From COVID-19 and vaccines to diet fads, many things have caught people’s attention this year. However, one thing that continues to soar in popularity is CBD or cannabidiol. Along with some amazing benefits, let’s learn today about CBD and REM sleep.
CBD products are everywhere. From chews and gummies to tinctures and oils, farmer’s markets, coffee shops, and online stores, the attitude towards endorsing the compound in different shapes and forms are increasing.
Many have touted CBD as the miracle oil and are using it to treat almost every condition known to man, from rheumatoid arthritis and cancer to nausea and vomiting. That said, there’s a lot of misinformation circulating.
In this article, we’ll see what science thinks about using CBD for REM sleep and whether the compound works as a sleep aid or not.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is often associated with THC — another famous cannabis compound. However, CBD has some key differences. THC< or tetrahydrocannabinol is psychoactive, whereas cannabidiol has an excellent safety profile and doesn’t alter consciousness or induce intoxication. This is why it’s amazing for availing of cannabis’s many therapeutic benefits.
CBD and REM Sleep Cycles: The Science
When we’re in a REM sleep cycle, we experience vivid dreams and are more likely to wake up abruptly. REM refers to constant eye movements and is characterized by an unexpected paralysis and wakefulness in critical brain centers. Research suggests that CBD may reduce REM sleep because of its ability to combat anxiety.
A 2012 study conducted on rats demonstrated how CBD promoted sleep in people living with post-traumatic stress disorder. CBD showed tremendous ability to decrease anxiety-induced REM sleep, lending the conclusion that many of CBD’s sleep-aid properties come from the compound’s ability to mediate depression and anxiety.
Today, the amount of CBD sleep supplements are disrupting the sleep aid market. A large community of dedicated consumers swears by cannabidiol’s therapeutic properties to reduce REM sleep and promote deep and restful sleep.
If you’ve had no luck with natural sleep aids like Melatonin and conventional medications, you might want to give CBD oil a try. CBD is different from THC — it will not cause hallucinations or delirium or anxiety. It also doesn’t have any reported adverse side effects or possesses any substance abuse potential.
CBD and Melatonin: A Powerful Combination
What makes CBD such a potent treatment for REM sleep is its synergistic formulation. When combined with other cannabinoids and chemicals, such as terpenes, it creates a powerful effect called the entourage effect.
For instance, when used in combination with Melatonin, CBD can reduce sleep latency, fix circadian rhythms, and keep you from waking up at night. CBD is effective in itself, but far more effective when taken with Melatonin.
Melatonin is an endogenous hormone made in the pineal gland. The human body makes its melatonin, but many individuals face the compound’s deficiency at some point in their lives. This is where supplements can come in and save the day. In combination with cannabidiol, Melatonin promotes healthy and long-lasting sleep.
One of the best sleep supplements in the market is Meladol — a formulation of active CBD ingredients and Melatonin. Meladol ensures high bioavailability of sleep-promoting ingredients to the bloodstream through liposomal delivery. The formulation is all-natural and makes an excellent substitute for conventional opioid sleep aids.
Is CBD legal?
The Farm Bill of 2018 was groundbreaking legislation that raised the status of CBD from drug to agricultural crop. The Food and Drug Administration allowed the compound’s farming and transport across state lines under certain terms and conditions.
Companies were only permitted to extract CBD from hemp — not marijuana. This is because marijuana contains high levels of THC, whereas hemp has it in trace amounts.
You also couldn’t advertise CBD as a health supplement or a cure for a particular condition. It can also not be sold as a food ingredient.
CBD laws are not uniform. There’s a lot of uncertainty and tentativeness. CBD is legal in most states, while it is illegal in all forms in the rest. The best way to know about the compound’s legality is to get in touch with your state’s regulatory authority.
How To Use CBD for REM Sleep?
If you decide to use CBD or a formulation of CBD for sleep, keep in mind that dosage varies from person to person.
Some studies indicate that CBD works best as a sleep aid when combined with THC, but the right dosage and experience varies across the different physiological profile. To get the best results and stay on the safe side, you should start with a low dose and gradually pick your way up as you develop tolerance.
CBD is generally safe, but it might interact with other drugs and medications and cause adverse reactions.
The FDA hasn’t published strict guidelines about the drug’s usage because CBD science is still in its infancy. Some research has found CBD products to contain harmful additives, such as pesticides and heavy metals, and less CBD as advertised.
Make sure the vendor you’re buying from has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and supports independent third-party lab testing. Steer clear of companies claiming their product can cure a condition.
Currently, the only CBD-based oral product approved by the FDA for treating a condition is Epidiolex. Epidiolex is being used as a treatment for two rare forms of pediatric epilepsy.
Before using CBD, consult your doctor or healthcare provider. People who are already on medications need to especially practice caution. While CBD may affect REM sleep and induce proper sleep, it’s worth keeping in mind that gauging the right dosage is more convenient when using tinctures and oils compared to using edibles.
What’s Next for CBD and REM Sleep?
Right now, the science on CBD for sleep is tentative. More research is needed to understand the compound’s role in regulating REM sleep. We don’t know the exact CBD dosage that induces alertness and wakefulness. Therefore, you have to do a little experimentation to find out whether the compound gives you the results you need. Some studies indicate that a 1:1 of THC and CBD is ideal for promoting sleep, but the results aren’t conclusive, and more scientific investigation is in order.
