We all want to get a good night's sleep. After all, you work harder, are less stressed out, and feel better. But, as we move into the emerging world of CBD and its many potential health benefits, many are asking - what type of CBD strain should I buy?
Is CBD even good for sleep? What about anxiety?
Are CBD strains even worth it?
This article will break down the science of CBD for sleep, along with different types of CBD strains and which ones work best for sleep. If you toss and turn or suffer from insomnia, keep reading to learn more about this all-natural sleep solution.
What Are CBD Strains?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids found within the hemp plant. Most hemp varieties, unlike marijuana, contain low levels of THC, the compound responsible for making you high. In 2018, congress passed the Farm Bill Act, which legalized CBD as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.
When we talk about CBD strains, we speak about the hemp flower. Within the hemp plant, which is cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC, the plant's flowers have many properties that provide relief, including sleep.
While research is still mixed on which strains are the most potent, we know that no two strains of cannabis or hemp are the same. There are primarily two types of cannabis plants, known as:
- Indica: Both Indica and CBD provide therapeutic relief for your body. While CBD is a compound within hemp, Indica is more of a cannabis plant.
- Sativa: Sativa comes in two varieties - Narrow-Leaf Drug (NLD) and Narrow-Leaf Hemp (NLH). NLD is from the cannabis plant, whereas NLH is cultivated from hemp.
Best CBD Strains for Sleep
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For best sleep results, Indica is the best strain. That's because it has a sedative and calming effect on your brain. Some of the more popular strains include Frosted Kush, Special sauce, and Bubba Kush.
Sativa is more of the 'talker's' strain. It enhances mood and has an uplifting effect that makes you feel more energized and focused. For example, if you suffer from anxiety, Sativa might help more as it causes less overthinking than Indica. Popular Sativa strains include Lifter and Hawaiian Haze.
While strains may help determine how well you sleep, CBD and other cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN, also play a vital role.
How Does CBD Help You Sleep?
In 2014, The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Sleep Research Society (SRS) issued a joint statement that included the following:
- For optimum health, adults should sleep seven or more hours per night.
- Sleeping less than 7 hours regularly contributes to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Sleeping less than 7 hours also impairs immune function and may increase pain.
A 2017 report on sleep disorders, listed by The National Library of Medicine, showed that CBD and cannabis might potentially treat sleep disorders. Aside from insomnia, the report also stated that CBD might help with excessive daytime sleepiness and REM sleep behavior disorder.
Another reason CBD helps you sleep is it relieves anxiety. One of the best examples of CBD's ability to help reduce anxiety and sleep better is a study conducted in September of 2015. In the study, participants with PTSD and other anxiety-related disorders were given oral doses of CBD between 300mg and 600mg.
After several weeks, researchers determined, conclusively, that CBD helped relieve symptoms associated with anxiety. PTSD participants also had fewer recurring nightmares and demonstrated better overall sleep performance.
CBD and Your ECS
CBD helps you sleep through its ability to interact with your ECS, or Endocannabinoid System. A complex physiological system called the ECS regulates almost all bodily functions within every mammal. The ECS is responsible for mental well-being, organ health, immune function, and sleep.
When you ingest CBD, two receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, send signals to your ECS to help provide therapeutic relief. Besides sleep, CBD may send other signals to your ECS to indirectly cure insomnia, including:
- Itchy Skin
- Addiction and withdrawal
- Stress
- Metabolic functions
- Neuropathic pain
What Is CBG?
CBG (Cannabigerol), like CBD, is a type of cannabinoid that may aid sleep. Known as the mother of all cannabinoids because all cannabinoids start as cannabigerol acid, CBG helps you sleep by reducing anxiety and relieving inflammation.
What Is CBN?
CBN (Cannabinol) is another cannabinoid thought to improve sleep functions. Although research is limited, some studies have shown that CBN also increases hunger and may help interact with other cannabinoids to provide optimum health.
Do Terpenes Affect Sleep?
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All plants, including cannabis, contain terpenes. Terpenes are, essentially, a plant's immune system and play a vital role in keeping the plant free of diseases. When ingested, we also benefit from these immune-boosting compounds.
There are more than 400 terpenes found in cannabis. For sleep, the most potent terpenes include:
- Beta-caryophyllene: Potentially relieves anxiety and depression, along with racing thoughts.
- Myrcene: Good for sore muscles and may help you relax better at night.
- Terpinolene: This terpene helps you unwind and promotes sleep by making you tired.
- Beta-pinene: This terpene, which smells like a pine forest, acts as an anti-depressant.
How To Find the Best CBD for Sleep?
The best CBD will also contain the entire terpene and cannabinoid profile present in the cannabis plant. Most Full-Spectrum CBD Oils, like Eden's Herbals Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture, contain all cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis' properties to help you achieve a good night's rest.
Some terpenes and cannabinoids might also cause a boost of energy - not always welcome when you're trying to fall asleep. To zero in on sleep health, we've created a special Sleep Aid Tincture that contains the optimal amount of CBD, CBG, and CBN.
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Blended with MCT (fractionated coconut oil), each bottle contains 30 servings and contains no artificial preservatives. All of our CBD products are certified by a third-party lab, meaning your CBD has been tested for purity and quality. Additionally, all of our CBD is:
- CO2 extracted (meaning no impurities).
- Processed from Organic, American-made hemp.
- No prescription is needed.
- Includes free shipping.
If you want to learn more about Best CBD Strains for Sleep, contact Eden's Herbals at support@edensherbals.com today!
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers or doctors not directly affiliated with Eden's Herbals.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.
