CBD in Your Sleep Routine

WRITTEN BY GRETA JOHNSON AND DR. SWATHI

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of over 100 chemical compounds in a group of molecules called “cannabinoids.” CBD is a type of cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and is well-known for its plethora of benefits–without the intoxicating effect feeling ‘high’) often associated with consuming Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC.)

What could CBD be used for?

CBD is truly a versatile drug with many uses. It promotes a healthy inflammatory response and has antioxidant-like properties. Given the recent research pointing to inflammation as the root of many conditions, the potential of CBD is ever-evolving in the realm of health and wellness.

Why might someone need a sleep routine?

A sleep routine could be useful for many reasons. For some, it adds structure to their nights–it gives them something to look forward to, a set schedule that they follow prior to sleeping. For others, they may need a sleep routine in order for them to be able to fall asleep; they must follow a set of routines they set up for themselves in order to overcome their insomnia. Having a sleep routine is a great way to take care of yourself and your body; sleep is essential to being a healthy and fully functional human being, and it is absolutely vital to get enough sleep.

How much sleep should I be getting?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Sleep Research Society (SRS), adults should be sleeping 7 or more hours per night. They observed that sleeping less than 7 hours a night on a regular basis is associated with poor health outcomes such as weight gain, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and so on. It is also associated with poor performance, increased errors, and greater risks of accidents.

Why should I consider CBD for sleep?

A number of studies show the benefits of using CBD in promoting restful sleep. CBD's potential benefits in sleep have been studied through the role of the endocannabinoids in sleep neurophysiology (aka the way the brain works during sleep). An underlying cause of restlessness tends to be racing thoughts and the inability to calm the mind. This ultimately could mean that the CBD is helping a person get a full night's rest by promoting calmness and relaxation of the mind.

Who should use CBD for sleep?

Everyone should discuss the use of CBD in their daily (or nightly routine) with a healthcare professional who has extensive knowledge of the use of cannabis medicincally. For some, CBD may be a great fit, while for others, it may not be. CBD may interact with medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, so discussing it with a healthcare professional in the cannabis space will help determine where you fall in that spectrum.

The bottom line

Research supports that CBD could be a useful aid in promoting sleep quality and quantity. There has been a diverse array of scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of CBD in facilitating the decrease of sleep disturbances. If you are considering CBD for sleep or for any other reason, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder, Dr. Swathi Varanasi.

Resources:

1. Watson NF, Badr MS, Belenky G, et al. Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy 

Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 

and Sleep Research Society. Sleep. 2015;38(6):843-844.

2. Clendinning J. Observations on the medicinal properties of the Cannabis Sativa of 

India. Med Chir Trans. 1843;26:188-210.

3. Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep. Front Mol 

Neurosci. 2020;13:125.

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This article was written by Dr. Swathi and Element Apothec Scientific Communications Intern, Greta Johnson. She is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student at Northeastern University School of Pharmacy at the Bouvé College of Health Sciences in Boston, Massachusetts.