It’s estimated that the average American loses 38 productive days to sleep problems each year. Sleep disorders are one of the most common issues that many of us experience in our busy lives.
Insomnia and sleep disorders can affect your physical and mental health. Sleep problems can make you more susceptible to serious health complications like heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. Studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) can offer effective relief for sleeplessness and insomnia symptoms.
Common Insomnia Causes
The term sleep disorder refers to conditions that affect sleep quality, length of sleep, and impact on an individual’s ability to function. Difficulty sleeping is categorized as insomnia when sleeplessness causes a person distress and begins to negatively affect their quality of life.
Common insomnia causes include stress, poor sleep habits, and irregular sleep. Insomnia is often the result of increased stress and anxiety, and many of us struggle with these challenges throughout the course of our lives.
Recent studies suggest that the corticotropin-releasing hormone system and the nervous system may play major roles in the arousal response to stress. Stress is known to have a negative relation to sleep-wake regulation and increased sleep disturbance.
Different Types of Insomnia
Although often thought of as mere sleeplessness, insomnia includes a variety of different sleep problems that vary in symptoms and length of time. Insomnia can make it challenging to get out of bed — or stay out of bed — in the morning. It can make concentration during the day difficult and productivity at work impossible.
Insomnia not only affects your body but your mind as well. Chronic insomnia is especially problematic. For many sufferers, it's not so much the amount of sleep they're getting, as having trouble falling or staying asleep.
There are three types of insomnia based on symptom length:
- Transient insomnia symptoms last less than one month
- Short-term insomnia lasts between one and six months
- Chronic insomnia is defined as lasting more than six months
Chronic insomnia is a common sleep disorder and is not considered dangerous to your health. However, there are times you should consider seeing a doctor to rule out other health issues, like sleep apnea: If you experience insomnia symptoms lasting longer than four weeks, o if symptoms interfere with your ability to function during daytime activities
CBD Relief for Sleep Disorders and Insomnia
Research suggests CBD can affect sleep in several ways. A study published in The Permanente Journal found an overall calming effect of CBD on the central nervous system. This same study highlighted findings that CBD can provide therapeutic relief for anxiety and sleep, including:
- Decreased cortisol levels, causing a sedative effect
- Increased duration of sleep
- Increased mental sedation
There is no known cure for insomnia, but sufferers can find relief. The positive benefits of CBD for calming the mind and body could play an important role in achieving healthy sleep patterns, and maintaining prolonged sleep for a good night’s rest. While more controlled clinical studies are needed, CBD may have benefits for anxiety-related disorders and insomnia symptoms.
If you’re curious if CBD can ease your insomnia symptoms, explore our Function Botanicals CBD Oils. Function Botanicals now offers a low-cost, personalized Dose Finder Kit to help you manage anxiety, pain and sleep problems.