CBD may help patients struggling with insomnia

Photo Cred: Cotton Bro/Pexels

By Linda Childers

For many Americans, sleep has become an elusive commodity. A recent survey commissioned by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), found that 56 percent of Americans have experienced “COVID-somnia,” an increase in sleep disturbances since the beginning of the pandemic.

While sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, many sleep medications also come with potential risks and side effects. According to The Sleep Foundation, prescription, and over-the-counter sleeping pills  zolpidem, eszopiclone, lorazepam, and diphenhydramine have been associated with a wide range of short-term side effects, including grogginess and nausea and long-term side effects such as pill dependency and rebound insomnia.

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, has emerged as an effective natural treatment for insomnia. A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that cannabinoids were effective in all genders and age groups, and no significant differences were found among product forms or ingestion methods. Although all strains were found to be effective, in that same 2021 study, researchers found the predominant indica CBD strains to be the most effective in reducing insomnia symptoms.

In addition, a study published in the November 2021 issue of Sleep, found that two weeks of taking sublingual CBD at night, improved insomnia and was well-tolerated. Further research on how CBD can help ensure a good night’s sleep is ongoing.

Ashley Wynn-Grimes, BSN, RN, founder of Cannabis Nursing Solutions, in Owings Mills, Md, often consults with patients who are struggling with insomnia. Although nurses can’t medically prescribe CBD, they can recommend it as a potential treatment for insomnia. According to the Center for Advancing Health (CFAH), CBD is now available in all 50 states, and they have a full list on their website comprised of the states that sell CBD legally and conditionally legally.

“By working in harmony with the endocannabinoid system, known to help regulate moods and sleep, CBD offers a relaxing effect and can be used as part of a treatment plan that addresses insomnia,” Wynn-Grimes said. “CBD can also be used in conjunction with integrative therapies such as deep breathing and meditation that all promote a good night’s sleep.”

Since CBD is a means of symptom relief rather than a cure, Wynn-Grimes noted it’s important to address the root cause of a patient’s insomnia and to determine whether they might also have a medical condition such as depression, pain, or a sleep disorder.

For those with unrelenting anxiety, Wynn-Grimes said being unable to sleep can increase anxiety levels, resulting in a vicious cycle.

“If a patient is suffering from anxiety and insomnia, I often recommend they begin taking CBD to relax, while we continue to work to identify the exact cause of their insomnia,” she said.

Wynn-Grimes said CBD tinctures, gummies, and capsules, work well for those in search of a good night’s sleep. She recommends starting with a low dose and increasing the dosage if needed to achieve the desired effects. She also noted that CBD taken as an oil, or in capsule form, offers a slower, more extended release, while oral tincture has a faster onset.

Jamie Rollins, RN, BSN, CYT, chief executive of True Health Consulting, a health and wellness company in Stuart, Fla., has seen CBD used effectively with patients who are overthinkers, chronic worriers, or those with poor sleeping habits.

“I typically start by interviewing a new client to find out what factors may be contributing to their sleeplessness,” Rollins said. “I ask questions to determine if they’re well-hydrated, suffering from stress or anxiety, and whether or not they have a bedtime routine.”

Depending on their answers, Rollins often recommends CBD along with eliminating electronic use three hours before bedtime, keeping electronics out of the bedroom, practicing yoga and deep breathing exercises, and adopting healthy sleep habits.

“It’s important for patients to go to bed around the same time every night, and to embrace sleep rituals such as a warm bath before bedtime or listening to music,” she said. “Even if they begin taking CBD, it can take up to 30 minutes before people begin to feel the effects.”

In rare cases, Rollins said several patients have claimed CBD has the opposite effect on them, causing them to feel more awake at night. In those cases, she recommends taking CBD in the morning, as opposed to right before they go to bed.

“My advice is to start low, go slow, and expect to see results in a couple of weeks,” Rollins said. “There’s no one-size fits all approach to CBD. I recommend starting at 5 milligrams (mg) and slowly working up to a 25 to 50 mg dose if needed.”

Rollins said CBD has also been shown to help reduce cortisol levels by lowering the body’s inflammatory response to stress and has been proven to help with pain management, making it a safer alternative than opioids.

“I experienced firsthand how CBD helped with my own debilitating back pain and anxiety and have seen how it can help others fighting pain and insomnia,” Rollins said.

Linda Childers is a freelance health writer based in California. Over the past 20 years, her work has appeared in publications including The Rheumatologist, The California Health Report, Brain+Life, The Washington Post, Arthritis Today, Health Monitor, and many other national media outlets. In addition, she has created content for numerous health companies and hospitals. She believes that achieving true and lasting health involves blending Western medicine with a holistic approach to healthcare.