Cannabidiol’s symptom-fighting properties have fascinated scientists ever since they identified the first cannabinoid back in the 60s. Records show that the generations before us used cannabis to relieve pain, reduce anxiety and assist with sleep. To understand CBD’s medicinal potential, a basic understanding of its effect on the human body is essential. Here is the short, simple version:
Our body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that produces cannabinoid receptors. These receptors play a role in a variety of physiological processes, including memory, sleep, mood, appetite and pain sensation. The interesting bit is how CBD hemp oil acts on your endocannabinoid system.
This study published in Neurotherapeutics has found that CBD activates or inhibits other compounds in the endocannabinoid system. It may, for instance, interact with a compound in the ECS system and suppress the amount of pain you experience from a chronic disease or medical condition. CBD appears to have a beneficial effect on a number of bodily functions, which should not be surprising given the fact that the body itself produces its own cannabinoids.
Such interactions are of great interest to scientists, who continually reinforce the potential of CBD products in addressing a range of illnesses and symptoms, and encourage people to consider the benefits of alternative or complementary therapies incorporating the remarkable marijuana plant.
CBD Hemp Oil and Sleep
A sleep disorder or ‘problems with sleep’ may mean different things to different people. Some folks may have trouble sleeping at night (insomnia), others may feel excessively sleepy during daytime (narcolepsy), while individuals with Parkinson’s disease may suffer from REM behavior disorder, a condition where the paralysis that normally occurs during REM sleep is absent, making them ‘act out’ an intense dream.
While treatments or self-management can address these disorders to a large extent, many are unable to consistently stick to the lifestyle changes recommended by their doctor.
- Systematic administration of CBD may increase total sleep time
- CBD has been seen to reduce insomnia associated with chronic pain conditions
- CBD appears to also act as a wake-inducing compound to reduce daytime sleepiness
- CBD has positive effects on insomnia and disturbed sleep, assisting with better sleep and reducing dream recall
- CBD promotes better sleep-related behaviors associated with REM in Parkinson’s patients
- Administration of CBD may reduce tremor and slowness of movement, and improve sleep in Parkinson’s patients
Getting the Serving Right
When it comes to hemp oil, the right serving assumes importance. You don’t want to begin with a large dose; rather, start low and move up until you discover the perfect dosage.
As indicated above, CBD hemp oil can help you get more sleep and make you less sleepy during daytime. This is because CBD is a biphasic compound, wherein it can produce different effects when taken in low and high doses.
Excerpts originally published: CBD Researcher
