CBD vs.THC for Sleep: What’s the Difference?

    A high percentage of Americans struggle to get a good night’s sleep. In fact, according to the American Sleep Association, close to 70 million adults in the United States have some kind of sleep disorder. Of those 70 million Americans, close to 80 percent report sleeping too little, which has been linked to a decrease in happiness, productivity, and immune health. 

    While natural sleep aids have gained some popularity, only one percent of people living in the United States use melatonin as a way to fall asleep. Melatonin does have some negative side effects worth noting, though, so it’s understandable that some people may want a natural sleep aid that doesn’t have the potential to cause headaches, dizziness, and lethargy the next day. For those who have trouble with melatonin, CBD is well worth considering.

    CBD has become a booming health industry, and for good reason. CBD oils represent an easy-to-use and effective way to deal with a variety of ailments, from pain and anxiety to more serious conditions like schizophrenia. CBD oils are easily accessible, too, which makes them a great option for many people looking for a natural solution for the issues they face, although some people turn to THC and marijuana for similar effects. When it comes to sleep aids, however, CBD and THC aren’t exactly created equally. 

    Cannabis has become incredibly popular as a sleep aid, and CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the purest forms of cannabis you can take. Cannabis interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system, which, combined with your natural circadian rhythms, plays a vital role in how you fall asleep and, more importantly, how long you stay asleep. While melatonin plays a role in producing hormones and enzymes that affect your circadian rhythm, using a substance like CBD that specifically engages with your endocannabinoid system obviously has a major effect on how your body’s sleep cycle functions.

    One of the main reasons people decide to choose CBD over THC is because CBD isn’t intoxicating. The fact that THC has a psychotropic effect on its users means that the risk of unwanted side effects is higher. While getting red eyes or slowing down your reaction speed isn’t likely to affect how quickly you can fall asleep, some of the other side effects of THC may pose a problem to specific individuals. For example, if your heart rate increases or you become more paranoid when you ingest THC, these side effects may interfere with you trying to relax and ultimately fall asleep.

    CBD, on the other hand, can be tolerated in very high doses by most of the general public. While THC is known to have sedative effects, CBD is often associated with feeling more awake and alert, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. Since CBD promotes wakefulness and interacts with the endocannabinoid system, using CBD can actually keep you asleep longer and help you stay awake longer the next day. 

    Since CBD helps to regulate restfulness during the day and night, some researchers believe that CBD can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with insomnia, narcolepsy, and general anxiety when they try to fall asleep. 

    If you’re new to using CBD oils, it’s never a bad idea to find an online resource that breaks down different brands of CBD and their benefits. You can find plenty of websites offering you information about popular brands, so if you’re considering a product from Plus CBD, for instance, consider reading a Plus CBD oil review to help you select the oil that is best for you. 

    While THC and CBD can both be useful for those who suffer from sleep disorders, CBD is generally the better choice. CBD can help many with their sleeping issues without the need to take in THC. Just be sure to check out product reviews from expert sources to ensure that you have a product that works best for your needs.