CBD and Botanicals for a Restful Night's Sleep

Sleep is a crucial component of our overall health and well-being. However, many of us struggle with getting a good night's rest. Sleep is not something to be taken lightly at any age! Many people are unaware of the consequences of not getting enough sleep! Some people even brag about how they can function after 5-6 hours of sleep. There are many consequences of not getting enough quality sleep! It can drain your mental abilities and put your physical health at risk. Science has linked lack of sleep with several health problems.

Have you ever spent the night in agony, tossing and turning? Do you feel tired, cranky, grumpy, and out of sorts in the morning? You're not alone! Nearly 50-70 million people in the U.S. suffer from lost slumber, and women are more commonly affected. Over 60% of women do not get the recommended daily 7-9 hours of sleep. Plus, these sleep issues tend to increase with age! Yes, they grow with age. That's one of the myths: The older you get, the less sleep you need! That is a myth. The older you get, the more you need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. This does not mean you are in bed tossing and turning for 7-9 hours! Without enough sleep, your brain and body systems won't function normally. It can also dramatically lower your quality of life and have long-term adverse effects.

The use of sleep aids is a common solution, but many over the counter (OTC) options come with potential side effects and risks. The good news is that natural alternatives, such as CBD and botanicals, are gaining popularity as a safe and effective way to promote sleep. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using CBD and botanicals for sleep, the science behind their effectiveness, and tips for maximizing their benefits.

How much Sleep do we need?

Our sleep habits — and sleep needs — change as we age.

According to recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation, you should aim to get the amounts of sleep listed below:

Understanding the Science Behind Sleep and How CBD Can Help

The human body has a natural sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm, that regulates our sleep patterns. However, various factors can disrupt this cycle, including stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and other health conditions. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound found in cannabis, CBD does not produce a "high" or psychoactive effects. Instead, it interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, and other bodily functions.

Research has shown that CBD can help improve the quality and duration of sleep, reduce anxiety and pain, and promote relaxation. A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal found that 67% of participants reported improved sleep after taking CBD. Another study published in Current Psychiatry Reports in 2019 found that CBD may have therapeutic potential for insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Benefits of Using a Natural Sleep Aid vs. OTC Sleep Aids

Many OTC sleep aids contain antihistamines, which can cause side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, and daytime drowsiness. Additionally, long-term use of OTC sleep aids may lead to dependency and rebound insomnia, where the medication actually makes it harder to fall asleep.

In contrast, natural sleep aids like CBD and botanicals are generally considered safe and non-addictive. They work with the body's natural systems to promote relaxation and sleep, rather than forcing the body into an artificial state of sleepiness.

Best OTC Sleep Aids and Their Potential Side Effects

If you are considering an OTC sleep aid, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks. Some of the most common OTC sleep aids include diphenhydramine (found in brands like Benadryl and Tylenol PM), doxylamine (found in Unisom), and melatonin supplements.

Diphenhydramine and doxylamine are antihistamines that can cause side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, and daytime drowsiness. They may also interact with other medications and health conditions.

The Best Sleep Aid for Adults - Why CBD is a Promising Solution

CBD is a promising solution for adults looking for a safe and effective sleep aid. As mentioned earlier, CBD has been shown to improve the quality and duration of sleep, reduce anxiety and pain, and promote relaxation. Additionally, CBD is non-addictive and generally well-tolerated by most people.

When choosing a CBD product for sleep, it's important to look for high-quality, third-party tested products. Broad spectrum CBD products contain all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, except for THC.

How to Choose the Right CBD Product for Sleep

When choosing a CBD product for sleep, there are a few factors to consider. First, look for products that are made from high-quality, organic hemp. Hemp absorbs toxins and chemicals from the soil, so it's important to choose products that are grown without the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Next, look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency. Reputable companies will provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that shows the results of these tests.

Finally, consider the type of product you want to use. CBD products come in a variety of forms, including tinctures, capsules, gummies, and topicals. Tinctures are the most popular options for sleep, as they are easy to use and provide consistent dosing.

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of CBD for Sleep

To maximize the benefits of CBD for sleep, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. It's important to find the right dose that works for you, as taking too much CBD can lead to side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth.

Next, take CBD at least 30 minutes before bedtime. This will give it time to take effect and promote relaxation before you try to sleep.

Finally, create a relaxing bedtime routine that incorporates CBD and other relaxation techniques. This can include taking a warm bath, practicing yoga or meditation, and avoiding screens for at least an hour before bed.

Other Botanicals That Can Help with Sleep - A Closer Look

In addition to CBD, there are several other botanicals that can help promote sleep. These include:

Valerian root: Valerian root has been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid. It works by increasing levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in your brain. It slows down your brain by blocking specific signals in your central nervous system. GABA is known for producing a calming effect. It’s thought to play a major role in controlling nerve cell hyperactivity associated with anxiety, stress and fear.

Griffonia Seed Extract: Griffonia Simplicifolia contains the chemical 5-HTP. This chemical works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, pain, and mood. Since 5-HTP increases serotonin, Griffonia Simplicifolia is used for some diseases where serotonin is believed to play an important role. These include depression, insomnia, obesity, and other conditions.

Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone in your body that plays a role in sleep. The production and release of melatonin in the brain is connected to time of day, increasing when it's dark and decreasing when it's light. Melatonin production declines with age. People commonly use melatonin for sleep disorders, such as insomnia and jet lag.

Success Stories and Reviews from CBD Users for Sleep

Many people have found success using CBD and other natural sleep aids. For example, Sarah, a 35-year-old mother of two, had struggled with insomnia for years. She tried various OTC sleep aids but found that they left her feeling groggy and unrefreshed in the morning. After trying CBD, she noticed a significant improvement in her sleep quality and was able to wake up feeling rested and alert.

Similarly, John, a 45-year-old executive, had struggled with anxiety and stress that kept him up at night. He found that using CBD before bed helped him relax and fall asleep more easily, without the need for prescription sleep aids.

Here are some reviews from happy restful customers of CBD Wild Leaf!

"Thank you! The Sleep releaf really works for me!" - Susan, OKC

"Seriously, I was on Ambien for a few years and had a traumatic experience with it, plus a couple of months of terrible withdrawals. Finally got off and went to Lunesta which gave me terrible vision issues. THEN went to Sonata. Wanted OFF sleep aids so now I'm on CBD Wild Leaf's Sleep tincture, and I'm telling you the truth...no more prescription sleep aids. 2-3 drops before bedtime and within 30 minutes I'm out. Please try it so you can stay off the pharmaceuticals." -  Melissa, Dallas

"I currently use 4 of CBD Wild Leaf's products and love them all! The Freeze release instantly relieves my elbow pain, the Releaf eases my anxiety immediately, the sleep releaf helps me sleep at night, and although I don't have migraines, the migraine releaf helps ease my sinus pressure. I highly recommend CBD Wild Leaf!" - Pacia C.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Using CBD and Botanicals for a Restful Night's Sleep

If you are struggling with sleep, it's worth exploring natural alternatives like CBD and botanicals. These natural sleep aids can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and pain, and improve the quality and duration of sleep. As with any supplement, it's important to choose high-quality, reputable products and start with a low dose. With the right approach, you can unlock the power of CBD and botanicals for a restful night's sleep.

Looking for high-quality CBD products to promote sleep? Check out our organic, third-party tested CBD Sleep tinctures. CBD Wild Leaf’s Sleep tinctures contain CBD, Valarian Root, GABA, Griffonia Seed Extract and melatonin.