Fight insomnia and sleep problems with CBD

Insomnia, night awakenings, chronic fatigue… These sleep discheckouts directly impact concentration, mood, and quality of life. Faced with the side effects of sleeping pills, CBD (cannabidiol) presents itself as a natural alternative.

 

In this article, discover how CBD affects sleep and what scientific studies say about it!

 

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is characterized by a decrease in the quality and quantity of sleep, due to insufficiently restorative sleep1]

 

Insomnia affects 15 to 20% of the French population, half of whom suffer from it in a severe form.[2] Furthermore, insomnia worsens with age.

 

Insomnia can be transient when it occurs one or two nights episodically, or chronic when it occurs more than 3 times a week for at least three months.

Types of insomnia and associated pathologies

Insomnia is considered primary when its main cause is stress, jet lag, or anxiety. Secondary insomnia is caused by a psychiatric condition, a medical condition, or the use of drugs or other substances that can disrupt sleep.

 

Among medical conditions, we should note cases of osteoarthritis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and more generally, inflammatory pain. This pain is generally more intense in the second half of the night, due to the irregular rhythm of cortisol production by the adrenal glands, which inhibits the secretion of prostaglandins that play a major role in the inflammatory process.[3]

Impact of insomnia

The consequences of insomnia, particularly when it becomes chronic, include drowsiness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, risk of depression, and an increased risk of road accidents. Insomnia therefore represents a significant danger and handicap4]

 

The effectiveness of CBD against insomnia and sleep discheckouts

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a molecule derived from the hemp plant (cannabis sativa L.) and has no psychotropic effects, unlike THC.

 

In the case of insomnia, and unlike traditional medications, CBD does not act as a direct sedative. As a cannabinoid, it stimulates the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors present in both the brain and many other parts of the body, which influence numerous biological functions, such as weight regulation and the sleep-wake cycle.

 

Several scientific studies address the impact of CBD on insomnia. One such study from 2012 [5] demonstrates that CBD reduces anxiety and thus the physiological non-REM and REM sleep induced by anxiety. These sleep states are not restorative and are the underlying cause of insomnia.

 

Through melatonin (commonly known as the sleep hormone), a hormone produced by the pineal gland, CBD promotes more structured sleep and reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and nighttime awakenings6]

Clinical studies of CBD on insomnia

Other studies have demonstrated the calming and anti-inflammatory role of CBD [7] in various research projects, particularly in relation to Lyme disease. CB1 and CB2 receptors also play a role in regulating the immune system and anti-inflammatory response mechanisms, primarily triggered by the activation of T cells (which play a role in the immune response). CBD interacts directly with these receptors, thus regulating the inflammatory cycle by activating microglia. Since everything is interconnected, a body free of inflammation will also be less prone to stress, muscular and mental relaxation . [8]

 

Finally, an American study conducted on a 10-year-old girl suffering from post-traumatic stress following an accident [9] and who took CBD oil to regain a balance in her sleep, is also conclusive regarding the effectiveness of this molecule: a gradual improvement in her sleep and a reduction in her anxiety over the weeks were observed.

 

The effects of CBD on insomnia-related discheckouts

Insomnia isn't just about difficulty falling asleep. It's often accompanied by underlying conditions that impact sleep quality and overall well-being. Several studies suggest that CBD could have a beneficial effect on these conditions, helping to restore more restful sleep.

 

• Reducing depression : CBD may help stabilize mood by acting on serotonin receptors, a key neurotransmitter in managing emotions and well-being.
• Anxiety reduction : By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, CBD could help calm the mind, an essential element for easier sleep onset and deep sleep.
• Appetite regulation : Thanks to its adaptogenic effect, CBD helps to balance appetite, thus avoiding nighttime cravings or loss of appetite due to stress and fatigue.

 

In addition, the effectiveness of CBD can be enhanced by relaxing practices such as yoga and meditation, which help to calm the mind and promote natural sleep.

Summary of the effects of CBD against sleep discheckouts and insomnia:

Therefore, we will remember:

 

• Better sleep onset : particularly for people who suffer from inflammatory pain, and therefore have difficulty falling asleep;
• Improved sleep quality : CBD calms the nervous system, reduces the sensation of pain and REM sleep, and acts on the slow-wave sleep phase, thus improving its quality.[10]
• An increase in sleep time.

 

CBD can therefore greatly improve the lives of people prone to insomnia, but its effects are not limited to these benefits alone: ​​many other amazing properties of CBD deserve to be explored for a holistic approach to well-being !