5 Ways CBD May Promote Better Sleep

There’s no doubt about the benefits of sleep. Research from the Cleveland Clinic indicates that 70 million Americans struggle to get to sleep every night. If you aren’t one of them, there is a good chance you know someone who is. While there are many different remedies, CBD oil for sleep may offer some relief for this problem. This is great news for people who suffer every night, but how does it work? That’s the question we want to answer.

We know that sleep:

• - Can strengthen your immune system and improve your overall health.
• - Can offer support to you if you’re trying to lose weight.
• - Can improve your thinking processes.
• - Can help you stay awake and alert during the day.
• - Can help you maintain a better mood.

Of course, the opposite is also true. Lack of sleep can lead to car accidents on the road, reduced focus, poor health, weight gain, and poor mood. None of that sounds like a good time. Let’s talk about the five ways CBD may promote a better night’s rest.

#1: CBD for Sleep May Regulate Circadian Rhythms

A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system. These compounds are messengers, and each one has a different effect on your body, depending on its type.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most well-known cannabinoids. THC is famously known as the one that causes people to get high. CBD reacts very differently in the body. It does not lead to negative psychoactive effects, and people do not experience a high while using it.

Research is ongoing as to how CBD can help to promote sleep, and there is still so much more we have to learn. Scientists have determined that CBD interacts with the cells and proteins in the brain to restore balance. Ass a result of that interaction, CBD can help restore circadian rhythms

Understanding the Body’s Circadian Rhythms

The human body must maintain a state of homeostasis (balance) to function properly. Circadian Rhythm is the part of this balance that regulates sleep/wake cycles. The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in the regulation of these cycles.

Because of that role, using CBD might help people have a better night’s sleep. You may feel more relaxed when it’s time to go to bed, and even finally stay asleep all night long. The best part of a good night’s sleep is waking up feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the day.

#2: CBD Can Aid in Regulating GABA and Serotonin Production

Research has shown that CBD can interact with GABA (Gamma Butyric Acid) receptors and serotonin receptors in the brain. Both of them are very important because they help us maintain and stabilize our moods. They also help us stay calm and focused.

Understanding GABA and its Role in the Brain

GABA receptors, in particular, calm down our brains and help them to relax. They are powerful neurotransmitters, and they are actually the most common types we have. GABA’s main job is to act as an inhibitory chemical in our brains. It works by slowing down the activity that takes place between neurons.

Glutamate is another neurotransmitter, but it is excitatory in nature, and not relaxing. In a healthy brain, there is a delicate balance of both glutamate and GABA. It’s interesting that when glutamate levels get too high, they produce GABA as a way to settle the brain back down again.

CBD may increase GABA production, which means you might experience better rest and enjoy a good night’s sleep while taking it.

Understanding Serotonin and How CBD Can Impact Your Levels

Serotonin is responsible for impacting many different functions within the body. It affects your emotional state and helps you feel happy. In people with certain mental health conditions, their serotonin levels can become out of balance. As a result, they may experience higher levels of stress, or feel down much of the time.

Serotonin also plays a role in sleep as well. It is responsible for stimulating the portions of the brain that are in charge of sleeping and waking up. There are different serotonin receptors that are in charge of these two functions.

As with GABA, maintaining proper serotonin levels is essential. When levels are in balance, you feel good. You get enough sleep, you feel happy and you have good moods. CBD may play a key role in keeping serotonin levels balanced, which is extremely important for adequate rest at night.

#3: CBD Might Reduce Physical Discomfort

A lot of people struggle with sleep because of aches and pains that keep them awake at night. It can be hard to find a comfortable position to sleep when your body hurts, and of course, there are different types of pain. CBD may be able to help people who are dealing with acute aches from physical stress life is throwing at them, whether from active lifestyle, injury or otherwise.

Generalized Pain and Discomfort

The CDC has found that more than 20% of people live with pain. For another 8% of people, that pain has a tremendous impact on their daily lives. There are some researchers who believe that CBD endocannabinoids within the brain and immune system. These receptors are actually small proteins that attach to the cells in the body. Their job is to receive chemical signals and help the cells respond appropriately.

Taking CBD may provide the relief that you need to finally get a good night’s sleep. In addition, you may also find that helps to keep any discomfort under control throughout the day as well.

Inflammation

In 2002, the United States government patented CBD oil for inflammation as an anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is different from pain, but there are some similarities as well. It is not limited to just neurons. But it can cause problems such as headaches, muscle aches and discomfort, and cramps.

In the human body, our cells must talk with each other. When their communication is disrupted, it can lead to a host of problems including inflammation. But cellular damage is something that happens all the time because of illnesses, injuries, or environment. When the body senses that something is wrong, it releases inflammatory agents to the cells.

The goal of this action is to promote cell death when they are damaged. But over time, unless something is done to intervene, the result is often ongoing inflammation.

CBD may effectively calm inflammation, which can help you get better sleep at night. It may also make you more comfortable during the day as well.

#4: CBD May Reduce Stress

How many times have you found yourself lying in bed, struggling to go off to sleep? For most people, this is a regular occurrence, and it’s all because of stress.

Think about this for just a moment. There is so much that happens to you throughout the course of your day. Some of it is good and some of it might not be as good. But nighttime presents the perfect opportunity for your brain to process all of it. Unfortunately, that often means that your thoughts keep you awake.

CBD may be able to help all of those stressful thoughts melt away. What is even better is that after you get a good night’s sleep, your subconscious mind will have processed a lot of that information. You may find yourself waking up feeling more refreshed than ever before.

#5: CBD May Relax Your Muscles

Muscle spasms and tightness can be a big problem for anyone from stay-at-home moms to professional athletes. When your muscles are sore, it can be a serious nuisance, which can inhibit you in almost every area of your life. But there is a reason why many athletes choose to use CBD as a supplement after their workouts. It may be effective at helping loosen those tight and uncomfortable muscles. There are even those who take it before working out as a way to be proactive and prevent serious injuries.

When athletes work out, they often experience muscle soreness. This means that the muscles have been torn, and the person begins to feel fatigued. This leads to inflammation, and it can be difficult for the muscles to heal properly until that is gone.

It can be nearly impossible to sleep with muscle soreness, stiffness or spasms. The body repairs itself at night while you get your rest. But if the muscles have been too damaged and inflammation is present, that can take much longer than it should to recover.

Because CBD can help with inflammation, as we mentioned earlier, it might also provide relief for muscle soreness. That means that anyone who experiences this type of discomfort might finally get to experience the sleep they’ve been lacking.

What is the Best Type of CBD for Sleep?

We’re still learning more about CBD and how it may help people sleep better, not every type is a great option for sleep issues. Full-spectrum CBD is a common choice because people are able to receive the benefits of all the phytocannabinoids the hemp plant has to offer, including CBD.

There are several different types of CBD, and some of them may help with sleep problems. It is important to understand what each of the types are prior to making a decision to try it. Please know that some types of CBD are more effective than others. We prefer full spectrum and broad spectrum.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD is arguably the most effective type of CBD because it contains many as 400 other phytocannabinoids along with CBD. Some of the additional plant compounds include beneficial flavonoids, terpenes, fatty acids, chlorophyll and more. Some of the more notable cannabinoids include::

• THC
• CBN
• THCA
• CBC
• CBG

This type of CBD goes through a lot less processing than isolate CBD. Dried hemp plants are used to extract cannabinoids to draw out the compounds. The result is an oil that provides all of the cannabinoids in the plant. CBD and the additional phytocannabinoids interact synergically to cause the “entourage effect,” which is known to promote the benefits of CBD.

People are often concerned about using full-spectrum CBD because it may contain up to 0.3% THC At that small amount, you don’t have to worry about the euphoria that can be caused by THC.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is a very popular option for many people because it does not contain detectable amounts of THC. But the majority of other phytocannabinoids are present within this oil.

People often gravitate toward this option because of the absence of THC because of employment regulations or concerns about trace amounts of THCWhen they use it, they get all of the benefits of full-spectrum CBD without having to worry about ingesting THC at all. Receptra’s broad spectrum 0% THC extracts and topicals are made by removing any trace amounts of THC from full-spectrum oil, while preserving all the other good stuff.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is a purified CBD molecule. Pure does not mean it is better. CBD isolate has a white, powdery look, and it only contains CBD. It does not contain any other phytocannabinoids, such as THC, and it is considered to be 99% pure.

Isolate has been shown to be less effective than full spectrum or broad spectrum because it lacks other cannabinoids and plant compounds. Together, these create the “entourage effect,” which is what most people need for maximum efficacy.

When CBD isolate is made, it is done through an extraction process that strips all of the active compounds from the cannabis plant. Next, a refining process removes all other phytocannabinoids along with any plant matter. What’s left is nothing but CBD in its purest form.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil Is NOT CBD. That should be very clear. It is sometimes confused with CBD because both products are derived from hemp, but they are not the same thing at all. It also does not contain THC or any other phytocannabinoids. It is cold-pressed from hemp seeds.

Hemp seed oil is often used as an additive in food and beauty products for a number of reasons. It has been shown to nourish hair and promote hair growth, help with acne and act as a moisturizer for both skin and hair.

Nano CBD

In nano CBD, it is marketed as a product with very small CBD molecules. They are shrunk down to less than 100nm. From there, they are made into a water-based product. This process makes it much easier for the CBD to pass through the skin.

But there are problems with this type. A recent report has shown that independent testing of Nano CBD has resulted in no detectable CBD at all. This is false advertising, and many consumers have most likely used these products completely unaware of that fact.

It is best to stay away from Nano CBD. Broad Spectrum or Full Spectrum are much better options.

What is the Best Way to Take Hemp Oil to Promote a Good Night’s Rest?

There are many different ways to take CBD for sleep. Most people prefer to take CBD tincture or oil and place it directly under the tongue. This is called sublingual administration, and it is one of the more effective methods of taking it. The mucous membranes under the tongue and in the mouth are very sensitive, and they can absorb the oil’s active ingredients well.

But there are many other ways to take CBD, such as:

• Sublingually – Some people get the relief they’re looking for by taking it sublingually. They may use a tincture and just place a few drops under their tongues.
• Orally – CBD is also available in capsule form, which is what many people prefer.
• Topically – There are some types of CBD that are designed to be applied directly onto the skin. These lotions and salves are typically very potent, and the CBD is absorbed through the skin. It interacts with cells that are near the surface of the skin, so it doesn’t enter the bloodstream.
• Smoking – CBD is also available in the form of hemp, which can be smoked. Many believe that this is one of the best ways to experience the benefits of CBD. Inhalation has shown to be effective because the cannabinoids are quickly absorbed in the body.
• Vaporizing – Vaporizing is a little different because the CBD never comes into contact with fire. Instead, it is warmed up to the point where it produces a vapor. This is when the active compounds are released, and that vapor is then inhaled.
• Edibles – There are many recipes that include CBD, which can make using it even more relaxing when it comes to improving sleep. If this is something you’re interested in, you may want to consider making our CBD sleep tea or having some of our hot chocolate. If you tend to get hungry before bed, why not make a batch of CBD truffles to enjoy first?

In our experience, sublingual and topical applications offer the most bioavailability. They are what we recommend over all other methods of administration.

When to Take CBD Oil for Sleep

It can take 30-45 minutes for CBD to begin working, depending on your method of administration. That means you should take it before you turn out the lights. Otherwise, you may have to wait a while before it starts to take effect.

You should also consider implementing a good bedtime routine that includes turning off all blue lights (cell phones, televisions, etc.). Blue light can interrupt your sleep, which you’re trying to avoid. You might want to consider taking your CBD and then relaxing in a warm bath for about half an hour. You’ll be amazed at how ready you are to catch some Zs afterward.

About Serious Rest for Sleep From Receptra Naturals

Serious Rest CBD for Sleep is a product that is designed to promote the good night’s rest you’ve been lacking. It is currently available as a full-spectrum hemp extract tincture. In the near future, it will also be available as capsules and night face cream.

Receptra’s Serious Rest CBD tincture contains MCT oil, linalool terpenes and hints of valerian root. It also has flavors such as vanilla, peppermint and chamomile, which support serious sleep and keep the mind and body at ease while you get your rest.

There are other natural products on the market to help with sleep problems, such as Melatonin and other natural sleep aids. Receptra Rest CBD tincture combines several of them including chamomile and valerian root along with the soothing flavors of natural vanilla and peppermint oil.

We would like to invite you to give Serious Rest for Sleep a try. Take back your nights so you can face the day with confidence.

Do you have questions about CBD and sleep? Be sure to visit our FAQ page to find answers. Also, please visit our shop to take a look at all of our CBD products.