Sleep has long been one of the most important but least understood aspects of the wellness journey. It is vital to health; it enhances memory, increases ability to learn, boost immune system, regulates appetite, lowers to risk of cardiovascular disease and recalibrates mood. With so many benefits to our overall health and wellbeing, why don’t get enough of it?
What’s stopping us from sleeping?
Prioritize Sleep
Unfortunately, sleep is not prioritized in modern-day –in fact, culture seems to reward the opposite. Factors interrupting sleep patterns include constant exposure to LED lights, caffeine, nightcaps and nighttime ambient temperatures. While many if these factors can be addressed through good sleep hygiene, workplaces and educational institutions undervalue the need for our sleep.
While a few corporations and schools have modified their schedules in encourage better sleep patterns, it’s certainly not the norm. If you’re not lucky enough to be part of such forward-looking practices, how does one get the needed quality and quantity of sleep? Many people try to catch up on sleep over the week, but unfortunately, the brain and body cannot recover from lost sleep.
Sleep Hygiene
If sleeping in is not an option, make sure to go to bed early enough to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep. This may mean missing the evening news or late-night talk show. Next, follow good sleep hygiene practices. Sleep hygiene refers to healthy habits, behaviors and environmental factors that can be adjusted to help you have a good night’s sleep.
Cannabinoids for Sleep
If that’s not enough, hemp derived cannabinoids like CBD, CBN and even THC, nutraceuticals and other botanicals can help! They can encourage our bodies to be more in tune with our sleep/wake cycle, help us wind down if you can’t sleep because you’re anxious or lessen your discomfort if pain is keeping you awake at night. We could all use a little help occasionally to deal with bouts of sleeplessness.
Elements of a Good CBD Sleep Protocol
In Part 1 of our blog, Elements of a Good CBD Sleep Protocol, we outline the different cannabinoids, nutraceuticals and other botanicals that can used to get a better nights sleep. They can be taken individually or in combination depending on a person’s level of sleeplessness.
Unlike sleeping pills, cannabinoids, nutraceuticals and other botanicals help to enhance our ability to sleep, rather than acting like a sedative. In addition, a study on sleeping pills found that there was no objective benefit of sleeping pills beyond that which a placebo offered.
In Part 2 of our blog, Elements of a Good CBD Sleep Protocol, we outlined common practices using cannabinoids, nutraceuticals and other botanicals for sleep. Although each of the components can be taken individually, they often work better when combined as needed in an entourage effect. As each person is unique, it’s important to start out “low and slow” and work your way up to the suggested use.
If counting sheep has not been working for you, supporting your wind down with CBD may be just what is needed for a peaceful and restful night of slumber.
And, of course, contact our resident expert if you have any questions!