Health experts say that adults require 7 or more hours of sleep per night for optimal health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, many people have trouble reaching this threshold, leading to them feeling tired throughout the day and being unable to function at their best. 

Sleep-related problems are believed to affect between 50 to 70 million Americans, with roughly 10% of them experiencing chronic insomnia. Moreover, research indicates that 1 in 4 Americans develop insomnia each year, with some of them never being able to fully recover.

Insomnia is especially prevalent among military members and veterans. Deployment-related insomnia is common among active military members, and insomnia symptoms related to mental health problems are common among veterans. One study found that approximately 74% of US veterans experience insomnia symptoms. 

More and more people are turning to CBD to combat insomnia and similar sleep problems. Keep reading to find out how CBD can help to alleviate the symptoms of insomnia and which consumptions methods are most effective for combatting different kinds of insomnia. 

How Does CBD Help With Insomnia?

CBD primarily treats insomnia by alleviating the anxiety that may be causing it or making it worse. 

CBD’s calming and sedating properties are believed to make it ideal for alleviating anxiety. Numerous studies have confirmed CBD’s potential as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) agent. A 2011 study on CBD and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) found that the administration of cannabidiol resulted in significantly decreased anxiety and reductions in cognitive impairment. Furthermore, a 2017 study found that CBD may be able to alleviate anxiety by “reducing learned fear”, therefore minimizing anxiety that is triggered by memories from the past. 

Research also shows that CBD’s anti-anxiety effects may also help to improve sleep. A recent study from 2019 found that 79% of test subjects who were dosed with CBD reported reduced anxiety within the first month of the study. Moreover, 66% of subjects reported improved sleep during the same timeframe. 

CBD has been found to also be effective in the treatment of PTSD-related insomnia, something that many veterans suffer from. A 2016 single-patient study on a young girl suffering from PTSD found that the administration of sublingual CBD resulted in “a maintained decrease in anxiety and a steady improvement in the quantity and quality of sleep”. Researchers concluded that CBD is a safe treatment for reducing anxiety and improving sleep. 

If you believe that your insomnia may be caused, or worsened, by anxiety, then CBD may be able to help. 

Which CBD Consumption Methods Are Best For Insomnia?

Sublingual CBD tinctures are one of the most effective ways to consume CBD for insomnia. CBD tinctures are applied under the tongue where they are quickly absorbed through membranes in the mouth that deliver CBD into the bloodstream. 

If you are having trouble falling asleep, sublingual CBD tinctures are a great tool for getting you to sleep quickly. The effects of sublingual CBD can typically be felt within 30 minutes of use and can last for up to 3 hours. If you believe that your anxiety may be preventing you from falling asleep, a CBD tincture or CBD oral spray may be just what you need. Our CBD Sleep Support Oral Spray is packed with natural sleep-inducing melatonin, GABA, and valerian root that work to boost CBD’s naturally sedating effects. 

CBD capsules and edibles are a better option for those who have trouble staying asleep throughout the night. This is because edible CBD takes some time to be processed by the digestive system, leading to longer-lasting effects. As the capsule or edible is slowly digested, CBD is slowly released into the bloodstream. Because of this lengthy process, the effects of a CBD edible or capsule can be felt for as long as 6-8 hours.

If you are having trouble staying asleep throughout the night, a long-lasting edible may be just what you need. Our CBD-infused gummies are bite-sized treats that are both delicious and effective! Or if you prefer a flavorless option, our full-spectrum CBD capsules are unscented, taste-free, easy to digest, and long-lasting. 

When combined with a bedtime dose of sublingual CBD tincture, a CBD capsule or gummy can help you to fall asleep, and stay asleep throughout the night. 

Have you tried our CBD products for sleep? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page!