As a society, we spend about one third of our lives sleeping. It is one of the most important actions we perform to take care of our wellbeing, as it helps the mind and body function properly.
Despite how crucial sleep is to our overall health, the CDC reports that approximately 70 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep trouble. This massive population is comprised of various sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, REM sleep behavior disorder, narcolepsy, and more.
If you have trouble sleeping through the night or constantly wake up feeling tired, this blog is for you! To learn more about the importance of sleep, different types of sleep disorders, and some tips for improving your own sleep habits, keep reading.
Why is sleep important and what are the signs of sleep trouble?
When it comes to every organ, system, and cell in our body, a solid amount of sleep is what helps the body to repair itself while we are resting. It is also key for feeling refreshed and it can influence your mood, productivity, and mental health!
Because the modern world has become absorbed by productivity and efficiency, we believe that maximizing our time will lead to greater success. But what most people forget is that the cost of this is a lack of sleep, which is a vital part of any healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s a few restless nights or an ongoing problem, sleep trouble can lead to problems in your everyday life.
For example, a lack of sound sleep can impact your weight by activating specific hormones that trigger poor eating habits like a constant desire for sugar to temporarily boost energy. Therefore, sleep trouble can be linked to an increased risk for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions associated with an unhealthy weight.
Additional signs that could point to a lack of sleep, include:
- Constant feeling of fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
- Fuzzy memory
- Low energy levels throughout the day
- Difficulty waking up in the morning
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Rapid mood changes and increased irritability
The link between sleep and mental health
Low energy levels caused by sleep deprivation can be linked to depression. This is because an energy deficit can make someone feel less motivated to do the things they love or accomplish even the smallest of tasks. When this happens, it can drastically (and negatively) impact an individual’s self-esteem, relationships, and behavior.
A lack of sleep can also lead to more mistakes at work, poor decision-making skills, and unhealthy eating habits. All of these outcomes can trigger anxiety or cause a person to feel negatively about him or herself.
How to combat sleep trouble by getting a deeper sleep
A lack of sleep can be a difficult cycle to break. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try these tips to help you fall asleep faster and reach a deeper sleep state:
Establish an evening routine: This could include simple adjustments like getting into bed earlier, making a soothing cup of sleepy time tea (we recommend adding in a few drops of our CBD + CBN Blueberry Lavender Nighttime Tincture), or ditching your phone for a few pages of a book.
Avoid caffeine: Caffeine inhibits adenosine receptors in the brain, which are responsible for make us sleepy. Therefore, when we drink coffee or caffeinated tea late in the evening, both of which are stimulants, the inhibited receptors make us more alert. So, while tea is great for helping you to unwind, make sure it’s caffeine-free!
Create an environment you can live and dream in: Your sleep space can make or break your quality of sleep each night. A great sleep environment should feature a cool room temperature, comfortable bedding, and little to no manmade light or external noises.
Exercise regularly: Whether it be through vigorous exercises or gentle yoga, there is a vast amount of research that has shown the positive effects of physical activity on improving sleep quality. Because exercise triggers the release of endorphins and loosens up the body, it can help to improve your mood, reduce stress and anxiety levels, and decrease pain levels — all of which can lead to better sleep overall. Even 20 minutes can make all the difference! Just be sure to keep your workouts outside three hours of your usual bedtime.
Reduce stress levels: Whether you go for a walk outside or step away from technology for 30 minutes, there are many techniques for naturally reducing stress. Meditation is one practice has been shown to help because it helps promote a sense of calm, mindfulness, and relaxation, which can lead to less anxiety and deeper sleep cycles.
Take melatonin: Looking for a natural supplement to help with sleep? Try melatonin! The melatonin hormone is already found in the body and is known for regulating our sleep cycles. Darkness triggers the production of melatonin from the pineal gland, which helps to make you feel sleepy. Taking melatonin supplements can help regulate your natural sleep cycle if you are experiencing restlessness, jet lag, or have difficulty falling asleep.
Hempzilla Insider Tip: Our CBD + CBN Nighttime Gummies are vegan and contain 2 milligrams of melatonin!
The best CBD for sleep
For some, medication and sleeping pills can seem like the only way to achieve better sleep. However, cannabidiol (CBD) is one potential, all-natural alternative that has been gaining popularity in the sleep space.
CBD is one of the two main compounds found in cannabis plants, the other being tetrahydrocannabinol THC. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects or feelings of euphoria. Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which has CB1 and CB2 receptors with an affinity for cannabinoids. When the cannabinoids in CBD bind with these receptors, it is thought to enhance the ability of the ECS to modulate sleep, pain management, and stress. This means that taking CBD might help your body naturally regulate itself and achieve restful sleep.
If you’re looking for reputable, thoroughly tested, organic CBD for sleep, Hempzilla’s sleep collection features three all-star products designed to help you catch better zzz’s.
1. CBD Nighttime Bath Soak
Slip into sanctuary. This delicate blend of Epsom salt, broad-spectrum CBD, and coconut oil is great for melting stress after a long day! For a powerful aromatherapy experience, it is complete with the scent of soothing lavender. According to one study, “several animal and human investigations suggest anxiolytic, mood stabilizer, sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties for lavender.”
2. CBD + CBN Blueberry Lavender Nighttime Tincture
Looking for the perfect nightcap? A dropperful of this tincture might be just what you need! Its powerful combination of broad-spectrum CBD, CBN, and a Sleep Terpene blend of lavender, chamomile, lemongrass, pine, jasmine, and more, work together to induce relaxation and tranquility.
3. CBD + CBN Vegan Nighttime Gummies
Great for travel and on-the-go lifestyles, each gummy is a calming infusion of broad-spectrum CBD and CBN, chamomile tea, lavender, and melatonin.
Curious about what CBN (cannabinol) is? CBN is another cannabinoid found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant. It can also be produced by the oxidization of THC. Because CBN typically interacts with CB2 receptors in the skeletal and peripheral nervous systems, it is thought that this potent cannabinoid can aid in pain relief, thus improving sleep.
Ready to count sheep and get a good night’s sleep?
It’s clear that a consistent good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. But if you are one of many who struggle to get enough rest, there are several natural remedies that can help, including exercise, natural supplements, and limiting technology use in the evening hours.
Another natural remedy with much potential is CBD. It’s thought that CBD may be able to boost the endocannabinoid system, which is known for regulating sleep patterns and mitigating pain, without any of the psychoactive side effects associated with its cannabinoid counterpart, THC. Although more studies are needed, some research shows hope for CBD.
If you’re looking for the best CBD for sleep on the market, our potent, broad-spectrum Nighttime line is designed with your needs in mind! Check it out today at hempzillacbd.com/product-need/cbd-for-sleep/