Ever stare at a ceiling (or screen), mentally calculating how many hours are left before you need to wake up… and how much sleep you’ve already lost, only to find it harder to fall asleep in the first place? If so, you’re not alone!
According to the American Sleep Association, 50- 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder. And 30 percent of adults experience short-term insomnia, while 10 percent have long-lasting insomnia.
If you’ve already tried ditching caffeine after 2 p.m. and avoiding screens before bed, you may be asking yourself: What else can I do to get to sleep faster? How can I decrease my anxiety before bed? This is where CBD may be useful to help you turn down the stress levels that come with tossing and turning night after night.
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is commonly used for medicinal and natural remedy purposes. This is because it interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a modulatory system that plays a role in a range of functions and processes, including balancing your body during stressful and anxious situations.
Some researchers note that the reason CBD potentially improves sleep is because it can address certain root issues of sleeplessness by calming anxious thoughts, creating an atmosphere of wellness.
For example, if CBD helps you feel calmer and more relaxed, this may put you in a more comforted state of mind before going to bed. Which ultimately, can help you get to sleep faster and experience deeper rest. But if the root of your sleep issue is due to a specific disorder or health condition, then CBD may not be the best way to address issues for some insomniacs.
Research is still ongoing and more evidence is needed to make conclusive statements about the relationship between CBD and sleep. That said, there are studies and research that suggest CBD could be helpful with stress management and the journey to better sleep.
Here are just a few of the studies that connect CBD with improved sleep:
We generally recommend using CBD products 30 minutes to an hour before you want to go to sleep, especially if you're using CBD with melatonin. But we’ll leave it up to you when CBD makes the most sense in your nightly routine, as it’s different for each of us.
Also, like with most habits, it’s best to stick with your CBD nightly practice for at least several weeks to see its full impact.
Tip: We like to combine CBD products with other nightly rituals like drinking tea, writing down thoughts in a journal, and stretching before bed. This way, it’s a part of a bigger process of taking care of ourselves as we transition from one chapter of the day to the next.
With so many CBD products, you have plenty of options to pick the best CBD for your lifestyle.
Here's South Tip's current list of available CBD products:
There’s no denying sleep is incredibly important for our brain health, memory, and overall mood and well-being. But just because we know something is important doesn’t mean it’s easy - especially when it comes to something as elusive as sleeping. Luckily, there are some tips to keep in mind that can help you feel comforted and calmer before bed.
One of the best ways to signal your mind it’s time for sleep is through a night time ritual, according to Harvard Medical School. Whether you like to listen to calming music or read a book, these acts help your brain switch to a different bedtime mode.
Other tips Harvard recommends include: exercising (but not too close to your ideal bedtime), reserving your bed for sleep and sex (no emailing and scrolling), and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and acidic foods/drinks.
We hope these tips help make your bedtime a little more zen! If you’re ready to try CBD, we offer a wide range of products in both budget-friendly and top shelf options.