Intrusive thoughts, a symptom of anxiety, stress, or depression, will follow you to bed, making it difficult to sleep. Without proper sleep, your mind and body will change in numerous ways. Additionally, sleep deprivation increases the risk of developing chronic illnesses and conditions, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
According to medical and anecdotal evidence, CBD oil, an extract of hemp or cannabis, can improve sleep quality by alleviating anxiety symptoms, including intrusive thoughts. The cannabinoid exhibits not only anxiolytic properties, but is also an analgesic, anti-oxidant, neuroprotectant, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Because of that, using CBD oil for anxiety promises protection from the conditions mentioned above, and it can improve sleep.
What to do if you cannot sleep because of anxiety? Below is everything you need to know.
Is insomnia a manifestation of anxiety, and can CBD help?
You are at elevated risk of developing anxiety-related insomnia if you are a biological female, are under lots of stress, lack a schedule, or are above 60. Additionally, if insomnia and mental health issues, including anxiety, run in the family, you are at risk.
To manage anxiety levels, we recommend micro-dosing CBD oil because of the reasons explained below.
Insomnia is a product of many causes, one of them being anxiety. Anxiety is a mental condition characterized by symptoms including restlessness, irritability, worry, pain in different areas of the body, vision problems, and lack of sleep.
The main cause of insomnia is intrusive thoughts.
Do you constantly have nightmares? Does worry wake you up in the middle of the night? Do you find it difficult to fall asleep?
Anxiety and intrusive thoughts can cause all the said occurrences.
Does CBD work for insomnia and anxiety disorders?
Multiple studies (see below) and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD can help manage insomnia and anxiety disorders. The medical definition of insomnia is having difficulties sleeping at least three times a week.
Anxiety refers to a broad variety of conditions, including generalized anxiety, phobias, and so on. The symptoms determine the type.
You know that sleep deprivation or issues are related to anxiety if you experience symptoms, including gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, gas, or bloating, problems with focus or tasks that require concentration, sweating or trembling in social situations, nervousness, irritability, or need to avoid your fears and triggers.
In other words, when anxious, you live in a constant state of worry. It could be about financial issues, work, where you are in life, and so on.
CBD as a treatment for anxiety-related sleep deprivation
At high doses, CBD oil is a mild sedative. When coupled with its relaxing benefits and excellent safety profile, CBD is a safe alternative to sleep medications and anti-depressants.
Anecdotal evidence and clinical self-reports claim that Vaping CBD oil or sublingual administration causes anxiety relief almost immediately.
What the science says.
- 300 to 600 mg of CBD oil is enough to relieve anxiety for most users.
- THC and high-potency weed may cause sleep problems.
What to do if you cannot sleep because of anxiety.
Insomnia does not just happen -there usually is a trigger or underlying factor. Because of that, to treat insomnia using CBD oil, it is vital to identify and treat or manage possible causes.
It is generally recommended that you consult with a professional if lack of sleep hinders your ability to function at school, work, or in relationships.
That said.
Causes of insomnia, apart from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, include:
- Chronic pain. Injury, illness, and high-stress levels are all possible causes of chronic pain. You may experience headaches, back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and so on -making it difficult to sleep. As an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, CBD can help manage chronic pain. But it is advisable to go for a health checkup if pain persists beyond a week or two.
- Lifestyle choices and habits. Heavy drinking or caffeine use, drug abuse, and some medications can cause insomnia. If you are on medication, check for interactions and side effects.
- Sleep disorders, including restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea, may affect sleep quality.
How does micro-dosing CBD oil make you sleep better?
According to anecdotal evidence, micro-dosing CBD oil promises benefits including:
- Increased confidence and hope. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “CBD can reduce anxiety induced by simulated public speaking.” The study’s findings imply that CBD may give the user a confidence boost. Confidence in yourself is beneficial in that it may discourage intrusive thoughts or self-doubt.
According to self-reports, micro-dosing CBD oil also promises:
- A stable mood.
- It may discourage drug-seeking behavior.
Can mood and emotions cause insomnia?
Yes. Your mood throughout the day and the emotions you experience will affect your sleep quality. If you experience high-stress levels, your body will want to stay in a constant state of alertness or awake. Switching the brain off when in a state of anxiety can be problematic, and there is a high possibility that you will wake up prematurely.
Waking up prematurely may also stem from environmental factors, including noise, light, and temperature changes.
Should you use CBD oil if you cannot sleep?
You may use CBD as a sedative or as an anxiety relief agent. If insomnia persists despite use, it could be an indicator of an underlying condition. Consequently, we recommend:
- Consult a general practitioner to weed out any underlying issues.
- Use CBD oil to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Pay attention to changes in mental and physical health.
- Learn to ignore intrusive thoughts.
Note that the FDA discourages the use of cannabinoids when pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, CBD may interact with some medicines. Consequently, if you are on medication, check for interactions or consult a general practitioner before using CBD oil or other supplements.
