Medical cannabis and CBD use for the treatment and management of many health conditions have increased over recent years. Scientific studies show that CBD has potential medical benefits for treating insomnia. This article delves deeper into what CBD is and how it can help improve sleep in seniors.
What is CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids are typically chemical compounds found in hemp and marijuana plants. CBD attaches to receptors in our central nervous system, acting as chemical messengers. There are numerous forms of cannabinoids, and they all have different effects on our bodies.
The most common types of cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The former is responsible for causing the “high” associated with marijuana use. CBD, on the other hand, does not cause the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Being non-psychoactive, CBD is the most preferred cannabinoid for managing certain medical conditions such as insomnia, pain, and anxiety. Over the past three years or so, CBD capsules has gained traction as a possible alternative for treating some illnesses.
How Does It Work?
While research on how CBD works in managing health conditions is not conclusive, the current findings show that cannabinoids interact with cells and proteins in the brain. Scientists have also discovered that our bodies have a CBD reception system known as the endocannabinoid system.
How The Endocannabinoid System Aids in Enhancing Sleep?
According to research, the endocannabinoid system maintains critical body functions, including sleep, rhythm regulation, mood, and appetite. Researchers found a network of CBD receptors in the central nervous system and the brain within this system.
The two primary CBD receptors are CB1 and CB2. Whenever you ingest cannabinoids, they attach to these receptors in your body, triggering different effects. Regarding how CBD affects sleep patterns, research shows that this cannabinoid interacts with specific CBD receptors, potentially impacting sleep cycles.
CBD can also manage conditions such as pain and anxiety, potentially interfering with sleep among the elderly. By managing such symptoms, the quality of sleep is significantly improved.
How Does It Help With Insomnia?
With age, it often becomes hard to enjoy extended periods of deep sleep. Seniors will find themselves waking up earlier than they used to, and this distorts their sleep pattern. A regular sleep schedule is vital for good health. Your brain cells regenerate while you are asleep, which is why you wake up feeling refreshed.
If you are not getting enough sleep, your brain cells do not have enough time to regenerate. Sunday Scaries CBD can help extend your sleep time. The benefits of a good night’s sleep are only possible in a deep sleep. CBD is not addictive, unlike most sleep aids.
One study found that people using concentrated CBD capsules and tinctures show significant sleep duration and quality improvement. More senior citizens are now trying CBD products to improve sleep quality.
Seniors are also using CBD for pain relief, soothing, and anxiety relief in large numbers. With scientific data to support the health benefits of using CBD, it is not surprising that more seniors are using it to achieve a healthier life.
What are the Side Effects?
Anything that impacts your body’s chemistry can have potential side effects as well. Scientists have been researching to determine whether CBD carries adverse side effects, but the findings show that the compound is relatively safe for medical use.
It is, however, associated with minor side effects such as weight and appetite changes, diarrhea, and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications you might be taking, and you must talk to your doctor before commencing CBD treatment for insomnia.
Your insomnia may be caused by underlying disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Under such conditions, your doctor might have to treat the cause of insomnia instead of managing the symptoms. The medical professional may also have to conduct physical tests or change your current prescriptions before prescribing CBD.
How Much CBD Should You Take?
Most medications become ineffective after using them for too long. Therefore, it would help if you focused on using CBD for short periods to manage your sleep disorder. Avoid using it for over two months. You can decide that you will only use CBD on nights when you suffer from insomnia the most.
Using CBD without insomnia can cause wakefulness. If you have successfully treated your sleep disorder, CBD will cease being effective and might cause prolonged periods of wakefulness.
Is CBD Legal?
The short answer is yes. The Trump administration passed the Farm Bill 2018, which legalized the growing, sale, and use of hemp flowers and hemp-derived CBD products. These products are entirely legal at federal levels, but some states are yet to legalize the use of marijuana, and others have imposed stringent regulations.
While you can use CBD freely in several states, the substance remains illegal in a handful of states. Other states such as Texas and Florida have strict regulations around the sale and use of medical and recreational cannabis.
To ensure you are on the right side of the law, check your state’s cannabis laws.
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