You’ve probably heard about the benefits of CBD in relation to things like mood, stress, or even temporary relief from aches and pains. It’s an all-around positive supplement that has an insane variety of uses. And since it’s becoming a lot more accessible to produce, even more advantages and ways to use CBD are coming to light.
CBD is known for its calming and soothing effects, so a lot of people will use it if they feel like they need to relax. But does that mean you can pop in a CBD gummy before bed for a better night’s sleep?
Let’s take a look and see if CBD can help you sleep better, as well as some of the other ways you can promote a healthy, happy night’s rest.
Why is Good Sleep Important?
You’ve probably been nagged before about not getting the right amount of sleep. Adults are supposed to get between seven and nine hours of rest each night in order for proper cognition the next day. But trust us, when the day is already so short, it can be impossible to hit the recommended number of z’s.
Still, getting those eight or so hours of shuteye is important. Healthy, adequate sleep allows the body and mind to recharge, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated when you wake up.
Your internal bodily clock, or circadian rhythm, operates on a 24 hour cycle that makes you feel increasingly tired throughout the day. These feelings of fatigue peak in the evening before bedtime. You need a good night’s sleep to allow this clock to reset.
Adults that do not get the right amount of sleep are likely to experience lapses in attention, reduced cognition, delayed reactions, and shifts in mood. Similarly, chronic sleep deprivation may lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or even heart disease.
What Factors Affect Proper Sleep?
Light influences circadian rhythms. Visual cues outside, such as whether or not the sun is shining, are indicative to the brain that it might be time to wake up or go to sleep. Because of that, phone screens and laptop screens emit a blue light that is comparable to daylight. This can trick the brain into believing that it is still daytime, which can cause you to fall asleep later or have a less beneficial sleep overall.
Caffeine and other stimulant supplements will also have an affect on your sleep schedule, as these will naturally keep you awake. And while a few glasses of wine might knock you out fast, alcohol impairs your ability to have good quality sleep throughout the night.
Does CBD Improve Sleep Quality?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is derived directly from the hemp plant for use in oils, topicals, and gummies. It has a number of natural, positive effects including relief from symptoms of anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties.
One study sought to answer this question. During the trial, CBD compounds were used to treat people who were experiencing difficulty sleeping. Participants were asked to rank the severity of their symptoms on a ten point scale, with the average response being 6.6. However, after taking hemp supplements, participants averaged a 2.2. If you’re not too great at math, just know that this is a huge drop!
With that said, does CBD help you sleep better? The short answer: absolutely!
How It Works
There’s a complex cell-signaling system inside your body known as the endocannabinoid system. This plays an active role in regulating your mood, appetite, memory, and of course, your sleep schedule. Even if you don’t use products derived from the hemp plant, you still have this inside of you.
When you use a cannabinoid, such as a CBD gummy, they’ll attach themselves to various receptors in the brain. Since these are responsible for regulating your sleeping habits, specific receptors may have an effect on the sleep/ wake cycle.
Not to mention, since CBD can help with anxiety and stress, having a chiller headspace before going to sleep may naturally just make you have a more restful, nightmare-free slumber.
How To Use CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are one of many ways to enjoy the benefits that this compound has to offer. And arguably, it’s the easiest and most tasty way to use it!
All you need to do is pop one CBD gummy into your mouth per day. You can do this at night before you brush your teeth and get ready for bed, or you can do it in the morning similar to a multivitamin. In fact, they’re loaded with nine powerhouse vitamins and nutrients, so you might be able to use them in place of your typical morning supplement!
They come in all sorts of flavors, so picky eaters don’t have anything to fear. Classics like watermelon or passion fruit are great options, but you can even switch it up a little bit with something different like acai.
Other Ways to Use CBD
While gummies are effective, small, and easy to use, not everyone likes to eat things so close to bedtime. Luckily, CBD is profoundly versatile, so there are loads of other ways you can use this compound for a better night’s sleep.
One of the most popular ways to use CBD is with CBD oil drops. These tend to be potent and fast-acting, especially when used as recommended. Putting a few drops underneath your tongue is a great and quick way to soothe your body before heading off to bed. Additionally, you can squeeze a few drops into your nightly herbal tea for an enhanced calmness without having to switch up your normal routine.
Feeling aches and tenderness on rusty joints isn’t going to help you sleep any better. This is where CBD topicals might be able to help out tremendously. These will absorb directly into the affected area, letting you feel instant relief from muscle soreness.
Other Tips for Getting Better Sleep
Taking CBD is definitely a great way to promote good sleep, but it’s not the only thing you can do. In addition to regularly taking your CBD gummies, oils, or topicals, try to make a habit of also doing the following:
- Put Down That Phone: Scrolling through social media or watching cat videos is awesome, trust us. But the blue light from your phone can have a seriously negative effect on positive sleep. Try to set down the electronics at least a half hour before bed so your body can naturally prepare itself for rest.
- Stick to Routine: Your circadian rhythm can get thrown off even if you go to bed late on a single night. Try to establish a healthy sleep/ wake schedule and stick to it every single night. This will allow your natural body clock to function as it should.
- Cut Coffee, Cabernets, and Cocktails: Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can interfere with a good night’s sleep. And while a glass of your favorite wine might make you pass out on the couch, you won’t be able to have a truly restful sleep. Limit consumption of alcohol and try to drink your coffee hours before bedtime.
- Exercise During the Day: Exercising during the day is a super healthy way to blow off some steam, and it might make you feel sleepier once the sun goes down.
- Splurge on Snuggly Sheets: Your pillows, mattress, sheets, and comforter can all play a major role in your ability to fall asleep fast. You sleep every single night, so don’t be afraid to make an investment in something that will be able to improve your overall health consistently.
In Conclusion
Getting good sleep is nothing to sleep on. Restful nights are necessary for proper mood balance, cognitive function, and ability to focus. Things like stress, light, and caffeine can all affect your ability to catch some shuteye.
If you struggle to sleep tight, CBD gummies are just the thing. These work with your endocannabinoid system, which regulates your body’s sleep cycle. That means taking gummies, using CBD oil, or relieving pain with a topical are all powerful tools against fighting off insomnia.
In addition to CBD, it’s important to limit phone usage and stick to a routine, as this will increase your chances of catching the optimum amount of z’s. But if you need an easy way to wind down for when it’s time to count sheep, you can count on CBD.
CBD gummies are nothing to sleep on. Smile’s CBD gummies are loaded with vitamins and nutrients like 5-HTP to help put you right to bed when used regularly without actually sedating you like other sleep aids. And when your sleep is good, your mood is good — and that’s a reason to smile!
Sources:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775419/
