Did you know that sleep is a crucial process of our bodies that help us regulate metabolism, blood pressure, blood sugar, helps us store memory, build immunity, control appetite and repair tissue. Irregular sleep cycles can damage pathways to the brain and create an imbalance in hormones, but that's where CBD comes in. Cannabidiol—or CBD—is a cannabinoid that’s available in many forms, from oils, to capsules and even edibles, with a number of possible uses, such as anxiety relief, to reduced inflammation & pain, and improved sleep cycles.
What is CBD?
CBD, is a chemical compound that’s found in the cannabis & hemp plant, that does not produce a high, unlike THC. Cannabis Sativa is a species of plants that consist of both cannabis & hemp plants, that have been used medicinally for centuries.
The Endocannabinoid System & Sleep
Scientists have made a lot of progress in understanding how CBD produces its calming, pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects. We know that CBD interacts with our Endocannabinoid System that consists of receptors, proteins, and other chemicals in the brain and throughout the body, these interactions create changes in the activity of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other cells. Through these interactions, CBD is to be able to affect many bodily functions, such as sleep-wake cycles, inflammation, pain perception, seizures and more.
How we fall asleep, stay asleep, wake up, and remain awake is part of an internal biological process regulated by our circadian rhythms and our endocannabinoid system. Circadian rhythms controls a diverse array of actions in the body, including hormone production, heart rate, metabolism, and when to go to sleep and wake up. It’s as if we have an internal biochemical timer or clock that keeps track of our need for sleep, guides the body to sleep and then influences the intensity of sleep. This biological mechanism is affected by external forces such as travel, medication, food, environment, stress, pain, anxiety and more.
Although, CBD doesnt necessarily act as a sleeping pill, it does help regulate your sleep cycles and has the ability to relieve discomfort, whether that's from anxiety or chronic pain, allowing for a more slumber and restful sleep.