60% of Americans struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, and get high quality rest on a nightly basis. While there is much talk of the circadian rhythm and sleep habits, rarely discussed is the newly-discovered physiologic system known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS influences sleep in multiple locations in the brain, including the circadian rhythm, as well as in the periphery. The naturally occurring endocannabinoid anandamide promotes sleep, reduces wakefulness, and potentiates sleep. Yet living in our modern world, environmental, emotional, and physical stressors deplete this system of our naturally circulating endocannabinoids. The recent explosion of research into the ECS and plant based cannabinoids is finding evidence for what many have found personally via experience: CBD can fill in the gaps in our physiology that the modern world depletes and when the ECS is repleted, that previously elusive high-quality sleep is discovered. Below is a collection of current clinical reviews of CBD & sleep.

• The Sleep Foundation’s review of CBD as a sleep aid

• This 8 min read explores the ECS influences on our circadian rhythms, reviews the risks of hypnotic sleep aids, and looks at the extensive body of research on hemp to help with sleep

• “Missing the mark with Melatonin”

• Melatonin pills are a synthetic hormone. This study explores the safety of using melatonin supplements, and the typical (and surprising) addition of serotonin to many of these.

• Clinical research review contrasting sleep pharmaceuticals with various type of cannabis including Full Spectrum CBD

• Large Case Study of CBD for Sleep and Anxiousness

• Reach out to the person who shared this page with you for access to a recording of our 30 minute class “The Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep.”

For additional resources and specific recommendations, please connect with the advocate who shared the page with you or simply click here.