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How can CBD help combat sleep disorders?
According to the « Sleep Foundation " (an online medical journal) the research into the effects of CBD on sleep disorders is still in its infancy and needs to be explored further.
Indeed, it is difficult to know whether patients sleep better because of pain relief or whether it is the CBD that directly affects their sleep. Let’s explore together how CBD can be an effective solution to sleep problems.
The properties of CBD that are effective against sleep disorders
People experiencing sleep-related problems usually turn to sleep centres and it is recommended that they seek their help to determine the causes of these disorders.
Once doctors have made an appropriate diagnosis, they may prescribe treatment aimed at alleviating the problem.
In addition to these prescriptions, it is possible to use supplements such as CBD, or a synthetic cannabinoid derived from cannabis, which offers a range of therapeutic properties:
• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving;
• Anxiolytic and antidepressant;
• Anti-emetic and anti-epileptic, amongst others.
Researchers have discovered that the endocannabinoid system, which comprises a network of receptors in the brain and central nervous system, influences the maintenance of several bodily functions, such as appetite, mood, the regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep. Cannabinoids bind to these cells and act on anxiety and pain in particular, and therefore indirectly on sleep.
Although further in-depth studies are needed, some research supports this theory that CBD can improve sleep.
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A study published in the journal Medicines involving 409 people suffering from insomnia between June 2016 and May 2018 indicated that cannabinoids reduce the symptoms of insomnia.
Furthermore, in a study published in the Permanente Journal, 72 adults suffering from anxiety and poor-quality sleep were analysed. After the first month, anxiety scores decreased in 79% of the participants. Meanwhile, the sleep of 66% of the participants improved, suggesting a reduction in sleep disturbances.
Several smaller-scale studies have also supported the use of CBD oil to improve sleep.
For example, a study of a 10-year-old girl suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and poor sleep showed that treatment with CBD had been effective. However, the results are not conclusive and further research is still needed.
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Effects vary depending on the individual and the type of condition
By alleviating emotional or cognitive tension, CBD can help people sleep and enjoy better quality sleep. In particular, it helps improve the sleeping habits of people with various conditions and sleep disorders.
CBD and anxiety
Although anxiety is not a sleep disorder in the strict sense, it can be the cause of poor-quality sleep, or even more serious problems. CBD acts directly on the nervous system by calming and soothing the user.
A study shows that 80% of people using CBD to treat their anxiety noticed an improvement within a month.
CBD and insomnia
People suffering frominsomnia generally find it difficult to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night. This then affects daytime alertness, concentration and mood throughout the day.
It can also increase their anxiety and lead them into a vicious circle, as higher anxiety leads to sleep problems. CBD will therefore help to alleviate the anxiety associated with insomnia and make it easier for sufferers to fall asleep.
CBD and RBD
In the case of RBD, or rapid eye movement behaviour disorder, patients speak and make aggressive movements during their rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase. This disorder is more common in elderly patients with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
In a small study involving patients with Parkinson’s disease, CBD helped manage RBD symptoms. Before taking CBD, patients experienced RBD symptoms 2 to 7 times a week. After taking CBD, symptoms occurred 0 to 1 time per week.
Further studies are needed, but these initial results suggest that CBD could be an effective treatment for RLS.
To find out more about the various effects of CBD:
