With many benefits aiding both our physical and mental health, CBD oil has gained in popularity as a holistic and natural remedy for many ailments in the UK in recent years.

I’ve shared previously how CBD can help in times of anxiety, as well as how CBD can help with work related stress.

Many people are aware of how CBD can be used as an effective pain relief for some people, but not so much how it can also help with mental health complaints such as stress and anxiety, and also sleep.

If you struggle to switch your brain off at night, wake up and fail to drift back off, or have any other insomnia complaints, then read on.  In this article I will share what exactly CBD is and how it can help you with any sleep issues.

What is CBD oil?

CBD stands for cannabidiol.  It’s a type of cannabinoid which is found in the cannabis plant.  Another type of cannabinoid, which you may have heard of, is THC.  THC is the cannabinoid that can get you high, however CBD does not cause a high.

CBD actually has many positive health effects (calming, painkilling, anti-inflammatory, anti-cramping) and as it does not have any psychoactive effects, it is freely available in the UK as a natural health remedy without a prescription.  You can legally buy CBD in the UK and many other European countries, but to know if you can take CBD abroad, click on this link.

CBD oil is very popular and is usually taken orally in droplets from a tincture. Tinctures are one of the most popular methods for taking CBD oil.  There is a lot of advice online for how to use a tincture if you are unsure, how long to hold the CBD oil under the tongue and so on.

It does have a very distinct taste, so some people prefer to take it in capsules or gummies.  I personally prefer capsules as I find these easier to take each morning.  It can also be used as a massage oil or in creams.  Many beauty products are being released which contain CBD oil, as well as soft drinks and even teas!  It really is gaining in popularity and lots of brands are releasing new products with CBD all the time!

How does CBD work?

CBD interacts with our body’s own endocannabinoid system.  This is a system that helps to maintain a state of homeostasis meaning keeping a sense of stability and balance within our bodies, crucial for optimum wellness.

It doesn’t always have an immediate effect.  CBD sometimes needs to build up in our bodies to have the desired effect, so you may need to take it for a few weeks before you fully realise its benefits on your body and sleep improvements. 

Likewise, there are numerous different dosages and ways to take CBD oil (capsules, oils, gummies) so it’s working out the right dose and method for you.  It's advisable to choose a high quality brand with credentials such as vegan certification, organic, non GMO, full spectrum and many more.  Not all brands are created equal, so do research the qualities of a brand and CBD oil before you buy.

How can CBD oil help with insomnia and sleep?

Lots of people suffer with some form of insomnia nowadays.  Our lives are busy and hectic and we are always switched on.  Rarely do we leave our work at work with technology making it possible to work all hours around the clock and always be switched on.

This makes it hard for us to switch off and relax.  Mental health issues are rising and more people are feeling stressed, anxious and tired than ever before.

So when it’s time to sleep and switch off, you simply can’t.

Your thoughts are racing and you struggle to embrace the calm and drift off to sleep.

This is where CBD can help.  CBD can help with stress and anxiety, which in turn calms your mind and thoughts, allowing you to drift off more peacefully.

CBD has a calming effect which can help you to sleep better.

CBD can also be an effective pain relief, so if pain is causing your disrupted sleep, then a knock on effect of CBD helping with pain, is also its ability to help you get a better night’s rest.

There are lots of studies that investigate why CBD helps with sleep, but they can’t always find the exact reason.  More research is needed, but it may be a knock on effect from CBD helping with other issues such as anxiety, stress or pain.  It may help with the cause of the insomnia.

What else can CBD oil help with?

CBD isn’t just effective for insomnia and sleep disorders, but many other health complaints too.  These include:

• Anxiety
• Pain
• Muscle cramps
• Inflammation
• Arthritis

The effects are not yet conclusively scientifically confirmed. However, there are many studies that have shown promising results and many reviews from users of CBD oil singing its praises.

Ultimately, like with any natural medicine or even medicine at all, it may or may not work for you.

In my own personal experience, I have had great success with CBD oil for relieving anxiety and depression.  In fact, when I stopped taking it for one month as I was unsure it was working, I was having such negative thoughts and feeling so down again, that I realised the CBD really was having a massive effect on my mental wellbeing.  I have since started taking it again and my mental wellbeing has definitely improved.  As a bonus, I am certain it improves my sleep if I take it in the evening.

If you’re struggling with insomnia or mental wellbeing then CBD is a natural remedy that could work for you.

Check out my CBD discount codes for some ideas of brands to try.