Consistent, high-quality sleep is essential to health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “our bodies all require long periods of sleep in order to restore and rejuvenate, to grow muscle, repair tissue, and synthesize hormones.” It’s essential that we get these long periods of sleep on an ongoing regular basis to get all the benefits of sleep.
But just because sleep is essential to health, doesn’t mean that everyone gets it. In fact, getting enough sleep on a regular basis is a problem for millions of Americans every year. There are a lot of different factors that can influence one’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. This diverse array of reasons for lack of sleep can be addressed through a variety of means, and one that is currently being researched is hemp.
Hemp and Sleep
Although many studies have already been conducted by scientists over the last several decades, there is still more research that needs to be done before a clear link can be drawn between hemp and sleep in humans. Fortunately, with the legalization of hemp-derived hemp in the United States, research is now easier than ever to fund and conduct.
Given the prevalence of sleep disturbances in the U.S., people are seeking a solution in any way they can. Unfortunately, this has contributed to an overdependence on narcotics as sleepless Americans turn to prescription drugs for relief. This is part of the reason that hemp has become so interesting to researchers. Not only has hemp shown promise to assist with sleep, but it has also shown absolutely no indication of the risk of dependency.
Hemp works in your body through the endocannabinoid system, which is part of your body’s endocrine system. These are glands that produce hormones and regulate many different functions in your body. When you ingest or inhale hemp, it binds with these receptors.
There is a concentrated cluster of cannabinoid receptors in the part of your endocrine system responsible for regulating sleep. Hemp is also believed to help with symptoms of pain and anxiety, which can also lead to improved sleep. Given these connections, it’s understandable why individuals who are looking for relief from their sleep issues turn to hemp.
When to Consider Hemp for Sleep
Sleep is absolutely crucial for our bodies to function properly. Frequently not getting enough sleep can lead to a variety of mental and physical health conditions that can severely impact your life. If you are experiencing sleep disruptions or low-quality sleep most or all nights of the week, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder such as insomnia or sleep apnea. The same is true if you experience excessive tiredness throughout the day, have a hard time staying awake at work or school, or find yourself falling asleep at times and places you cannot control.
Sleep Aids for Sleep Disorders
According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 12% of Americans use some sort of sleep aid. It is not known if they included hemp extract in their study. Healthy habits, along with additions to your daily care regimen such as hemp products, may help improve your sleep and, in conjunction, your daytime functionality. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following healthy habits for proper sleep:
- Stick to a schedule, even on the weekends. It can be tempting to try and “catch up” on sleep during the weekend, but it only disrupts your circadian rhythm.
- Relax. Some sort of pre-bedtime relaxation like stretching, meditation, or a nice shower will calm your body and ready it for bed.
- Avoid naps. Long daytime naps disrupt your circadian rhythm.
- Exercise daily. Regular exercise helps you sleep deeper at night.
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol in the evening. When your body is focused on processing food or alcohol you aren’t able to sleep as deeply.
If you are suffering from a serious sleep disorder, it is always best to consult with a professional medical physician. If your sleep disruptions are minor, or you are just looking for a night of slightly deeper sleep, a little cannabidiol may be all you need to get your sleep patterns where you want them.
