Why is sleep an important part of our overall daily routine? 

The lack of sleep or good quality sleep can affect not only our sleepless nights but our daily activities as well.  This is why a good night’s sleep is an important part of a healthy and balanced life.  As adults, we need energy throughout the day to accomplish our daily tasks and to live our lives happily and efficiently.  Sleep is an important part of the equation that will help us live optimally balanced lives.   Lack of sleep can affect our mood by making us irritable and impatient.  We can have trouble focusing and lack the energy needed to perform our daily activities. 

In the long run, sleep deprivation can cause other health issues, especially in children. Children who lack sleep can show reduced brain development and develop learning difficulties. Studies show that children who lack proper sleep can also suffer from emotional issues and weight problems.  Lack of sleep can cause children to feel tired and weak and can make them more susceptible to disease as a result of their weakened immune system and give them a longer and harder recovery time if they do get sick.  All these problems can also occur in adults as a result of sleep deprivation. The importance of a good night’s sleep has never been more recognized than in our day and age.  

 

What has been done to help people suffering with sleep problems?

With so many people suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders such as REM sleep behaviour disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness disorder,  it is no wonder scientists have been working tirelessly to find a solution to the problem. 

As a result, sleep solutions have taken many different forms throughout the years such as sleeping pills, acupuncture, and lately, mindfulness.  

Sleeping pills do actually work to put people to sleep and help them sleep through the night.  However, they also cause grogginess after awakening the next day and can hardly be considered a solution to the problem since they indirectly affect daily functioning negatively.  Mindfulness on the other hand can positively affect a person’s overall well being and help them have an effective and restful sleep through the night.  However, mindfulness requires learning certain techniques and not all people can invest time and effort into making it work.

This is where CBD comes in. 

Anyone who has done their research, consulted with doctors and other knowledgeable people on the matter, may discover a better night’s sleep with the help of cannabidiol, also known as CBD.  CBD is the second most common substance among the active ingredients in cannabis, and is unique in that it has a beneficial effect on the brain. CBD helps the various systems in the brain to communicate with each other, generally improving bodily functions.

As opposed to the first most common substance known as THC, which has a psychotropic effect on the brain, CBD is non-psychotropic.  

The World Health Organisation ruled as early as 2019 that CBD is safe to use, has no side effects and is not addictive at all.  

CBD is a powerful substance that has calming properties:

    • Reduces anxiety and stress by binding with serotonin receptors responsible for regulating mood, emotions and stress levels.  
    • Reduces cortisol levels and helps regulate dopamine levels thus increasing the amount of time the body spends in REM sleep.
    • Relieves muscle aches and other aches and pains thus promoting quality sleep.