CBD vs. Common Sleep Aids: Which Is Better?

Insomnia and other sleep disorders are a significant problem for at least 30% of American adults. In fact, many have turned to the growing number of natural sleep aids—like melatonin and CBD—for assistance. But which all-natural sleep aid is the best option?

What Causes Sleep Issues?

Insomnia and sleep disorders are typically symptoms of other health issues, but a significant number of sleep problems can be related to anxiety and stress, depression, and insufficient pain management.

• Anxiety and Stress: Stressors from work, school, or life in general affect the body’s ability to shut the brain off at night, causing that tossing and turning sensation.
• Depression: Depression can lead to a vicious cycle when it comes to sleep, as it has the ability to disrupt sleep patterns, which can then exacerbate feelings of depression.
• Joint Pain: This is another two-fold issue for sleep, as the body’s ability to deal with pain can affect the ability to fall and stay asleep. In turn, lack of sleep can lead to healing issues, as well as feeling further discomfort from initial pains.

Common All-Natural Sleep Aids

So what are some other common natural sleep remedies? Below, we cover the all-natural sleep aids most people turn to when struggling with insomnia and sleep disorders.

Melatonin

Besides CBD, melatonin is one of the best sleep aids available because it simply boosts a naturally-occurring hormone in the body. When taken, melatonin strengthens sleep-wake cycles, which ultimately helps the body develop better sleep routines. There are some potential side effects of taking melatonin, however. Those can include drowsiness, headache, nausea, and dizziness.

Valerian Root

One of the most common herbs for sleep used throughout the U.S. and Europe is valerian root. Although research is conflicting, the consensus seems to be that the herb helps users fall asleep faster and can improve quality of sleep as well. Potential side effects can include headache, upset stomach, heart disturbances, and sluggishness.

Lavender

What’s the first thing that comes to mind about lavender? The smell, of course. And that’s exactly how it’s used as one of the natural cures for insomnia. It’s known as an anxiolytic (anxiety reliever) and a sedative, which are both conducive to sleep. While there are multiple potential benefits of lavender, it’s also known as an endocrine disruptor. Lavender oil can have weak or mild effects on both estrogen and testosterone.

Glycine

Another one of the best natural sleep aids is glycine, an amino acid that plays a vital role in the nervous system. Again, this is a plus because it’s naturally occurring in the body. In addition to its regular functions, an extra boost of glycine can help with falling asleep by offering a calming effect through lowering the body’s core temperature. Side effects are nearly non-existent, but there have been rare cases of soft stools, nausea, and vomiting.

Chamomile

Regarded as a mild tranquilizer, chamomile tends to have a calming effect following ingestion because of an antioxidant called apigenin. That particular antioxidant binds to receptors in the brain that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. Although potentially helpful, the reported side effects can be serious. They include anaphylaxis, skin reactions, and vomiting.

Can CBD Help with Sleep?

While the above are the most common options for sleep aids, CBD has been on the rise as an all-natural sleep alternative. There are two main ways CBD can potentially help people fall and stay asleep: calming the body and providing relief from pain and inflammation.

Calming Effect

CBD’s calming effect is due to its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Basically, CBD interacts with one of the ECS’ receptors—called CB1, which is found mostly in the brain—to inhibit feelings of OCD, control serotonin release, and also help with anxiety.

Pain & Inflammation Relief

CBD has also been shown to help the body get better at receiving natural cannabinoids. One of those is a hormone called anandamide, which can sometimes be broken down too quickly by the body and potentially increase feelings of pain. Additionally, CBD works with another receptor (known as CB2) that’s found throughout the immune and GI systems. Essentially, the weak binding of CBD to those CB2 receptors helps to rebalance the effects of natural cannabinoids.

Is CBD the Better Sleep Aid?

CBD benefits are still being studied, but as of now, CBD is one of the best options for all-natural sleep remedies, as it seems to have fewer side effects compared to the other natural sleep aids. In addition, CBD has different methods of use—capsules, oils, vape juices, topicals, edible gummies—that make it easier for people to find the right solution for their needs.

If you’re thinking about trying CBD for more natural sleep, check out the CBD products from Frontier Jackson.