We spend roughly one-third of our lives sleeping. Sleep is as essential to our survival as food and water, helping the brain and body function properly. Interestingly enough, the biological purpose of sleep remains largely unknown, however, everyone alive needs a healthy amount of it. As it turns out, the process of sleep is quite layered and complex, opening up the opportunity for a number of related challenges.
The Science
Although we may lay our heads on a pillow and experience the passage from night to morning in an instant, there is actually a lot going on while we slumber.
Sleep is better thought of as a cycle than a constant state. According to the sleep foundation, there are four stages of sleep, the fourth being the deepest, most impactful stage. We pass through all four stages in about 90 minutes, which means a healthy night of sleep is the completion of about four to six cycles.
As soon as we enter the first stage of sleep, our bodies begin operating differently than when we are awake. Heart rate slows, hormones are released, body temperature drops, nervous impulses are dialed back, and respiration eases. At this time, the body is able to undergo a number of restorative processes including:
- Cellular restoration (muscle repair, tissue growth, etc.)
- Insulin regulation
- Immune system reinforcement
- Chemical and hormone stabilization
Common Sleep Conditions
Unfortunately, sleep has its enemies and some of us have more disruptive run-ins than others. There are around 80 diagnosable sleep disorders, but the top offenders include:
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Narcolepsy
These conditions make it difficult for individuals to either enter the sleep cycle at all or complete a full cycle without interruption.
The Consequences of Poor Sleep
The consequences of chronic sleep loss can impact one’s daily life and well-being in a number of ways. Studies show that lack of sleep may have wide-ranging effects including:
- Obesity in adults and children
- Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- Anxiety symptoms
- Depressed mood
- Alcohol use
- More
At the end of the day, none of the things listed above are desirable outcomes in the least. If sleep quality is an issue for you, it may be time to seek out an effective aid.
CBD and Improving Your Quality of Rest
In a recent study, 72 adults presenting concerns of poor sleep or anxiety were observed and scored. After data was recorded, these adults were treated with Cannabidiol (CBD).
The results? Two-thirds of these patients improved their sleep scores within the first month of CBD use.
Research shows that CBD has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it an advocate for productive sleep. For this reason, about 10 percent of those who use CBD do so specifically to help them sleep better. Many people are beginning to gravitate towards CBD instead of prescription drugs citing adverse effects from a wide variety of pharmaceuticals. CBD is showing to be safer, easier on the body, and effective at treating a variety of sleep conditions.
Dosing
Given the results of clinical trials, it is best to begin with a CBD dose of around 25-50mg, slowly increasing until results are optimal. Some individuals find smaller doses more effective, while some require slightly larger amounts.
Takeaways
If you are suffering from sleep loss and feel as though it is having a negative impact on your day-to-day life, CBD may be an effective solution for you. At Mett Naturals, we carry a number of quality, hemp-derived, carefully extracted CBD products that are safe and natural for the body. For more information, feel free to browse our shop.
