Sleep disorders are a serious problem in America. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 60 percent of Americans suffer from sleep dysfunction at least a few nights a week. And that’s just the people with a formal diagnosis; it’s likely many more Americans suffering from sleep disorders have yet to see a doctor for diagnosis or treatment.
There are many reasons for the prevalence of sleep dysfunction in America — from stress to caffeine consumption to our always-on society. But whatever the cause, the effects of poor sleep can be devastating. Sleep disorders can lead to a wide range of serious health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. They can also make it hard to focus at work or in school, and often contribute to the occurrence of traffic accidents.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to get your sleep habits back on track. If you think you might have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor. There are also some simple lifestyle changes you can make, like avoiding caffeine before bed and sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Getting enough quality sleep is essential for good health, so don’t hesitate to get help if you’re having trouble sleeping. With a bit of effort, you can get the rest you need to stay healthy, happy and productive.
On the other hand, there are several active steps you can also take to improve your overall sleep quality, such as regular use of quality sleep aid supplements. In this post, we go over three categories of promising sleep aids, as well as their respective pros and cons.
Delta-8 THC Supplementation
Delta-8 THC is found in marijuana and is very similar to delta-9 THC, which is the main compound in marijuana that gets you high. However, delta-8 THC is considerably less potent than delta-9 THC, and has been shown to provide some of the same therapeutic benefits without compromising psychoactive effects like loss of motor function or lethargy.
Preliminary studies have shown that delta-8 THC may help with sleep dysfunction. A recent study showed that people who consumed delta-8 THC before bed slept for an average of 8 hours and 40 minutes, compared to the 7 hours and 20 minutes that people without delta-8 THC slept. This study provides promising evidence that delta-8 THC can be an effective sleep aid.
Delta-8 THC is available in many forms, including topicals and edibles. It can take anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours to feel the effects of Delta-8 THC when consuming the latter, so be sure not to overeat too quickly until you’re sure you need a larger dose.
Conventional Sleep Aid Supplements
Non-cannabis sleep aids are some of the most well-known and time-tested on the market. Let’s look at two of the most popular types:
- Melatonin is a particularly effective sleep aid supplement in older consumers, as we naturally produce less melatonin throughout the aging process. This typically results in shorter sleep windows and reduced sleep quality.
- Pineal peptides aid in maintaining optimal condition of the pineal gland, which is instrumental in the function of neuroendocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems, as well as carbohydrate metabolism, melatonin secretion, bone marrow, bone, and joint health.
CBD Supplementation
CBD oil has been shown to play a role in the treatment for sleep disorders. This is because CBD oil can help to regulate cortisol levels and anxiety, both of which are factors that can lead to insomnia. Additionally, CBD oil has been found to be an effective supplement against chronic pain, which can also lead to restless nights.
Unlike melatonin or peptides, CBD doesn’t function as a direct sleep aid. Instead, it promotes healthy sleep cycles and normalizes circadian rhythms by increasing wakefulness and focus. This can help against disorders characterized by daytime drowsiness (e.g. narcolepsy) or by persistent anxiety or mood disorders. This also makes it viable for use before a stress-busting nighttime workout or jog, improving the quality of the sleep to come.
Some of the most popular forms of CBD are also the most versatile, and practical from a portability perspective. These include:
- Tinctures and oils which can be taken orally, sublingually or added into smoothies. These are available in isolate form or as broad- or full-spectrum formulations, which include secondary cannabinoids and terpenes
- Vaporizer e-liquids which can be used with vaping devices like e-cigarettes, pen mods and pod mods, as well as cartridge and tank systems
- Concentrates like hash, budder or shatter, which can be used like butter in cooking or in a dab tool or tabletop rig
If you are struggling with sleep, it’s worth considering the use of CBD oil as an add-on to conventional forms of therapy and medication. You may find that it helps you to get the restful sleep you need, and it can also provide other health benefits. Be sure to talk to your doctor about whether or not CBD oil is right for you.