Can CBD Really Kick Insomnia to the Curb?

Alright, so everyone and their grandma seem to be raving about CBD these days. But let's be real, can this trendy little compound actually be the silver bullet for your sleep woes? I dove deep into the ocean of scientific studies to find out as part of our gay health series, so buckle up.

Our first contender is a heavyweight study from Suraev and pals (2020). These brainy folks scanned through a truckload of studies and came up with... drumroll... a maybe!

Sure, they found some evidence that cannabinoids might work their magic on sleep disorders. But, they also hollered out for more research. I swear these guys love keeping us in suspense.

Next up, we've got a 2019 study from Chung and company. They decided to put CBD to the test with actual, living, sleep-deprived humans. And voila, these insomniacs slept better.

But hold your horses, the researchers didn't declare CBD the new sleep emperor. They cautioned more research was needed to nail down the perfect dose and long-term safety. I’m seeing a theme here, folks.

But wait, there's more! Mendelson and his team (2015) also jumped on the bandwagon with their study on chronic insomniacs. They found CBD might help these poor souls get some shut-eye. But guess what? Yeah, you guessed it. They too called for larger trials.

Even Patel and Kryger (2020), and O’Leary et al. (2021) couldn't resist the allure of CBD for sleep. They examined the evidence, raved about CBD's potential, and... yep, clamored for more research.

Last but not least, Degenhardt and her crew (2016) did a mega-review and found cannabinoids could work for various sleep disorders. But, surprise, surprise, they insisted on bigger and better trials.

So what's the big takeaway from this CBD-palooza? It seems like our star player, CBD, has potential in the sleep game. But before we roll out the red carpet, all these smarty-pants scientists are saying we need more research. Oh, and here's a wild idea: consult a healthcare professional before popping CBD like candy.

Bottom line: CBD looks like a promising rookie in the sleep game, but we're not ready to name it MVP. So, keep your eye on the ball, folks. This match is far from over.

Forms of CBD You Can Take

Here is a summary of the forms of CBD that were studied in the research:

• Oral capsules: CBD capsules are a convenient way to take CBD. They are easy to swallow and can be taken with or without food.
• Oral sprays: CBD oral sprays are a fast-acting way to take CBD. They are absorbed through the mouth and can start working within minutes.
• Sublingual drops: CBD sublingual drops are another fast-acting way to take CBD. They are placed under the tongue and absorbed through the mouth.
• Topical creams: CBD topical creams are applied to the skin. They can be used to relieve pain and inflammation, and they may also help to improve sleep.

What Studies Said About Dosages

The studies also found that the dose of CBD can affect its effectiveness for improving sleep. In general, lower doses of CBD (10-20 mg) may be more effective for improving sleep quality, while higher doses of CBD (50-100 mg) may be more effective for reducing sleep latency. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dose of CBD for improving sleep.

One large study reviewed 14 preclinical studies and 12 clinical studies that investigated the effects of CBD on sleep. The doses of CBD that were tested in these studies varied widely, from 10 mg to 1,500 mg. However, the majority of the studies used doses of CBD between 10 and 100 mg.

The study concluded that there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may be effective for improving sleep at doses between 10 and 100 mg. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dose of CBD for improving sleep.

It is important to note that the optimal dose of CBD for improving sleep may vary from person to person. Some people may need a higher dose of CBD than others to see benefits. It is also important to start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase the dose until you find the dose that works best for you.

If you are considering taking CBD for sleep, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you determine if CBD is right for you and can help you find the right dose.