Can CBD Help You Get a Better Night's Rest?

Do you ever feel like Little Bo Peep, counting her sheep, but never actually falling asleep? Do I get bonus points for inadvertently creating a catchy rhyme? If you find sleep to be as elusive as a flying pig, CBD just might be the answer you’re looking for.

CBD and Sleep

Now, you might be thinking, "Wait a minute, CBD comes from cannabis! Doesn’t that keep you up all night, raiding the fridge and binge-watching Netflix?" Nope. CBD is different from THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis that makes you high. CBD is NON-psychoactive, meaning it won't give you the munchies or make you want to watch reruns of Friends all night. Though, personally, I’ve been known to binge my fair share of episodes late into the evening and insomnia has nothing to do with it!

In fact, CBD is better than THC in helping you get a more restful night’s sleep. A  recent study highlighted in Forbes noted that “CBD more effectively decreased the symptoms of insomnia than delta-9 THC.”

Why does CBD help you sleep better?

For one, CBD can help you relax. Since stress and anxiety are often major contributing factors that lead to insomnia, CBD’s ability to calm the nervous system is a great place to start. According to sleepfoundation.org “one study showed that nearly 80% of participants who used CBD to treat their anxiety reported lower anxiety levels within a month. Sleep improved in more than 65% percent of participants.” 

But CBD’s potential is still very much untapped. Additional studies, noted in the National Library of Medicine indicate that research is currently underway to better understand CBD’s effectiveness in treating REM Sleep Disorder and  Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder. 

Choosing the Right CBD Product

If you're ready to give CBD a try, it's important to choose the right product. CBD, because it is not federally regulated, is a lot like the Wild West, so it’s important to opt for products that come from a reputable source. A great first indicator is to look for third-party testing. And personally, I always opt for CBD companies that use organically grown, USA hemp to ensure I don’t have any pesky pesticides lingering in my products. As with any new supplement, it is always best to talk to your doctor. 

In conclusion, if you're tired of being tired, CBD may be worth a try. And if you need a good laugh while you wait for the CBD to kick in, I leave you with Chandler Bing’s greatest lines.

Thanks for the laughs, Matt Perry. You will be missed, but never forgotten.