meditation, drugs, health supplements, prescription drugs, hot baths are a few. These are different solutions that can improve sleep. However, there is a natural alternative to these, and that is CBD.

What is CBD?

You most probably heard about cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids are chemical substances that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is in charge of maintaining equilibrium, or homeostasis. 

CBD products are more popular today than when the industry first took off. This chemical has reached the front lines in the health industry. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive. That means this compound will not get you high or intoxicated. 

Research suggests that CBD may help treat several conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and inflammation. CBD is available in different forms. 

What Forms Does CBD Come In? 

• Oils and Tinctures: These are also called drops or droplets.
• Oral sprays: You apply them under the tongue.
• Oral solutions: An example is the FDA-approved oral solution, Epidiolex. 
• Edibles: Examples are CBD gummies, cookies, chocolates, and beverages.
• Vapes and Vaping Juices: You use these in a vape pen.
• Topicals: Lotions, salves, creams, patches, and gels are popular examples. 
• Capsules and pills. 

What Research Says About CBD Gummies and Sleep 

Before buying CBD gummies for sleep, you may want to know what current research says about it. Research suggests that CBD can lower levels of anxiety and pain. So it may be beneficial for treating sleep issues. 

Some of the causes of sleep problems include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and pain. Environmental factors such as noise can also contribute. 

The research on CBD and sleep is still limited. As a result, additional research is required. However, ongoing studies reveal the following: 

In the 2019 study, participants experiencing sleep disorders noticed improvements in their sleep patterns after taking CBD. Seventy-two participants took part in this research. Twenty-five of them were experiencing poor sleep, and 47 faced anxiety. Each of them took 25mg of CBD each day. After a month, 66.7 percent reported better sleep. And 79.2 percent reported lower anxiety levels.

Also, research suggests that CBD may affect our sleep cycle. A 2014 study involved patients with Parkinson’s disease. Four patients treated with CBD noticed a reduction in REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) symptoms. RBD is characterized by nightmares and active behavior such as kicking and punching during dreaming. 

One of the numerous reasons of sleep disturbances is pain. Frontiers in Pharmacology published a review in 2018. There, the authors established that by soothing pain, CBD also helps improve sleep quality. 

How Can CBD Gummies Help with Sleep?

People react differently to CBD. As a result, not everyone will reap the same benefits. According to Sleep Foundation, research reports show that low doses of CBD stimulate while high doses sedate. More study is needed to better understand how CBD helps people sleep..

Anxiety and CBD Gummies

Anxiety is not a sleep disorder. However, it contributes to insufficient and poor sleep. Research shows that CBD can help treat anxiety-related disorders. In one of the studies, about 80% of participants who took CBD reported lower anxiety levels. Also, more than 65% noticed better quality sleep. 

Insomnia and CBD Gummies

CBD Companies produce different and effective CBD gummies for sleep. Most times, they include additional ingredients like melatonin. Studies suggest that CBD itself is a potential management option for people with insomnia. Many of the reviewed studies showed CBD could help improve sleep quality. It also decreases sleep disturbances. 

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and CBD Gummies

Patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s illnesses are more likely to have REM sleep behavior disorder. Early studies involving patients with Parkinson’s diseases showed CBD could treat symptoms of this disorder. Before taking CBD, the patients experienced symptoms about 2-7 times a week. Following CBD usage, they reported these symptoms occurred 0-1 times a week. 

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder and CBD Gummies

People facing this disorder have challenges staying awake during daytime hours. Are CBD gummies effective in this condition? Studies show conflicting results here with the use of CBD. Some report that CBD functions as a sedative, while others suggest CBD is a wake-inducing drug. Additional research is paramount on what doses of CBD can induce either wakefulness or sleepiness. 

Do CBD Gummies Interact with Other Prescriptions?

Yes, CBD gummies can interact with other prescription drugs you take. Also, it can slow down how the liver breaks down certain medications a person is taking. According to Harvard Medical School, possible drug interactions with CBD include: 

• Common blood thinners, like warfarin.
• Drugs for seizures, including valproate, clobazam, and lamotrigine. 
• Heart rhythm medication, amiodarone.
• Thyroid medication, levothyroxine 

Before taking any CBD product, including CBD gummies, see your doctor.. Your doctor will inform you if there’s a possible negative interaction between CBD and your prescriptions. 

Potential Benefits of CBD Gummies for Sleep

Let’s discuss more on CBD gummies for sleep. First, CBD helps to ease anxiety, depression, and stress. Also, it can relieve chronic pain and help you fall asleep on days when you have difficulties sleeping. 

CBD can help you if you have insomnia. Brands are producing different CBD gummies specifically for bedtime. Unlike sleeping pills, CBD acts by promoting natural sleep. For instance, CBD regulates GABA. GABA is a relaxing neurotransmitter in the brain. It can help ease the feeling of stress or anxiety. 

Risks of CBD Gummies for Sleep

The use of CBD products is safe. Most of the side effects associated with CBD are mild. For instance, a person who takes CBD may experience gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Also, CBD affects people differently. Another person may experience drowsiness or a dry mouth. 

Is CBD Legal?

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, Many CBD products are legal. As long as they contain less than 0.3% THC, the product is legal on a federal level. Some states, however, may have their own laws. Be sure to check your local regulations before purchasing any CBD product.

Final Thoughts

Sleep disorders affect a large number of people around the world. About 70% of Americans report they are not getting the recommended hours of sleep. People adopt different approaches for better sleep. Recently, the use of CBD is becoming a popular strategy. 

The research on how CBD helps with sleep disorders is in its early stages and looks promising. Also, anecdotal evidence from people who use CBD for chronic pain shows improvement in sleep quality too. 

CBD is available in different forms. Always read the instructions on the product’s label before using it. Also, remember to consult your doctor to avoid negative interaction with any drugs you are taking.