Without adequate sleep, humans tend not to function at peak physical and mental levels. And in our current high-stress world, too many Americans don’t get sufficient, quality sleep. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis.
Millions of Americans turn to over-the-counter and prescription drugs to help them sleep better. However, many of these products can lead to dependence or result in dangerous side effects.
Enter CBD
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds including cannabinoids such as CBD, and terpenes such as myrcene and linalool. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant with a low quantity of THC and a relatively higher proportion of CBD.
Humans have a natural, internal system which functions to keep the body in a biological balance. This system is known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). And it’s through this system that cannabinoids, such as CBD, interact with the body. In recent decades, researchers have discovered the ECS plays an important role in maintaining many body functions including sleep.
Do many people take CBD to help them sleep and does it work?
Consumer Reports recently surveyed more than 4,000 Americans regarding CBD use. More than 25% of those surveyed said they had tried CBD. Approximately 10% of those who reported trying CBD said they took it to help them sleep. And the majority of those who took it for sleep, said it worked.
Another noteworthy survey conducted by Project CBD examined more than 1,500 people who used CBD for issues of falling and staying asleep. They found that CBD reduced the average time it took these individuals to fall asleep from 62 to 20 minutes. CBD users also reported waking up less during the night; from an average of 4.3 times per night without CBD to an average of just 1.4 times with CBD. The survey also reported that nearly 75% of non-CBD users woke up tired, but only 9% of CBD users did.
What is it about CBD that seems to help with sleep?
Anxiety and pain both negatively affect sleep quality. Numerous studies demonstrate CBD has the potential to reduce both pain and anxiety. By doing so, sleep quality and quantity may indirectly improve.
A 2019 study examined whether a 25mg capsule of CBD per day would improve anxiety and/or sleep. The study involved a total of 72 adults including 47 with anxiety and 25 with poor sleep. Investigators found anxiety decreased in more than 79% and sleep improved in nearly 67% of the respective study subjects within one month.
Pain also frequently leads to sleep problems. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity. A 2007 study concluded that CBD has “substantial” anti-inflammatory effects in a rodent model of nerve and inflammatory pain. Even CBD applied to the skin was shown to reduce inflammation and arthritis pain in a 2016 animal study.
What is the ‘entourage effect’ and how can it improve sleep?
The “entourage effect” is a concept first theorized in 1998 by Israeli scientists. The basis of the theory is that cannabis compounds interact synergistically to magnify the therapeutic benefits of the plant. In other words, the various compounds in the plant amplify each other’s chemistry, making it more effective.
A couple of the more common terpenes found in hemp are myrcene and linalool. Historically, myrcene has been used anecdotally as a sedative, but there may be some scientific evidence to support this. A 2002 study of mice concluded that myrcene “presented sedative as well as motor relaxant effects.” Likewise, linalool is known for promoting sleep. Investigators in 2009 examined the sedative effects of inhaled linalool on mice. The study found one hour of inhaled linalool resulted in drowsiness.
Thus, it appears multiple compounds found in the hemp plant may promote sleep through different pathways. And the entourage effect suggests full spectrum hemp oil would provide greater benefit over a CBD isolate to insomnia sufferers.
A few final thoughts
Insomnia is a very common ailment in the United States. It often causes consumers to turn to over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals for relief. However, many of these medications have serious side effects.
Hemp has been used medicinally for centuries, as a sleep aid, a pain reducer, and to relieve anxiety and other mood disorders. CBD is one of the most abundant, active compounds in the hemp plant. Preclinical research indicates CBD and other compounds found in hemp may have a multitude of benefits including insomnia treatment. And in recent years, more Americans appear to be recognizing these numerous potential benefits.
References:
Shannon S et al; Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series; The Permanente Journal; 2019; 23: 18 – 41.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0215-enough-sleep.html
do Vale T et al; Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown; Phytomedicine; 2002 Dec; 9(8): 709 – 714.
Babson K et al; Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: A Review of the Literature; Current Psychiatry Reports; 2017 Apr; 19(4): 23.
https://www.projectcbd.org/reports/cultivating-wellness/sleep
https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-treatments/cbd/
Costa B et al; The non-psychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an orally effective therapeutic agent in rat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain; European Journal of Pharmacology; 2007 Feb; 556(1-3): 75 – 83.
Hammell D et al; Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis; European Journal of Pain; 2016 July; 20(6): 936 – 948.
https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-cbd-help-you-sleep/
https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/cbd-goes-mainstream/
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers of this content should consult their physician or qualified healthcare professional regarding specific health questions, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. Cannaglobe, LLC and the Dr. Wright, MD brand do not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person reading and/or following this informational content.
