Although sleep is one of the most important aspects of our health, it is often overlooked and neglected. The majority of adults need at least seven hours of sleep to function at their best, but over a third of adults in the United States report that they receive less than that.
Many of those that struggle with getting enough restful and good-quality sleep have started turning to CBD as a natural but effective way to get enough hours of shut-eye to be able to tackle the morning after. An important part of getting the most out of your CBD oil at bedtime is timing. Let’s talk about taking CBD oil for sleep and the best times to take it to get a better night’s rest.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a potent but non-psychoactive compound that is extracted from cannabis and hemp plants. CBD works with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system to help regulate pain, inflammation, mood, and how your body mitigates stress.
One of the most popular forms of CBD products is oil. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from cannabis plants and then combining it with an oil that will act as a carrier.
There are a few common ways that CBD oil can be taken, but the most common way is to absorb it sublingually by using a dropper to place a dose under your tongue. This is one of the fastest ways to get CBD into your bloodstream so that you can feel the effects since the area under your tongue contains a lot of capillaries that will absorb the CBD rapidly.
Why Can’t I Sleep?
There are many reasons why you can be suffering from insomnia, a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult for people to get to sleep and stay asleep, but stress, anxiety, and pain are some of the reasons that people most often give for their sleepless nights.
When people go through acute traumatic events such as bereavement, loss of a job, major illness, or injury, the stress of the event can linger and cause significant trouble sleeping. These major life events can cause bouts of short-term insomnia that can last for days or even weeks.
The vast majority of adults will experience this acute insomnia, and most cases of it will resolve on its own over time. However, if insomnia persists for over a month, it is considered to be a chronic sleep disorder and may require some adjustments to your sleep habits, such as adding CBD to your nightly routine.
Anxiety, a sense or feeling of uneasiness and worry, can also be the reason why you are having trouble falling asleep. Individuals that are sleep-deprived due to anxiety can find themselves in a downward spiral of their anxiety increasing due to lack of sleep and losing more and more sleep due to their increasing anxiety.
Those that are experiencing pain, especially those that have chronic pain, tend to have a tough time getting enough sleep. Many of those that suffer from pain will find it difficult to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, and unconscious movement can send a fresh wave of pain and jolt them out of their sleep. This can lock those suffering from chronic pain into a cycle of sleepless nights leading to painful days.
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How Does CBD Help You Sleep?
CBD can help you get much-needed rest by addressing many of the common issues that cause insomnia. Since it interacts directly with your endocannabinoid system, which plays a huge role in how your body deals with stress, handles anxiety, and perceives pain, it can mitigate many of the factors that may be keeping you up at night. CBD can also help your body maintain a healthy circadian rhythm which will allow you to go to sleep and wake up at regular times, which is vital for good sleep hygiene.
When Should I Take CBD Oil For Sleep?
If you take CBD oil sublingually, you can expect the effects within half an hour, so the best time to take your CBD oil dose for bed is an hour before you want to go to bed. Make sure that you take your dose by using the dropper to apply the CBD oil underneath your tongue and wait thirty seconds before swallowing. Since you absorb CBD oil through the capillary-rich area underneath your tongue much faster, it will help you feel the full effects of CBD if you wait before swallowing.
This will allow you plenty of time to start feeling the effects that will signal to your body that it is time to go to sleep and get some rest for tomorrow. Practice good sleep hygiene by making sure you are cool and comfortable, abstain from nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine at least four hours before bed, and you will find yourself waking up refreshed and ready to tackle a new day.
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Final Thoughts
CBD oil for sleep is a great way to ensure that you get a proper night of sleep. Make sure that you take your dose about an hour before you want to go to sleep so that you give yourself plenty of time to feel the full effects of your CBD as you lay your head down.
Related: Nighttime Anxiety: Understanding Worsening Symptoms