Sleep problems can be caused by a number of issues. Factors that can cause sleep issues include: physical ailments like chronic pain or discomfort, mental health issues like anxiety or environmental disturbances such as too much light or noise.
Problems can be short term or chronic lasting days or months. Either way, the end result of is that the body’s circadian rhythm or natural sleep/wake cycle of slumber and daytime wakefulness is disrupted or exaggerated.
Our sleep/wake cycle is regulated by two body systems that interact together and balance each other: our circadian biological clock and homeostatic sleep mechanism. The homeostatic sleep mechanism regulates sleep intensity while our circadian clock regulates the timing of sleep.
Our circadian rhythm is basically a 24-hour internal clock that regulates the daily function of our bodies. The homeostatic sleep mechanism typically increases throughout the day, effectively making a person more and more sleepy as the day goes on.
One strategy to balance our sleep/wake cycle is to improve sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene is a variety of different practices and habits that are necessary to get good night’s sleep. Good sleep hygiene habits include avoiding stimulants like caffeine, high intensity exercise, technology with blue light screens and food that might disrupt sleep too close to bedtime.
During the day make sure to get adequate natural light and have a cool, dark and quite space to sleep. Develop a routine to ease the transition from wake time to sleep time with a period of relaxing activities an hour or so before bed.
Another strategy to balance out sleep/wake cycle may be to bring the endocannabinoid system into balance via use of plant based cannabinoids such as those found in CBD hemp oil. As the primary homeostatic regulator of human physiology, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a major role in the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian processes.
Levels of our endocannabinoids rise and fall in line with our circadian rhythms, showing that the ECS is related to basic physiology of sleep. By keeping our ECS in balance, we encourage our bodies to be more in tune with our sleep/wake cycle.
Small amounts of CBD in divided usage throughout the day can help to balance your sleep/wake cycle start. Before bed try one of the many products that contain CBN. CBN is widely known for its potential to act as a sleep aid, which makes it ideal for those having issues falling and staying asleep.
Slumber makes a line of Sleep Aide CBN tintures and capsules designed to promote deep and restful sleep. Find a usage and time of day that optimizes the benefits of plant base cannabinoids for your unique sleep patterns.
Make sure to keep a journal, listen to your body and determine what works best for you and modify until you find what works. Remember, there is not rush to find the perfect usage. Try to be consistent, patient and consistent. It may come down to a little bit of trial and error.
It’s important not to rely on one single course of action or strategy. Integrate different actions for a more holistic approach to your health care needs. Ultimately, your job is to test and try different products to find the dose just right for you. And remember, it’s important to speak with your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.