Modern mamas are the embodiment of tenderness, strength, and grit. They are the type of moms who strive to do it all—effortlessly juggling work while nurturing the family. With so many responsibilities on their hands, most moms sacrifice precious time for sleep just to fulfill all their duties, which poses detrimental effects.
A good night’s sleep is the cornerstone of a person’s health and well-being. Having adequate sleep—that is, at least seven hours each night—ensures that you will wake up refreshed and energized enough to take on the day. Not to mention, it is during sleep that the body repairs cells, consolidates memory, and releases hormones and proteins that the body needs. So it should not be surprising that chronic sleep deprivation has serious repercussions such as high blood pressure, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even depression. That said, it is crucial to maintain good sleep hygiene. Fortunately, doing so is easier now more than ever, as moms can now unlock peaceful nights with CBD.
How Does CBD Aid Sleep?
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Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many phytocannabinoids found in Cannabis plants. In recent decades, it has risen in popularity due to its many therapeutic benefits. Among this long list is its ability to induce sleep and relaxation. To understand how CBD exerts such effects on the body, it is crucial to understand how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The endocannabinoid system is our body’s very own network of neurons and chemicals called endocannabinoids that regulates various physiological functions, including emotions, pain, and sleep. This means that our body naturally produces endocannabinoids, but it also means that the receptors for endocannabinoids are also receptive to external sources of cannabinoids, such as CBD. Therefore, CBD exerts its effects by binding to the ECS receptors.
On the other hand, the hypothalamus is the part of the brain that serves as the “sleep switch” as it influences the circadian rhythm and regulates sleep. This structure is rife with cannabinoid receptors, which is why CBD is so effective at inducing restful sleep.
CBD Relieves Chronic Pain and Inflammation
Another explanation for such effects of CBD is that it takes away the discomfort of the users, thereby allowing them to sleep soundly. Recall that CBD is a potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory agent, and muscle relaxant, so those with chronic pain and inflammatory diseases report sleeping better upon taking CBD. This is guaranteed to be beneficial to moms who stay busy all day long and, as a result, tend to suffer from muscle aches.
CBD Alleviates Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia
CBD is also known to relieve stress and anxiety by acting on the endocannabinoid system and the hypothalamus, making it a useful remedy for those with insomnia who may suffer from sleeplessness because of the anxiety of inadequate sleep or an overactive stress response. Because CBD calms both the mind and the body, moms riddled with stress or even anxiety and insomnia will surely fall asleep in no time.
CBD Helps Minimize Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Circadian rhythm disorders or sleep-wake cycle disorders happen when your body’s internal clock is out of sync with your environment, such as when there are changes in your sleeping habits due to travel or work (for those who do the graveyard shift); or as a consequence of aging, medical conditions, or even genetics.
CBD helps minimize circadian rhythm disorders by making sure that the body progresses through the normal sleep stages and REM sleep proceeds without interruption. Thus, improving both the quality and quantity of sleep. This is especially useful for moms who have just given birth and dealing with the sudden shifts in hormone levels, along with the accumulated fatigue from pregnancy. Not to mention, the round-the-clock demands of caring for a new baby will inevitably mess up the mom and dad’s circadian rhythm. Taking some CBD before bedtime can help prevent circadian rhythm disorders.
CBD Relieves Restless Leg Syndrome
Researchers are now exploring CBD’s potential to treat restless leg syndrome, a condition wherein abnormal nerve firings result in an uncontrollable urge to move one’s legs, therefore interrupting sleep. Preliminary research suggests CBD has the potential to reduce the frequency of abnormal nerve firings, thereby reducing involuntary leg movements and sleep interruption.
CBD Lessens the Occurrence of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
In normal individuals, the brain temporarily paralyzes the skeletal muscles during sleep, preventing you from moving and acting out your dreams. Otherwise, it could lead to accidents and dangerous behavior. REM sleep behavior disorder is a parasomnia wherein the patient verbalizes and performs aggressive movements during the REM stage of sleep. This disorder is commonly seen in elderly patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
CBD can potentially help patients manage the symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder by diminishing the occurrence of the symptoms. In a small sample study, participants experienced the symptoms two to seven times per week. But after taking CBD, the symptoms were reduced to one to zero times per week.
Should You Be Worried About CBD’s Drug Interaction With Other Prescription Medications?
If you are taking anti-epileptic medications, antidepressants, and opioid analgesics, you should consult your doctor before taking Cannabidiol. CBD may produce drug interactions with some prescription medications and herbal medicine, so it is imperative to let your physician know before you take CBD supplements. Doing so will allow your doctor to assess whether the medications you’re taking will cause a negative interaction with CBD, thus, preventing any untoward incidents and adverse reactions.
Fall Into A Deep, Restorative Sleep With CBD
For super moms out there who haven’t had a decent sleep since having kids, it is comforting to know that it is still possible to achieve their well-deserved sleep with CBD. Simply mix CBD oil in your nighttime tea or milk, or drop two to three drops under your tongue and wait for 15 to 30 minutes. In the meantime, prepare to fall into a deep, restorative slumber you haven’t had in years.