Is CBD A Better Alternative Than Sleeping Pills?

CBD For Pain
CBD For Pain
Cannabidiol CBD
Cannabidiol CBD

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in the cannabis family of plants. Health and wellness products formulated using it are popular among users due to their therapeutic and medical effects. This is because cannabidiol interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Due to this, it is useful for treating sleep disorders like insomnia, REM behavior disorder, etc. Also, it is a better option than pharmaceutical medications because it is a natural product. Read on to know why cannabidiol (CBD) is a better alternative to sleeping pills.

CBD Health Benefits

One of the major health benefits of CBD is that it helps to improve the quality of sleep. To better understand this, you must know how cannabidiol produces its therapeutic effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) positively stimulates the ECS by influencing its receptors. Remember that the ECS is a network of chemical messengers that are spread throughout the body. It regulates homeostatic functions like managing the sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, mood, neurotransmitter levels, and so on. Any imbalance or deficiency in this system creates issues like sleep disorders.

CBD VS Melatonin

Many people suffer from sleep disorders, and most of them take pharmaceutical medication like sleeping pills. Remember that inadequate rest at night negatively affects the ability to focus on a task, productivity at work, appetite, memory, etc. That said, medications used as sleeping aid often creates the problem of dependency, i.e., it becomes hard to sleep without them. Also, in most cases, their dosage increases over time. This causes side effects like a foggy memory, dry mouth, lethargy, dizziness, itching, hives, swelling, and many more.

Sleeping pills are melatonin supplements, which is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. It regulates the sleep-wake cycle and its levels are high in the evening and night, i.e., after sunset. So, imbalances in its production cause sleeping disorders. Studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) is an effective alternative to synthetic melatonin because it promotes the natural production of this hormone due to its positive effect on the ECS, which in turn stimulates the endocrine system. Also, it produces no side effects like drowsiness and promotes wakefulness during the daytime. Apart from this, it also reduces anxiety and stress; the two major causes of reduced sleep. However, you must know that cannabidiol cannot cure this condition.

Side Effects Of CBD For Sleep

At normal doses, CBD does not produce side effects, and there is no risk of addiction on long term usage. But studies show that at elevated doses, it causes issues like decreased appetite, tiredness, and reduced function of the liver.

Before using cannabidiol (CBD) for sleep disorders, you must consult with your physician as its effectiveness varies between individuals.