We all have been wandering through the night unable to fall asleep, you roll to one side turns out it isn’t comfortable enough, the other one neither. That embarrassing memory from ten years ago wonders in and makes you start overthinking. This can happen for many reasons, from stress to drinking too much coffee. If this happens often to you then you have probably wondered more than once if you have insomnia, the answer is, you probably don’t.
I mean you do but not medication-needed insomnia. This sleep condition is a rather complicated one. Insomnia can severely affect your daily life because you end up not getting enough sleep, which affects your brain and body’s functions. In the case you did have it, it is important to recognize what are insomnia symptoms.
WHAT IS INSOMNIA?
Insomnia is difficulty falling and staying asleep. It is a sleep disorder that’ll sap your energy and mood. It can also have several repercussions in your health and everyday performance. Even if you have the chance to do so (meaning all factors are helping you too) you’re completely unable to. People with insomnia often feel dissatisfied with the quality and quantity of their sleep and present a series of symptoms that are not only those of people with trouble sleeping occasionally. It is rather relative because the amount of sleep a person needs variates, though, we can hold 7-9 hours to be the most common standard. At some point in their lives, most adults will experience short-term acute insomnia.
HOW LONG CAN INSOMNIA LAST?
Like everything in life, it depends. Insomnia is characterized and divided depending on its duration. First, there is acute insomnia, this type is characterized because it often happens during difficult life circumstances, like an important exam, too much work stress, bad news, or surgery. It usually resolves without treatment and right after the event or a couple of days later.
Secondly, there’s chronic insomnia. In order to be diagnosed with chronic insomnia, you need to have disrupted sleep at least three times a week for at least three months. The causes can go from (and are not limited to) changes in the environment to overall unhealthy sleep habits, shift work, other clinical disorders, and certain medications. This is the kind of situations that can cause a long-term pattern of not having enough sleep.
Contrary to people with acute insomnia, those who suffer from chronic insomnia probably need clinical help in order to go back to having a healthy sleep pattern. Chronic insomnia can be, and usually is, linked to other medical or psychiatric issue, although the cause and effect relationships haven’t been completely understood yet.
WHAT ARE INSOMNIA SYMPTOMS?
The symptoms presented by those who have insomnia are different depending on which kind the individual suffers from. The most common ones are:
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering
- Waking up during the night
- Not feeling well-rested after a night's sleep
- Waking up too early
- Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
- Irritability, depression or anxiety
- Ongoing worries about sleep
- Increased errors or accidents
This might be present in either type of insomnia. However, you have to differentiate when these symptoms are normal and when you absolutely have to go see a doctor. The main issue you might have that will make it necessary to go to the doctor is if you have trouble functioning during the day because of it. A doctor can identify the cause of your sleep problem and whether it is insomnia or some other sleep disorder. From there you can see how to treat it. If the sleep disorder is in a rather advanced stage, you’ll probably be referred to a sleep centre for special testing.
WHAT CAN I DO AGAINST INSOMNIA?
Chronic insomnia should be treated by a professional physician, however, if you constantly suffer from acute insomnia, there are some little habits you can change in your daily life that will help you beat it
- Waking up at the same time every day – Even on the weekends. Especially on the weekends. This will train your body and regulate your sleep schedule.
- Eliminate alcohol and stimulants like nicotine and caffeine – the effects of caffeine can last up to 24 hours. If you have issues with insomnia caffeine will probably make it worse. Medications that are stimulants, like asthma inhalers or decongestants, ask your doctor when to take them to minimize the effect on your sleep.
- No naps – Naps damage your sleep pattern. They also reduce your tiredness. Both damage insomnia. Just don’t take that power nap.
- Exercise regularly – Exercise improves sleep quality and quantity. But do it at least three hours before bed to avoid being exalted.
- Limit activities in bed – In bed, you sleep and have sex. Nothing else. Don’t work, don’t eat, don’t watch TV.
- Reduce stress – This one is obvious since acute insomnia is usually caused by extraordinary stress.
- Try substances that’ll make you relax – Things such as melatonin pills can help regulate the sleep pattern. Also, CBD oil is a great way to relax and reduce stress, it also shows the potential to promote refreshing REM sleep. CBD may be particularly effective on people with other neurological conditions that can cause insomnia such as Parkinson’s disease.
DOES CBD MAKE YOU SLEEPY?
While CBD is effective in treating symptoms of insomnia, it doesn't work exactly how you'd think. Instead of giving a tranquillizing effect, CBD fights insomnia at its roots. According to Gretchen Lidicker, author of CBD Oil: Everyday Secrets: A Lifestyle Guide To Hemp-Derived Health and Wellness,
“These studies mainly point to CBD’s ability to interact with ... serotonin receptors and GABA receptors in the brain,” she explained. “Serotonin plays an important role in mood and anxiety, and GABA is known as the main ‘inhibitory’ neurotransmitter, meaning it calms excess activity in the brain and promotes relaxation. GABA receptors are the target of benzodiazepines, which are a class of anti-anxiety drugs.”
How Does CBD Treat Insomnia?
The main cause of insomnia isn't a genetic disorder or a contagious disease. It's stress. The majority of us will suffer from stress at some point in our lives, whether it is due to work-related issues, relationship problems or just being scared at the current state of the world.
Stress can lead to mood swings and lack of sleep, while prolonged stress can lead to serious illnesses, like cancer. CBD may be the answer to this.
A study carried out in 2019, with 103 patients suffering from anxiety and poor sleep. Within one month of CBD usage, there was a 79% success rate in decreased anxiety and 66% success of improved sleep within the first month.
CBD has the potential to treat insomnia safely and naturally, without prescription medications.
HOW DOES CBD HELP TREAT STRESS?
Once CBD is taken, it enters the body and interacts with a network of receptors known as the endocannabinoid system, located throughout the body. The majority of receptors on this system is located in the brain and the Central Nervous System.
Studies have found that when CBD interacts with these, cognitive functions improve and the brain can more effectively respond to stressful situations, meaning negative reactions are mitigated. This helps reduce stress levels, making it easier to sleep.
Insomnia is just another ailment on the long list of what CBD may be able to aid. It doesn't make you sleepy, but it stops you from feeling stressed, meaning you can relax more easier. Have a Nice Day!
