Every night we lay down in our bed hoping to wake up fully rested and recovered the next day. Sadly, many of us find ourselves tossing and turning with anxious thoughts, pain, and stress, keeping us up till late. Sleep disorders like insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and sleep-wake disorders affect millions of people globally.
Only a selected few of us get a full 7-8 hours without any hassle. So what do we do? We try different remedies. Some play soft music, some cut off screen time, some try breathing exercises, and some end up relying on chemical-ridden sleep medicines.
However, a selected few have started shifting to natural wellness products like CBD gummies for sleep. Do they work? Is it safe to take them every night? Let’s find out!!
What are edibles? How do they work?
Edibles is a term that is used to describe cannabis-infused edible products like gummies, brownies, and cookies. Thanks to the 2018 farm bill, CBD edibles are now legally available in all American states.
Many people have actively started consuming them as part of their wellness routine. You can also buy THC-rich edibles in 24 states where cannabis is legal for recreational purposes, but they can make you high and drowsy.
Hence, for sleep, most people stick to CBD gummies because CBD is non-psychoactive and non-addictive. These gummies come in multiple mouthwatering flavors and completely mask hemp’s usual odd taste that is unavoidable with tinctures or oils.
When you consume a CBD edible, it passes through your digestive tract, gets metabolized in the liver, and then mixes in your bloodstream. This process can take anywhere between 30 to 120 minutes depending on your body’s chemistry, tolerance, and metabolism.
The slow-release formula makes edibles perfect for sleep; just chew one with dinner, and by the time you hit bed, your body gets all mellow and relaxed.
Are edibles effective for sleep?
Yes, edibles like CBD or CBN gummies can be your perfect sleep partner. You can find millions of positive anecdotes all across the web from people who saw tremendous improvement in their sleep quality after adding cannabinoid-based gummies to their bedtime routine. Cannabinoids work on your endocannabinoid system to calm your nerves and an overstimulated brain.
People who have difficulty falling asleep due to anxiety, stress, pain, trauma, and other such conditions can greatly benefit from having some gummies every night before bedtime.
There are many studies out there to back these claims. For example, this 2019 study found that 25–175 mg CBD daily reduced anxiety in 79.2% of participants and improved sleep in 66.7% of participants. Within a month.
CBN is also a suitable option; it’s known as the best cannabinoid for sleep. CBN gummies can be easily bought from all popular CBD sites these days. A recent study found that CBN use improves the duration of REM sleep and helps you recover faster and better.
However, instead of running after different variations, it’s best to opt for full-spectrum edibles that come loaded with the goodness of all cannabinoids.
What’s the risk of eating edibles every night?
Usually, cannabinoid edibles are well tolerated by the human body, but there can be some complications with daily use. The biggest concern is tolerance buildup, requiring more and more consumption every time to get similar kinds of effects. That’s why it’s recommended to start with a small dose and take some breaks from time to time.
If you quit cold turkey after prolonged daily use, it may trigger withdrawal symptoms like rebound insomnia, anxiety, or vivid dreams, perpetuating the cycle. Another issue is grogginess if you take edibles late at night and somehow wake up too early. But most of these concerns can be managed by proper planning.
Usually, there are next to nil side effects of CBD edibles, but some people can experience headaches, dehydration, nausea, upset stomach, and fatigue in the initial days.
So start slowly, and if you are already on a medication, discuss it with your doctor first. Never buy roadside gas station gummies, as they often contain way more or way less cannabinoid content than what’s mentioned on the label.
What else can I do to improve my sleep?
Instead of just relying on edibles, you can make some positive lifestyle changes. This will allow you to combine the healing effects of cannabinoids and a balanced routine, leading to much better sleep. Here’s what you should try:
- Consistent Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends. A predictable routine trains your body to feel sleepy and alert at the right times. Before bed, do calming activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or light stretching. Avoid stimulating tasks (work, chores) or heavy meals close to bedtime.
- Avoid Screens: Stop using phones, laptops, or TVs 1-2 hours before bed. The blue light from screens blocks melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Scrolling or watching stressful content can also keep your mind active. Try reading a book, listening to calming music, or dimming lights instead.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity like walking, yoga, and cycling improves sleep quality by reducing stress and exhausting your body. Try to get at least 30 minutes of workout every day. Finish 3-4 hours before bed, as late exercise can increase your heart rate and body temperature, making it harder to fall asleep. Just be consistent, and your body will soon adapt.
Conclusion
To sum it up, edibles like deep sleep gummies can be a great natural aid to improve your overall sleep quality. However, you should refrain from daily consumption as it can lead to tolerance build-up and diminishing returns from the same amount in the long term.
It’s best to go with alternative day usage, or until your body clock gets reset properly. Use it as a supplementary aid and try to make long-lasting lifestyle changes for better sleep.
This includes avoiding a high caffeine dose close to bed, cutting off screen time, regular exercise, having a light dinner, etc. Give your body time, don’t get frustrated, allow edibles as a supporting element, and soon you’ll be able to hit all your sleep goals. Whichever edible you buy, ensure that it’s well-tested and comes from a reputed brand like Colorado Botanicals.