If you have fibromyalgia, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of cannabidiol (CBD) by now.

Maybe you’ve even wondered if it could help you. After all, one of the things hemp extract is best known for is its ability to alleviate different types of pain. But does it actually work?

WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and a variety of other symptoms.

Despite affecting around 10 million adults in the U.S., it’s a poorly understood condition, with no known cause or cure. Risk factors for fibromyalgia include autoimmune diseases, traumatic events, and central nervous system problems.

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, some people successfully manage symptoms through exercise, acupuncture, physical therapy, and anti-depressants. However, these limited treatment options don’t work for everyone, and leave many frustrated and desperate for relief. As a result, cannabis is a popular alternative.

But while it’s a safer – and often more effective – choice than opioids and other pain medicines, cannabis causes mind-altering effects that can make it hard to function. Not to mention, it’s illegal or highly regulated in most places.

Enter CBD: a legal way to experience many of the health benefits of cannabis, without the high.

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD belongs to a family called cannabinoids, which are substances derived from the cannabis plant. There are over 100 cannabinoids, including the infamous THC, and others that are gaining in popularity, like CBG and CBN.

THC and CBD are by far the most concentrated cannabinoids, making them easy to extract and sell as stand-alone products. Together, these two cannabinoids are responsible for many of the effects attributed to marijuana, although CBD offers purely therapeutic benefits. In other words, it won’t get you high, unlike THC.

At first glance, cannabinoids seem too good to be true. But there’s a scientific explanation for why they produce so many effects: the endocannabinoid system. Despite the name, the endocannabinoid system is actually found in the human body, not the cannabis plant. This network of receptors and neurotransmitters (called endocannabinoids) regulates mood, digestion, pain, and other processes.

Like other neurotransmitters, though, endocannabinoid levels can become unbalanced. In fact, endocannabinoid deficiencies have been linked to fibromyalgia and many other health problems. That’s where cannabinoids come in; they mimic these neurotransmitters and normalize endocannabinoid levels. As a result, CBD and other cannabinoids offer an impressive list of health benefits.

CAN CBD RELIEVE FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS?

With symptoms that range from cognitive to digestive, fibromyalgia is a condition that can affect the entire body. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that many people with fibromyalgia find relief with cannabis, including marijuana and hemp extracts like CBD.

Unfortunately, there isn’t abundant research on the direct effectiveness of CBD for treating fibromyalgia specifically. However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from people with fibromyalgia who use cannabis and its related products, as well as research supporting the use of CBD for many problems that are associated with fibromyalgia. Most notably, CBD can provide strong pain relief for muscle, joint and nerve pain, as well as headaches. Pain is often one of the most debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia, and often doesn’t respond well to medication.

Sleep problems, CBD and fibromyalgia

Along with pain, sleep problems are one of the diagnostic markers of fibromyalgia; in other words, just about every fibromyalgia sufferer has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Waking up feeling unrefreshed is another common issue. To add insult to injury, lack of sleep can worsen other symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain, fatigue, depression, brain fog, and digestive problems.

The good news is that CBD can improve sleep quality and duration, and even help you fall asleep faster. If your lack of sleep is the result of nightmares due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – a condition frequently found alongside fibromyalgia – then you’ll be glad to hear that CBD can also relieve many symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares. The sleep benefits of CBD are significant for people with fibromyalgia, since better sleep can lead to a reduction in symptoms, while improving overall health.

Fibromyalgia, IBS, and beyond

Along with its sleep benefits, CBD is helpful for gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is linked to fibromyalgia. Not only does CBD reduce stomach pain, but it can also improve digestion, reduce nausea, and stimulate the appetite – a particularly helpful effect if you’re unable to eat due to pain, spasms, or nausea.

If you’re still not convinced, CBD is also an antioxidant with antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties as well as benefits for your heart and bones. Considering that fibromyalgia is associated with depression, anxiety, heart disease, and osteoporosis, these benefits make CBD even more appealing. All in all, CBD has strong potential for managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia and improving quality of life.

USING CBD AND OTHER SUPPLEMENTS TOGETHER

One of the lesser known facts about fibromyalgia is that it often comes with vitamin deficiencies, which can worsen symptoms. It’s estimated that at least 25% of fibromyalgia patients are deficient in vitamin D, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, depression, and widespread pain – sound familiar? But even if you don’t have a deficiency, taking certain supplements can be beneficial for fibromyalgia.

Folic acid, for example, can alleviate depression, lower blood pressure, and enhance cognition, making it especially useful for managing brain fog. Similarly, zinc is a powerful supplement to include in your fibromyalgia treatment regimen; studies show it can boost brain function, reduce pain, and improve sleep. It also has antidepressant properties, and may be able to prevent heart disease.

Another supplement to consider is bacopa, an herb with a long history in ayurvedic and ancient Chinese medicine. Bacopa’s main appeal for fibromyalgia is its ability to help with brain fog. In fact, it’s so good at enhancing cognition – especially memory, learning, and concentration – that bacopa is often used in managing ADHD symptoms. Bacopa also shows promise as a potential anti-depressant and sleep aid.

CBD is not a miracle cure, but many people report using CBD for PTSD offers relief of some of its most troubling symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people worldwide. Some of its main symptoms include anxiety, insomnia and depression. Since it causes rapid fluctuations in mood, PTSD can lead to reckless behavior, issues with concentration and even hypervigilance.

Many PTSD patients have reported CBD as being a very effective alternative to helping with some of these symptoms. CBD shows tremendous potential to reduce the negative impact of PTSD, with minimal adverse reactions. In addition, CBD has very few side effects compared with other PTSD treatment methods.

In this article we will discuss how CBD oil can be a part of safe, effective PTSD treatment. We’ll take a look at the most prevalent symptoms associated with this condition and what CBD does to counteract them.

USING CBD MAY HELP EASE PTSD-INDUCED ANXIETY

Anxiety is sometimes not viewed as a serious condition given how prevalent it is. By definition, it’s just a natural response to stress and other stimuli that we may perceive as threats to our well-being. But there is a distinct difference between a reaction that is necessary to avoid a risky situation and one that is detrimental to our own peace of mind or relationships.

Approximately 40 million adults in the US suffer from anxiety disorders each year. People that are part of this large segment are six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric conditions when compared to those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders. Yet, less than 40% of these people receive treatment.

Conventional options for anxiety include going to therapy or using prescription drugs, which may come with strong side effects. Now, CBD oil is becoming a vital tool for fighting anxiety Studies conducted on both animals and humans indicate that cannabidiol may be effective in significantly reducing anxiety. Its positive impact has been attributed to the influence on receptors responsible for regulating serotonin levels, thereby improving mood. According to a 2013 study, CBD may also play a role in regenerating neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain, which can also aid in reducing anxiety levels.

CBD CAN PROMOTE DEEPER, MOST RESTFUL SLEEP

Sleep is one of our most vital bodily functions, that helps us to heal, recuperate and perform at our best. But, for millions of people worldwide, sleep can be quite difficult to come by.

It is estimated that one in four Americans develop insomnia each year. This prevalent sleep disorder has been associated with other health conditions, a major loss in productivity and even vehicular crashes. Perhaps the most common form of treatment for insomnia is sleeping pills. While some may be effective as sedatives, prolonged use may possibly lead to addiction. To make matters worse, when hopping off the medication, some people experience “rebound insomnia,” which is even worse than when they began taking the drug.

Given these potential hazards, it comes as no surprise that some people are looking for safer forms of treatment. One of the earliest uses of hemp was to help induce sleep. CBD has been the main element associated with this effect and is proven to be useful in managing sleep disorders. Through CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system, it can help to address symptoms that may cause a loss of sleep such as anxiety and promote more calmness. It also shows the potential to be a natural remedy for insomnia by aiding the production of melatonin, which promotes a deeper, better quality sleep.

Though research is still in the early stages, the limited studies and mounting user testimonies suggest that CBD is a safe, effective sleep aid, with little to no potential for abuse.

CBD MAY EVEN EASE DEPRESSION

Depression affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability.

This condition should always be treated with some form of professional support. However, because of its stigma some people choose to tough it out or even turn to drugs or alcohol to get relief. These choices usually compound the problems even more. Experts suggest that effective treatment of depression usually involves a combination of structured therapy as well as holistic lifestyle changes. An increasing amount of people with depression are turning to CBD oil products to help support their self-care routines.

Though large-scale clinical trials are still underway, the experimental evidence seems to support CBD’s usefulness in helping to treat depression. Research has shown that the region for the brain responsible for regulating emotions, (hippocampus) shrinks when people experience depression. Some studies indicate that CBD may possibly protect and even regenerate the cells in this part of the brain.

CBD is also known to restrict the breakdown of the so called “bliss molecule” or Anandamide. This compound is an endocannabinoid produced by our body, and is considered a natural antidepressant. Although CBD should not be considered the first choice for handling something as serious as depression, it can certainly add value on the road to recovery.

PEOPLE WITH PTSD MAY FEEL CALMER WITH CBD

Hypervigilance is not really considered a condition but more like a behavior. It happens as a result of dealing with a traumatic situation, and usually involves someone being overly sensitive to their environment. The affected person’s senses are typically on high alert, as they subconsciously anticipate danger or some imminent threat.

This is a common symptom of PTSD, and can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, issues in relationships, obsessive behavior and other social problems. CBD can be great alternative to treating hypervigilance. Apart from its calming effects and mood regulation mentioned earlier, studies have shown that cannabidiol reduces learned fear. It may also contribute to the extinction of aversive memories which are usually linked to traumatic experiences.

CONCLUSION: CBD A VALUABLE TOOL FOR EASING PTSD SYMPTOMS

Professional medical advice should always be the first line of treatment for a serious condition like PTSD.

However, CBD has proven to be a valuable asset in helping to relieve many of the associated symptoms. It provides a safe, natural, alternative for relief, and as such should be considered as a useful supplement which can be combined with other forms of therapy.

Did you know many pro-athletes are now using CBD for recovery?

Whether you’re a pro-athlete, a retired athlete, or someone who spends their nights and weekends pushing their physical potential to the max, you’re intimately familiar with the variety of things that can throw off your game.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), injuries, pain, trouble sleeping, and illness are just a handful of the factors that can get in the way of you and what matters most: being able to recover and perform at your very best. This is why we all spend countless hours learning … How much protein should I get? Should I be intermittent fasting every day? What are the best supplements that I can take to expedite muscle synthesis?

These kinds of questions lead athletes to discover the trendy supplement from hemp that comes from the same plant species as medical marijuana: CBD.

Early research and plenty of stories around the internet suggest that CBD might be a sort of panacea for athletes. From mood regulation to fighting inflammation, this wonder-molecule is being used by some of the fittest people around in the hopes of supporting healing and optimal performance.

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a type of phytonutrient (a compound found in plants that supports human health) found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Specifically, it’s one of around 100 cannabinoids in cannabis. These compounds, which include the well-known mind-altering compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), are unique when it comes to how they interact with the bodies of humans and other vertebrates.

Over the last many years, hundreds of studies have been published on cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD. By interacting with a system in our bodies known as the endocannabinoid system, these phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids that come from plants) can reach cells throughout our bodies, including those in our brains and our immune systems.

Thanks to this interaction, CBD and THC are capable of impacting vertebrate health in many ways. These range from helping with pain and seizures to impacting cognitive function and mood.

Unlike THC, which is the compound that causes you to get high if you smoke weed, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means you can take CBD without feeling “high.”

THE UNIQUE PROPERTIES OF CBD

To understand how CBD might be able to benefit athletes, it’s helpful to have a foundational knowledge as to how CBD works in the body. Studies have found CBD to be: (Sources: 1,2,3,4,5)

• Anti-inflammation: CBD might be able to reduce inflammation in the body, such as that from chronic inflammatory diseases or injuries.
• Analgesic: This means that CBD can reduce the sensation of pain.
• Antioxidant: Free radicals are molecules that can damage our cells, with damage leading to conditions like cancer. Antioxidants reduce free-radical induced harm.
• Anti-psychotic: This type of compound may be able to help those with mental health conditions.
• Anxiolytic: CBD has shown potential in reducing the subjective feelings and physiological manifestations of anxiety and stress.
• Antiseizure: For some types of seizure disorders, CBD can help to reduce the frequency of seizures.
• Neuroprotective: Neuroprotective compounds protect the health and function of our brains and the resulting cognitive abilities.
• Blood flow enhancer: CBD may be able to boost blood flow, therefore increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including to the brain and muscles.

It’s important to understand, however, that most of the properties listed above have been found in preliminary animal studies, not human clinical trials. While these studies provide clues as to what CBD might do in the human body, more studies in humans themselves are needed to confirm if these benefits carry over.

As researchers continue to investigate CBD, we will learn which of these benefits apply to the human body, and exactly what kinds of effects it can have.

WHY ELITE ATHLETES ARE TURNING TO CBD FOR RECOVERY

CBD may help speed recovery

There are many times when our bodies need to recover. The most common is after a game or a hard workout, but we also have to recover physically from injuries like concussions or sprained ankles.

The one thing that our bodies need to do to expedite recovery is to slow down an overactive inflammatory response. This is why we do things like ice injuries, get sports massages, and use compression tape.

Because CBD has demonstrated an ability to combat inflammation, it might be able to help us heal faster. This can be particularly important if you are struggling with DOMS, an injury, or when you have back-to-back games that necessitate rapid recovery.

Additionally, the antioxidant and blood-flow enhancing effects of CBD could help to reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress and deliver oxygen and nutrients to healing muscles.

CBD might reduce pain

If you’re an athlete, you understand the constant battle between performance and pain. Much of the pain that you experience is inflammatory pain, which is pain that occurs from microtears in your muscle or from an injury.

The most common way to treat inflammatory pain are a class of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). With long-term or excessive use of NSAIDs tied to a variety of health concerns, many athletes do without or try to limit their use.

In animal studies, CBD has demonstrated an ability to reduce inflammatory pain in rats. Because there have been no human clinical trials, it’s up to each of us to determine whether or not CBD helps to relieve pain. You will find many first-hand accounts of people using CBD oil for pain.

CBD may help some people sleep

Getting enough shut-eye is critical when it comes to optimal athletic recovery. It’s during deep sleep that our bodies are capable or diverting resources to allow the healing needed following a vigorous workout.

Anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders like insomnia can hinder sleep. When you’re unable to sleep for any reason, you won’t be able to recover as quickly. Some researchers have hypothesized that CBD might be able to help those with anxiety and sleep disorders sleep better.

A small human study found that CBD helped those with REM sleep behavior disorder, allowing them to sleep better throughout the night. Another study published this year found that CBD helped to reduce anxiety in those in a psychiatric clinic over three months, but the effect on sleep was not as definitive.

Even though there is no conclusive evidence supporting CBD’s role in human sleep, the research so far suggests that CBD doesn’t negatively impact sleep in the healthy population, and that some people might benefit from using CBD for sleep.

CBD might help those with chronic traumatic encephalopathy

Athletic recovery isn’t just about performing well in the next competition. For some, damage that adds up over the years can lead to chronic conditions. This is especially true for retired professional football players, as years of head injuries can take a toll long after they’ve stopped playing football.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a condition caused by repetitive head trauma. The chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration can lead to cognitive difficulties like memory troubles, mood disorders like depression, and eventually, to motor dysfunction similar to that in Parkinson’s disease patients.

In a study that examined the brains of deceases football players, it was discovered that 99% showed signs of CTE. And it’s not only football players, but boxer and those in the military, that are at risk of this disease.

Researchers have found that a combination of THC and CBD can help to treat CTE symptoms, such as psychosis, headache, nausea, and mood difficulties. And some believe that CBD itself might be helpful thanks to its neuroprotective effects.

HOW ELITE ATHLETES USE CBD OIL

Now that you know why CBD might offer benefits for athletic recovery, the question is, how do they use it?

The most common way to take CBD oil is orally by using a CBD oil tincture or a capsule. Oral CBD is particularly beneficial because it allows for distribution throughout your body, allowing a multitude of possible benefits.

This is contrary to topical CBD, which are products like salves and lotions that are applied directly to your skin. While this type of CBD might prove useful for things like an injury or arthritis, using it alongside oral CBD will allow additional effects of CBD for recovery in other areas of your body.

You can also find smokable CBD products like vape pens of hemp flower. These offer the highest bioavailability (meaning that more of the CBD is used by your body), however, its safety and dosage have not been researched as thoroughly as oral CBD.

WHAT ATHLETES ARE USING CBD OIL?

More athletes are coming out of the woodwork, sharing their experiences with their dedicated fan base. Not long ago, CBD was banned by the World Doping Agency, and thus using it could have gotten professional athletes in trouble. This all changed in 2018.

You will now find elite athletes from all arenas who are supporters of CBD. Some have started their own companies, and many are hard at work furthering the legality and understanding of CBD. These include (among many others):

• Julie Anthony (pro tennis)
• Tatum Bell (NFL)
• Brita Schwerm Bolane (pro volleyball)
• Shannon Briggs (pro boxing)
• Steve Cantwell (mixed martial arts)
• Avery Collins (Ultramarathoner)
• Julian Davidson (pro skater)
• San Juanita Fetuuaho (Rugby)
• Greta Gaines (pro snowboarding)
• Al Harrington (NBA)

As you can see, professional sports players from many backgrounds are coming together to support the use of CBD for elite athletes.

ARE YOU READY TO START USING CBD OIL?

If you would like to try CBD yourself, the first step is finding a high-quality CBD oil product. Look for a product that offers third party lab-results, also known as a certificate of analysis (COA), that show the quantity of CBD and THC as well as other phytonutrients. All CBD products should be clearly labelled, making it easy to find the full list of ingredients and amount of hemp extract in each product.

Next, you will want to decide between full-spectrum hemp oil (FSHO) and CBD isolate. The general rule is that FSHO likely offers the greatest benefits, but CBD isolates are more cost effective. Additionally, you might want to look for a CBD oil products that contains 0% THC if you do undergo any type of drug testing. Be sure to check with the company that does testing to ensure that a 0% THC CBD oil won’t show up as a false positive.

Remember, most athletes will try an oral product like a full spectrum oil or hemp extract capsules for optimal effect throughout the body. Try starting with a small amount once or twice per day, and slowly increase your dosage until you find what works best for you.

FINAL THOUGHTS: USING CBD FOR ATHLETIC RECOVERY

With elite athletes standing behind CBD and other cannabis or hemp products for recovery, many weekend warriors are beginning to learn about the potential benefits of this plant compound. CBD might help to speed recovery from exercise-induced stress and injuries, and might help to expedite recovery in other ways as well, such as encouraging restful sleep.

With increased legality, you can now buy CBD oil online or find it at stores throughout many states in the U.S.

Mission Farms Rest CBD put us to sleep fast and gave us deeper, restful sleep.

Imagine combining the power of a cup of chamomile tea with the balancing effects of CBD oil. Mission Farms takes a novel approach to their CBD blends, by combining them with essential oils designed to enhance their effects. Mission Farms Rest CBD adds organic chamomile essential oil, bringing these two herbal relaxers together, along with organic bergamot, orange, and lavender as well.

The power of these combined ingredients had us drifting off to sleep in no time after we dropped it under our tongue. Before we dozed off, we enjoyed the tasty combination of citrus and lavender with the added organic vanilla flavoring. This CBD oil has a strong flavor, but you won’t taste the hemp. We were also impressed by the care and transparency that Mission Farms brings to their whole product line.

Mission Farms paid us a fee and offered us free products in return for our honest opinion. If you purchase a product from one of these links, we’ll receive a percentage of sales. Read more about sponsored content on Ministry of Hemp.

Read on to learn more about Mission Farms and their delicious, effective CBD oil.

UNIQUE ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS & A ‘FARM-TO-FAMILY’ APPROACH

In addition to Rest CBD, Mission Farms also offers CBD oil blends designed for stress-relief and to ease the symptoms of pain. While other CBD brands are adding ingredients like melatonin to their sleep CBD blends, we appreciated the unique approach of focusing on essential oils and the terpenes they contain. There’s a growing body of research to suggest that terpenes can have beneficial effects, especially when combined with cannabinoids like CBD.

But Mission Farms are doing more than just creating unique CBD blends. They take a “farm-to-family” approach to CBD products, where they own and manage the farms where their hemp is grown in Bend, Oregon. They’re involved in every stage of the process, from hemp growing to the final supplement. This care is evident in their CBD, from the clear labelling to the high-quality, easy-to-measure dropper in each bottle.

Ministry of Hemp commissioned our own independent lab tests of this CBD oil. See lab results for Rest CBD from April 05, 2019.

MISSION FARMS REST CBD OFFICIAL REVIEW

• Highlights: Mission Farms Rest CBD will ease you to sleep with the combined power of CBD, chamomile, and other soothing essential oils.
• Strength: 1000mg per 30ml bottle (also available in 250mg trial size)
• Price: $29.00 – $99.00
• Customer Service & Shipping: Fast, friendly customer service. Mission Farms charges a flat $5.00 shipping fee on orders.
• Independent Test Results: Online.
• Flavor & Feel: The essential oils give this CBD tincture a strong, distinctive flavor of citrus and lavender with notes of vanilla. With this oil, our reviewer fell asleep fast and slept deeply.
• Ingredients: CBD oil / Full-spectrum Hemp extract in MCT (Coconut-based) oil with Organic Vanilla flavoring and Organic Essential oils (Bergamot, Orange, Lavender, Chamomile)
• Other: Also available in Relieve, Relax, and Pure (just CBD) formulas. Mission Farms offers a generous 30-day money back guarantee for unsatisfied customers.

All Mission Farms products are made with hemp grown in Oregon. They also offer CBD topicals, CBD soap and even a CBD bath soak that our team loved. It soothed our muscles while leaving our skin super soft!

As more people begin using CBD for sleep, we wanted to take a closer look at the science behind cannabidiol as a treatment for insomnia.

Sleep has baffled humans for millennia, and although scientists have tried to unravel its secrets, it is still a bit mysterious. For the 50-70 million Americans with insomnia, it is even more elusive. Standard treatments often lose effectiveness over time and carry risks of dangerous side effects. Finding relief can be a gruelling task.

However, research has shown that cannabidiol (CBD) may be a promising alternative or addition to conventional medications. To understand how people use CBD for better sleep, some basic knowledge of insomnia and the science of sleeping is necessary.

WHAT IS INSOMNIA?

Insomnia is by far the most common of all sleep disorders. People with insomnia struggle falling and staying asleep and suffer from poor sleep quality. As many as 20 percent of adult Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for either primary (independent of outside factors) or secondary (accompanying another illness) insomnia.

When someone with insomnia attempts to fall asleep, their brain enters a state that is known as hyperarousal. During hyperarousal, the body goes into fight or flight mode and is on guard for anything that may be a threat. This increased state of alertness makes it difficult to fall asleep, remain asleep and get restful sleep.

WHAT CAUSES INSOMNIA?

Approximately 70-90 percent of people with insomnia have a mental or physical illness that is the primary cause. Over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs can also cause insomnia. Occasionally, it affects people independent of any outside factors.

Physical conditions that can lead to insomnia include asthma, heart disease, chronic pain, seizures, renal dysfunction, and Alzheimer’s. Most psychiatric conditions can lead to sleep disturbances, especially depression and anxiety. Secondary insomnia often results in a vicious cycle were sleeplessness worsens the primary disease, which worsens insomnia.

HOW IS INSOMNIA TREATED?

Doctors manage insomnia using pharmacological and behavioral treatment methods. Non-medicinal treatment includes stimulus control, cognitive behavioral therapy or relaxation therapy. These include breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, and meditation.

Benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (sedative medications used for the treatment of insomnia and during surgical procedures) and melatonin receptor agonists are standard pharmacological treatments. Over-the-counter sleeping pills and supplements, like synthetic melatonin, are another common medication taken to manage insomnia.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT RISKS

Hypnotic medications used to treat insomnia are known for their potential to cause grave side effects. These include addiction, severe allergic reaction, memory lapses, hallucination, suicidal thoughts or actions, and abnormal sleep behaviors like sleepwalking. They may also lose effectiveness as tolerance is built or cause complications from drug interactions when another condition requires medication.

Among patients treated with pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medications, 48 percent report being dissatisfied with the amount of time it takes to fall asleep (sleep onset latency or SOL) and wake up. A 2001 study of 30 insomnia patients found medication coupled with relaxation therapies caused SOL to plummet from 124 to 29 minutes. The participants using only pharmaceuticals did not experience a change in sleep onset latency, suggesting hypnotics alone are not always successful.

THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP

To understand how cannabidiol can boost sleep it is necessary to understand the biological process responsible for inducing sleep. In humans, circadian rhythm governs a 24-hour sleep schedule that is regulated by the hormone melatonin, a product of the pineal gland. This process begins with the retina; during the day a signal is sent from the eye through the brain, down the spinal cord and back up to the pineal gland, telling it to refrain from making melatonin.

At night, these signals do not activate, allowing the pineal gland to begin producing melatonin. The amino acid tryptophan is absorbed into the pineal gland via the bloodstream, then converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. It is then turned into serotonin by the enzyme aromatic amino acid decarboxylase before finally becoming melatonin.

CBD COULD INCREASE MELATONIN

Cannabidiol may help stimulate melatonin production by boosting levels of tryptophan in the bloodstream; this is accomplished by reducing tryptophan degeneration caused by mitogen, the protein that tells cells to divide. CBD improves serotonin production in the same way, as an increase in tryptophan availability aids in serotonin synthesis in the brain.

Inflammation adversely affects tryptophan cells and CBD reduces inflammation. When tryptophan is readily available in the bloodstream, the pineal gland can produce melatonin more effectively, leading to better sleep. Small doses of CBD may also help improve daytime wakefulness, helping to reset the 24-hour sleep cycle and restore balance over the long-term.

A 2018 study tracked 409 patients with insomnia during 1059 medical marijuana administrations using an educational app. Participants reported their self-perceived insomnia symptoms before and after using cannabis. On average, users reported a 4.5-point decrease after consumption, using a 0-10 visual analog scale. Researchers found that cannabis strains with higher cannabidiol levels more effectively relieved insomnia than ones with higher tetrahydrocannabinol levels.

TREATING CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE INSOMNIA WITH CBD

Cannabidiol alleviates many of the primary conditions associated with secondary insomnia through its antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has proven useful in mitigating symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and autoimmune disease, among others. It also helps control the endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, pain, appetite, cognitive function, and other biological processes.

A 2015 case study showed cannabidiol was effective in treating insomnia induced by anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The subject, a 10-year-old girl, had been abused and was being prescribed pharmaceutical treatments. However, these were only partially effective over the short-term and caused extreme side effects.

Over 5 months, the girl took 25 mg CBD supplements at bedtime and 6-12 mg sublingual doses as needed during the day to control anxiety. After 5 months, the girl’s score on the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children had decreased from 59 to 38, indicating she no longer suffered from insomnia.

USING CBD FOR SLEEP

Research haven’t determined the best dose of CBD for sleep onset latency. However, a 2014 study found a 15 mg dose of CBD increased alertness, suggesting a higher dosage would work more efficiently for treating insomnia.

A 2018 study of medical marijuana users found cannabis strains with higher cannabidiol levels more effectively relieved insomnia than ones with higher tetrahydrocannabinol levels.

Unlike traditional sleeping pills, research demonstrates cannabidiol is relatively safe. CBD does not appear to be habit forming, even in very high doses. For example, a 2018 study found that an oral dose of 750 mg of CBD did not show potential for abuse among 43 people with a history of using two or more drugs for recreational purposes (polydrug use). Hypnotic medications alprazolam and dronabinol demonstrated a risk of dependency among the same participants.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR INSOMNIA

It is vital for anyone experiencing distress or impairment from insomnia to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Poor sleep quality can negatively influence productivity, mental health, and cardiac function.

While some individuals find success using medicinal marijuana to treat insomnia, research suggests tetrahydrocannabinol may impair sleep quality long-term. Cannabidiol on its own is not shown to have the same risks. However, individuals taking pharmaceutical medications should consult with a physician prior to taking CBD.

IS CBD THE SLEEP AID OF THE FUTURE?

Studies from as far back as 1972 consistently demonstrate the potential of cannabis to improve sleep. New research focused specifically on cannabidiol is exhibiting the same positive results, with little potential for adverse long-term effects. Using CBD for sleep is shaping up to be a promising alternative to some risky and inefficient hypnotic medications.

NutraCanna Dissolvable CBD Tablets pack a strong spearmint flavor that reminded us of Altoids.

This was the first time our reviewer had the chance to try a fast dissolving tablet and the opportunity didn’t disappoint! To start, NutraCanna uses high quality packaging that’s clearly labeled and easy to open.

Although the instructions state to put the tablet under the tongue for better absorption through the sublingual glands, our reviewer also put it on top of the tongue to get a better feel for the texture and taste. The tablet begins dissolving immediately after you put it in your mouth. The texture and feel reminded our reviewer of sweet tart candy, without the tart flavor. The spearmint flavor was strong but not overpowering and left a clean minty feel on the palette, combined with a slight medicinal aftertaste.

NutraCanna paid us a fee and offered us free products in return for our honest opinion. If you purchase a product from one of these links, we’ll receive a percentage of sales. We only select the highest-quality CBD products for review on our site. Read more about sponsored content on Ministry of Hemp.

Read on for our full review of NutraCanna Dissolvable CBD Tablets and to learn more about how they’re made.

KENTUCKY FAMILY FARMERS GROW NUTRACANNA HEMP WITH PRIDE

NutraCanna is a Florida-based company that is proud to work with family hemp farmers in Kentucky. These hemp farmers have been producing and cultivating hemp for generations and are pioneers in the industry. Nutracanna operates under the guidance of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in accordance with the 2014 Farm Bill. Moreover, they collaborate closely with scientists and experts on everything from cutting-edge genetics and breeding to harvesting and quality control programs in the U.S.

Their products are 99 percent naturally derived. NutraCanna Dissolvable CBD tablets are gluten free. They’re also free of GMO’s, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and artificial coloring. They use third party testing to ensure the purity and quality of their products.

Each tablet contains 10mg of CBD with a total of 30 tablets for 300mg per bottle. We always recommend starting with a lower dose when starting out with CBD, but experienced CBD users might want to take more than one tablet, or supplement their daily regiment with NutraCanna 1000mg CBD tincture. For potent night time relief, NutraCanna also offers a nighttime fast dissolving CBD tablet with 25mg of CBD per tablet plus melatonin in a delicious orange flavor. In any case, the price point per milligrams of CBD is competitive, so customers are getting what they pay for.

NUTRACANNA DISSOLVABLE CBD TABLETS OFFICIAL REVIEW

• Highlights: NutraCanna Dissolvable CBD Tablets have a great spearmint flavor and dissolve quickly under the tongue so they can go work right away! 
• Strength: 10mg per tablet, 30 tablets per 300mg bottle
• Price: $46.00
• Special: Use coupon code Ministry15 for 15% off your order
• Customer Service & Shipping: Fast, easy to reach customer service. NutraCanna offers free shipping on orders over $75.00. They offer a 30-day money back guarantee for unsatisfied customers.
• Independent Test Results: Online.
• Flavor & Texture: A strong but not overpowering spearmint flavor that mostly covers up the taste of hemp. These tablets remind us of minty candy as they dissolve in your mouth.
• Ingredients: CBD isolate with Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stevia, D-Mannitol, Xylitol, MCC (Microcrystalline Cellulose), Crospovidone, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Spearmint Flavor, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, and Avocado Oil Powder
• Other: NutraCanna also makes dissolvable tablets for nighttime, with added meltanonin, in 10mg and 25mg strength.

NutraCanna’s products are made from non-GMO hemp grown on Kentucky family farms under closely monitored conditions. In addition to fast dissolving tablets, NutraCanna also offers topical CBD pain cream, CBD oil tinctures and CBD isolate. Some research suggests isolates may be less effective than full spectrum extracts.

 

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All Natural Way CBD Sleep Spray combines the healing power of hemp with other herbs and supplements to help you rest better and more deeply.

Part of a series of specialized sprays from All Natural Way, this sleep spray adds beneficial ingredients like valerian and melatonin to hemp. This CBD product has a mild peppermint flavor with a faint undertone of chocolate, and only a slight medicinal aftertaste. When sprayed in the mouth, it leaves a slight oily feeling behind which a sip of water easily removed. We tried this spray for several nights before bed. It seemed to help us fall asleep faster and sleep deeper through the night.

All Natural Way paid us a fee and offered us free products in return for our honest opinion. If you purchase a product from one of these links, we’ll receive a percentage of sales. Read our full disclosure statement.

All Natural Way is taking what they’ve learned as an experienced vendor of quality CBD products to create their own line of great supplements. Read on for our full review of All Natural Way CBD Sleep Spray.

CBD OIL MEETS MELATONIN AND OTHER SLEEP INDUCING INGREDIENTS FOR DEEPER Z’S

CBD oil is already known for the ability to promote better sleep, but this sleep spray creates an even more powerful combination.

Melatonin is one of the most well-known sleep aids, helping supplement the body’s own stores of this naturally occurring hormone created by the pineal gland. It’s most used to prevent insomnia, or delayed sleep. Valerian is also well-known to act like as a safe, mild herbal sedative. The spray’s other powerful ingredients, GABA and magnesium, are also believed to reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles.

We appreciate All Natural Way’s dedication to transparency when it comes to their CBD products. The bottle is clearly labelled with each ingredient, including the strength of each supplement. An independent lab tests each batch of All Natural Way CBD products, with results available to customers on request.

ALL NATURAL WAY CBD SLEEP SPRAY OFFICIAL REVIEW

• Highlights: All Natural Way CBD Sleep Spray combines full spectrum hemp extract with herbs that encourage restful sleep, with a refreshing minty taste.
• Strength: 500mg per 30ml bottle (plus additional herbs)
• Price: $74.99
• Specials: Use coupon code MOH10 for 10% off your order!
• Customer Service & Shipping: Fast customer service. Free shipping on all orders.
• Independent Test Results: Available on request.
• Flavor: This spray has a mild peppermint flavor with a mild medicinal aftertaste from the spray’s additional ingredients.
• Ingredients: Full Spectrum Hemp / CBD Oil plus Melatonin, GABA, Valerian Root Extract, and Magnesium Gluconate, in a base of Purified Water, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Derivative, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Xantham Gum and Natural Flavors.
• Other: All Natural Way offers a generous 30-day refund policy.

According to the label, each bottle of All Natural Way CBD Sleep Spray contains about 30 doses. Each dose contains 16.7mg of CBD, 5mg of melatonin, and 5.33mg of Magnesium Gluconate, and 2.66mg of a proprietary blend of GABA and Valerian Root Extract. Some research indicates these ingredients may promote more restful sleep.

Other All Natural Way Sprays are designed to assist with weight loss, pain relief, energy and stress reduction. They also make CBD oil tinctures and pain cream. All Natural Way makes their products from U.S.-grown hemp. As a marketplace, All Natural Way offers a variety of other high-quality CBD products.

 

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A lot of people wonder how CBD will affect their dreams, since bad dreams can be strange, disturbing and even scary.

Have you ever had a dream where all your teeth fall out? Lots of people have had it and the interpretations of what the dream actually means vary quite a bit. Some say it’s about change in your work life, others (like Carl Jung) suggest it’s related to feeling powerless. Whatever it means, it can be a pretty weird to have.

Sometimes these dreams are upsetting and, of course, unwanted. Because of its everyday association with cannabis, new users of CBD wonder about the side effects of the compound. Will it cause mind altering effects, for example? Or perhaps make you have weird dreams?

THC, CBD & DREAMS

Most of this comes down to a little confusion about CBD oil, and the differences between CBD and THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana. Because CBD does not get you high, and can even promote more restful sleep, CBD users are unlikely to experience these problems.

People mention cannabis and immediately get the wrong idea, thinking they’re going to get high from CBD. The main active ingredient in psychoactive cannabis or ‘marijuana,’ when it’s used for recreational purposes, is a chemical component in the plant called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Experienced users of THC products understand different strains and types of product can induce very unusual dreams.

In most reputable CBD products, you don’t get any of this because there’s no THC. That’s why the media sometimes CBD (mistakenly) refers to CBD as medical cannabis in places like the U.S.

CAN CBD OIL CAUSE WEIRD DREAMS?

Again, this is an area that generally needs a lot more research. First, it helps to know a little more about what happens when you drop off at night. Sleep has different, distinct stages. One well-known stage is REM or Rapid Eye Movement, This is where we normally dream or remember our dreams. The other stage, deep sleep, is beneficial for a lot of things including recovery and restoring the body. Think of it like recharging your batteries.

There have been some anecdotal accounts of people having weird dreams when using CBD, but these may not be down to the compound at all. Research into the effect of THC on sleep patterns found that it decreased the REM stage and increased the deep sleep phase. Subjects also reported a rebound effect when they stopped using the drug. Some people who stopped using CBD oil before bedtime also report having more vivid dreams.

Other people have noted that their recall of dreams after taking CBD oil improves. Even if we do settle into REM sleep and dream, many of us don’t normally remember anything much when we wake up. There’s no evidence, clinical or anecdotal, that suggests any worsening of dreams such as nightmares or night terrors.

CBD COULD LOWER ANXIETY & PROMOTE RESTFUL SLEEP

Studies do suggest that CBD may be involved in lowering anxiety levels and many users point out they tend to fall asleep more quickly when using the compound. Some research also suggests that sleep quality may be improved which can lead to a better sense of feeling refreshed and higher energy levels on waking.

If you are worried about taking CBD for sleep issues or simply as a health supplement, there is currently little evidence to suggest that it is going to give you strange dreams during the night.

 

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