CBD & Sleep: Should You Try a Full Spectrum Product?  

Deep, restorative sleep enhances the production of a molecule that energizes and invigorates nearly every cell in your body, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) (Dworak et al., 2010). Yet, sleep experts estimate that nearly 70% of our population struggles with sleep at least one night each week (Dobric, 2021). Sleep difficulties have increased so dramatically over the past 30 years the CDC proclaimed sleep deprivation a "public health epidemic" (Filip et al., 2017). 

As public awareness increases, so has the number of people turning to the sleep-promoting potential of hemp-derived CBD. Although adults of all ages tell us hemp-derived products made with pure cannabidiol and broad spectrum extract help them sleep better, many report getting their best results using full spectrum CBD. 

Why Are Sleep Issues So Common?  

Sleep difficulties can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, a side effect of certain medications, or a consequence of poor sleep habits (Suni, 2022). Although many people feel their sleep improves after establishing a nightly routine, sticking with a consistent sleep schedule, or cutting back on caffeine, many sleep experts believe most short-term sleep problems are triggered by stress. The connection is not completely understood. However, it appears that elevated cortisol levels can interfere with sleep cycle regulation. 

Based on what the research shows so far, even a single night of poor sleep increases the amount of cortisol circulating in your body. Those elevated cortisol levels can make it increasingly difficult to transition from wakefulness to sleep. As the spiral continues, the resulting circadian rhythm disruptions throw several other neurochemical processes out of sync, including melatonin production (Foster, 2020). 

How Is Full Spectrum CBD Different Than Other Types? What Is It?  

There are three main types of hemp extract, full spectrum, broad spectrum, and pure CBD isolate powder. Full spectrum extracts are the only option that gives you everything the hemp plant has to offer in the same ratio's nature intended (Jacobs, 2016). A detailed analysis would show you an ample amount of CBD plus an impressive number of potentially beneficial terpenes, numerous flavonoids, antioxidant vitamins, essential minerals, and important amino acids. You'll also get a trace amount of up to 113 identified "minor" cannabinoids. Each of those many minor cannabinoids contributes to CBD's health and wellness potential in different ways (Komarnytsky et al., 2021). 

That list of additional cannabinoids includes a small amount of Delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Although the 20:1 CBD to THC ratio ensures there's no risk of intoxication, many CBD users feel full spectrum products are the more potent of the three main options because of the way the combined effects of the THC, other minor cannabinoids, and plant terpenes maximize the contributions of each plant component, a property unique to cannabis called an "entourage" effect (Nahler et al., 2019). Broad spectrum products have additional cannabinoids and terpenes, but many CBD users feel its non-detectable levels of THC diminish the impact of their entourage effect (Wilkins, 2022). CBD isolate contains no additional plant elements. 

How Does CBD Help with Sleep? Is There Any Supporting Research?  

CBD interacts with more than 65 molecular targets, including the receptors of your endocannabinoid system (ECS). As the largest regulatory system in your body, the communication between your ECS messengers and receptors is essential for nearly every critical function, from emotional regulation and stress responses to digestive function, sleep cycle regulation, and the perception of pleasure and pain (Mouslech & Valla, 2009). Researchers believe CBD supports ECS function in a way that promotes essential balance (homeostasis) (Sallaberry & Astern, 2018). 

Although most of the early research is based on lab results and animal studies, a quick search will lead you to numerous reports suggesting considerable sleep-promoting potential. For example, during a small-scale clinical study involving more than 100 participants, researchers reported a substantial improvement in overall sleep scores credited to the cannabinoids "calming" effect" (Shannon et al., 2019). In a similar study pairing CBD with THC, investigators also reported "statistically and clinically significant" results (Vigil et al., 2018). 

What Are the Risks?  

Hemp-derived CBD Products are generally well-tolerated, safe for most people, and have an impressively low risk of (minor) side effects, which can include dry mouth, digestive upset, fatigue, or changes in appetite (Bergamachi et al., 2011).According to a World Health Organization report, there's "no evidence of public health-related problems" associated with daily use (WHO, 2020).  But CBD is not right for everyone. If you have a medical condition or take medication, consult your healthcare provider before using any hemp-derived product. Cannabinoids can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

There's one additional factor you may also want to consider, the THC. While numerous sources claim full spectrum hemp-derived products are unlikely to trigger false-positive results for marijuana use, it can happen. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, stored in fat cells, and released back into the bloodstream as your body utilizes its reserves for energy (Gunasekaran et al., 2009). If you're concerned about the possible implications, consider trying a product made with broad spectrum extracts or CBD isolate. Their THC concentrations are reduced to non-detectable levels (less than .01%) during extraction and processing. 

How to Use Full Spectrum Products for Sleep   

When restful sleep is your top priority, timing is everything. If you're adding a serving of CBD to a cup of herbal tea, enjoying a gummy, or swallowing a CBD softgel or capsule, the cannabinoids are processed through your digestive system. That can take a while, up to an hour or two. For faster results, hold a serving of a CBD oil tincture beneath your tongue for 45-60 seconds, then swallow. This "sublingual" method can work in as little as 15-20 minutes because the cannabinoids absorb through your lingual artery (Ashton, 2022).

Although you'll see serving size suggestions printed on your label, every CBD user is different. A serving size that works well for one person could be too much or too little for you. When using any CBD product for the first time, consider starting with a partial serving. Then, increase that serving size gradually, in small increments. You may need a little patience. It can take time for your system to respond. While you're waiting, you may find it helpful to know that most of our survey respondents report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. 

Which Full Spectrum CBD Products Are Best for Sleep?  

The best CBD oil product for any CBD user suits their needs, preferences, and lifestyle. But purity, potency, and overall quality can vary by brand. When you choose CBDistillery® full spectrum products, you can shop with confidence. We rely on the cleanest extraction methods in our industry, and our products are third-party tested to ensure purity, potency, and consistent quality. There's no single option that appeals to everyone. But the following descriptions could help lead you toward the CBDistillery® full spectrum product that's right for you

Full Spectrum CBD Tinctures – Versatile & Fast-Acting 

CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tinctures are made with hemp extract and fractionated coconut oil (MCT oil), a carrier oil selected for maximum bioavailability. You can use your CBD tincture to add hemp-derived cannabinoids and terpenes to your tea or cocoa, stir a serving into your evening snack, or hold the tincture beneath your tongue for 45-60 seconds before swallowing. 

Full Spectrum CBD Gummies – Vegan & Delicious  

CBD gummies are a bedtime favorite. CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Gummies have a delicious strawberry flavor selected to complement the terpene profile of our full spectrum hemp extract. Each vegan gummy gives you a 30mg serving of CBD, plus the additional cannabinoids and terpenes you need for that entourage effect. Each jar contains 30 gummies. 

Full Spectrum CBD Softgels – Portable & Convenient  

Full spectrum softgels are convenient, portable, and easy to swallow. You'll never have to worry about mixing, measuring, or counting drops because the work is done for you. Each smooth gelatin shell gives you 30mg of CBD, a serving size that seems to work well for most CBD users. CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Softgels are available in 30 and 60-count bottles. 

Full Spectrum Topicals – Targeted & Soothing  

CBD topicals give you fast, targeted relief as the cannabinoids penetrate your skin. For discomfort after physical activity, try CBDistillery CBDol® CBD Balm. Each jar has 500mg of CBD and a soothing blend of botanical ingredients. For the health and appearance of your skin, try CBDefine® Skin Care Cream. Topicals can be used on their own or with any other CBD product. 

Could CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Help You Wake Feeling Refreshed?  

To learn more about supporting ECS function with CBD, visit CBDistillery® to download our Ultimate CBD User Guide. While you're there, consider browsing our selection of CBD, CBDA, CBG, CBN, and THC products. If you're intrigued by CBD's sleep-promoting potential but not quite sure where to start, consider taking our CBD Product Quiz or scheduling a personal consultation. Our products are Leaping Bunny certified and manufactured in a GMP-registered facility. 

References: 

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