Is tossing and turning becoming a nightly battle for quality sleep? You’ve tried everything—from lavender sprays to counting sheep—but still can’t seem to find your way to deep, restorative sleep. If this sounds like you, it might be time to consider a natural sleep ally in cannabis products.
January is National CBD Month, and The Doze Podcast host and certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski is back with useful tips on how to use cannabis products for optimal sleep, breaking down how CBD and THC can help you finally get the rest you deserve. 🌙
Key Takeaways:
CBD can help shorten the time to fall asleep and improve sleep duration.
It’s particularly effective for addressing pain, anxiety, PTSD, and circadian rhythm disorders.
Develop an understanding of the different forms of the product
Choosing the right product and dosage is crucial for success.
Sleep and Cannabis: A Match Made in Dreamland? 🌿
Cannabis has been used medicinally for centuries, but only recently has it taken center stage as a potential sleep aid. The two primary compounds in cannabis—THC and CBD—work differently. THC helps you relax and fall asleep by inducing a "high," while CBD eases anxiety and promotes calm without the psychoactive effects. Together, they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network responsible for regulating processes like sleep, mood, and pain.
"Research shows that CBD can shorten the time it takes you to fall asleep and can increase your total sleep time." - Soda Kuczkowski
Like any remedy, it’s not a universal solution. For example, it’s not recommended for sleep apnea due to potential side effects, such as daytime drowsiness. Still, for many, it’s a game-changer for improving sleep quality.
Picking the Right Product
The beauty of CBD is its versatility. Whether you’re new to cannabis or looking to refine your approach, there’s a form to suit every preference.
Teas: Perfect for a calming bedtime ritual, CBD teas provide mild, long-lasting effects.
Tinctures: For quick relief and precise dosing, a dropper under the tongue is your go-to.
Edibles and Gummies: These tasty treats take longer to kick in but offer all-night relief.
Capsules and Sprays: Easy to incorporate into your routine for consistent results.
Topicals: Ideal for localized pain relief without systemic effects.
Pro tip: Watch out for sugary options that could disrupt your sleep cycles!
Dosage, timing, and form all make a difference. When experimenting with your best sleep routine using cannabis products, be thoughtful about your specific tolerance level. Remember that you can always take more, but you can’t take less. Finding the right dose and timing can make all the difference in improving your sleep.
"Start low and go slow.” - Soda Kuczkowski
It’s important to note that the quality of product matters when it comes to CBD. Soda advises selecting products from reputable sources that provide third-party lab results for potency and purity. Look for a balance of CBD and THC tailored to your needs, and avoid products with artificial sweeteners or additives that could interfere with your rest.
Cannabis products are not for everyone. Consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of substance use or are on medications like blood thinners or statins.
CBD and REM Sleep Research
CBD isn’t without its quirks. While it increases deep sleep, vital for physical recovery, it reduces REM sleep, the stage where memory processing and emotional regulation occur. For those with PTSD, less REM can mean fewer nightmares, but for others, prolonged use could impact cognitive health.
Additional Benefits
CBD has shown promise in addressing various sleep disruptions, from insomnia to PTSD. Here are a few ways it might help:
Pain Relief: Its anti-inflammatory properties can ease chronic pain, making sleep more comfortable.
PTSD Symptoms: CBD can reduce nightmares and anxiety, a boon for those with trauma-related sleep issues.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders: For shift workers or night owls, CBD can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
If racing thoughts keep you up at night, CBD might be your ticket to tranquility. Research shows it can reduce anxiety by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and easing the transition to sleep. Whether you’re dealing with daily stressors or more persistent insomnia, CBD can help create the mental space you need to rest easy.
Seeking Sweet Dreams
CBD’s rise as a natural sleep aid is no surprise. Its ability to address underlying issues like anxiety, pain, and inflammation makes it a versatile tool for improving sleep quality. Whether you’re dipping your toes into tinctures or sipping CBD-infused tea, there’s no better time to explore this gentle remedy than during National CBD Month.
Want to learn more about sleep?
Subscribe to The Doze Podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or iHeart Radio
Find Sleep Related Products at TheDoze.co
Want more podcast recommendations? Subscribe to the I Heard it on a Podcast Newsletter created by JazzCast Pros Producers + Hosts.
Comments