
We all know that getting a good night’s rest is important, but a huge 71% of UK adults do not get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night*.
Whether it’s difficulty drifting off, staying asleep, or experiencing restful slumber, sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on our overall well-being. As more and more people seek natural ways to overcome these issues, CBD has become a popular option.
But how does CBD help you sleep? In this blog, we delve into the importance of sleeping and explore how CBD can help you switch off and stay off.
Why is sleep so important for health?
Sleep is the body’s natural reset button – While you rest, your brain processes the day’s events and strengthens memory, while your body repairs muscles and strengthens your immune system. Sleep is vital for many areas of physical health, but it also keeps your emotions in check, making it easier to manage feelings of anxiousness and daily challenges.
When you’re not sleeping well, you might feel tired, forgetful, or find it hard to concentrate. Over time, lack of sleep can make it harder to maintain balance.
What causes sleeplessness?
Some people naturally sleep lightly, while others drift off with ease. However, 37% of adults in the UK are affected by insomnia**, which is characterised by regularly having difficulty sleeping. Many factors can disrupt a good night’s rest, including:
- Racing thoughts – Whether caused by stress, life challenges, or mental health issues, a busy mind can make it difficult to switch off.
- A disrupted circadian rhythm – Often referred to as your internal ‘body clock’, the circadian rhythm regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Frequent travellers experiencing jet lag and shift workers often have difficulty drifting off at night. Screen time before bed can also affect your body’s natural rhythm, due to the effects of blue light.
- Caffeine and alcohol – The stimulant effects of caffeine can interfere with the body’s ability to wind down, while alcohol can significantly interfere with the deeper stages of sleep. Although it may initially make you feel drowsy, alcohol can cause fragmented rest and early awakenings. Reducing caffeine intake later in the day and moderating alcohol consumption can help promote a more restful night.
- Life changes – Common life changes, like having a baby or going through menopause, can pose their own, unique set of sleep challenges.
While this is not an exhaustive list, understanding what’s behind your sleepless nights can be the first step towards creating a better bedtime routine.
Is CBD good for sleep?
CBD is a plant-based compound that interacts with your body’s systems to promote calm and relaxation. By supporting your body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD helps maintain balance and can encourage restful nights.
It can calm restless minds and alleviate aches, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep. CBD also supports your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
How much CBD can help with sleep?
Start with a low dose, such as our 5% CBD oil, and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved. If in any doubt, consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
We recommend taking CBD oil 30 minutes before bedtime to allow time for its calming effects to begin.
Melatonin vs CBD: What’s the difference?
CBD and melatonin are both popular choices for those looking to support restful nights, but they work in different ways. Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces to regulate sleep-wake cycles. It’s often taken to encourage drowsiness, but it can sometimes cause side effects like grogginess, vivid dreams, or an unsettled stomach. The choice depends on your individual needs—some people even find that combining the two works best for restoring balance and enjoying peaceful nights, but always speak with a healthcare professional before combining CBD with other medications.
Tired of counting sheep? Join the 90% of people who get a deeper and better night’s sleep with Potyque.
Explore more about Potyque and sleep and shop now.
*https://www.directlinegroup.co.uk/en/news/brand-news/2022/sleeping-dangerously–7-5-million-brits-have-under-five-hours–a.html
**https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/get-involved/sleep-manifesto-2024/
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