Over 64% of Americans use some sort of CBD product, the main compound found in hemp plants and hemp products such as gummies, tinctures, and creams. While the reason for their usage varies, there’s one thing that’s for sure: hemp for sleep can be pretty beneficial.
After all, sleep is a crucial component of our health and well-being, yet many of us don’t get the recommended seven to nine hours per night. Hemp products are being studied as a potential natural solution for insomnia and other sleep issues.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different hemp sleep products available and what the science says about their effectiveness. We’ll also discuss how to use them safely and effectively to improve your sleep quality.
Keep reading to learn how to use hemp to improve your quality of sleep.
What Is Hemp?
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis Sativa plant and is known for its industrial uses. You’ve probably noticed it is used a lot for industrial purposes. Hemp is a popular product for producing paper, clothing, biodegradable plastics, and even building materials.
Unlike its cousin marijuana, hemp does not contain enough THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) to produce any mind-altering effects. Instead, it’s high-value on most markets for its fibers, which can be used to make fabric, biodegradable plastics, and even building materials.
In addition to its practical applications, hemp also has a range of potential health benefits due to its high levels of essential fatty acids and other nutrients. From clothing to medicine to construction materials, hemp proves to be a versatile and sustainable resource.
What about the health benefits of hemp? We’ll explore all of those in-depth below, but the health benefits stem from the fact that there is CBD in hemp.
It’s a common misconception that hemp plants don’t contain CBD. In reality, hemp plants are a great source of this compound. While marijuana plants also contain CBD, hemp plants have higher concentrations and can be legally grown in many countries.
It’s also worth noting that hemp does not contain enough THC to produce any psychoactive effects, so it can be used for a variety of purposes without the “high” feeling associated with marijuana. This is why it can be great for sleep without other added side effects.
Is Hemp Legal?
The simple answer is yes, hemp is now legal in the United States. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived products like CBD oil can now be grown, sold, and consumed in all 50 states.
However, there’s a catch. While hemp itself is legal, it must contain less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound found in marijuana). Any hemp plants or products containing higher levels of THC are still considered illegal under federal law.
It’s also worth noting that individual states may have their laws and regulations regarding hemp cultivation and sales, so it’s important to do your research before buying hemp products.
For example, Idaho, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and South Dakota have banned the production of hemp within their state borders. Other states have legalized the sale of products containing CBD but have restrictions on which CBD products can be sold.
While you’re likely fine to purchase hemp gummies and hemp softgels for sleep, it’s always a great idea to check the legality of hemp and CBD in your state and city.
Hemp vs. Cannabis: What’s the Difference?
It’s important that you understand this because it’ll ultimately affect the information and products you find online containing hemp for sleep purposes. People often use hemp and cannabis interchangeably, but they aren’t exactly the same.
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis Sativa plant, just like marijuana, but it contains less than 0.3% THC. This means hemp won’t get you high as cannabis would.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, contains high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for its psychoactive effects. Hemp, on the other hand, contains lower levels of THC and higher levels of non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol).
As a result, hemp is commonly used for therapeutic purposes where CBD makes more sense while cannabis is mainly used for recreational and medicinal purposes where users are looking for more psychoactive effects.
What to Know About Cannabis and Cannabinoids
Now that you know there’s a difference between cannabis and hemp, it’s important to understand that, within the Cannabis Sativa plant you’ll find something called cannabinoids.
Have you ever heard of THC or CBD (yep, the ones we’ve been talking about)? If so, then you’ve heard of cannabinoids!
THC and CBD are just two of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids aren’t just limited to marijuana. You can find cannabinoids in other plants, too. They are even produced naturally by our bodies.
These molecules interact with our endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a variety of processes including pain, mood, and memory.
While THC is the cannabinoid best known for its psychoactive effects, many others are being studied for their potential medical benefits. Yep, that includes CBD. It’s even being studied for its ability to help improve sleep. Hemp for sleep is still fairly new, but it’s on the rise.
To help ensure you know what compounds you’re supposed to be looking for when choosing the right hemp products, and to help ensure you understand how they interact with your body, let’s break down the two main types of cannabinoids.
THC
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive component in marijuana. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in many processes including mood, memory, and pain sensation.
THC mimics our body’s natural cannabinoids, leading to effects like relaxation or euphoria. It can also interact with other neurotransmitter systems in the brain to produce changes in sensory perception and mood.
Overall, the effects of THC can vary greatly from person to person. It is different for everyone based on individual biology and differences in how it is consumed. For example, people notice a big difference between smoking and eating edibles.
THC can also have some negative side effects such as increased anxiety or paranoia in high doses. However, THC has also been studied for its potential medical uses, such as pain relief and appetite stimulation.
Overall, THC’s interactions with the endocannabinoid system may produce a range of effects that vary depending on the individual and how it is consumed. This is why it’s not as great of a solution for those looking for a sleep aid. Instead, it’s best to try CBD.
CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s often used in products like oils and edibles as a natural remedy for things like pain and anxiety. But how does CBD actually work in our bodies? It all has to do with our endocannabinoid system.
As mentioned above, this system helps regulate things like mood, pain, and memory by producing cannabinoids.
Like THC, CBD interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. However, CBD potentially enhances its functioning and helps to bring the body back into balance. So while CBD won’t get you high like THC, it may still have benefits for overall well-being.
And as more research is being done on CBD and the endocannabinoid system, we’re learning even more about how it can support our health. Health benefits vary from improved sleep to reduced pain and muscle fatigue. Keep scrolling to learn more about those health benefits.
Exploring The Health Benefits of Hemp
Aside from potentially helping with sleep, there are several other health benefits of hemp. Understanding these benefits can help you more effectively integrate hemp products into your daily routines.
Hemp seeds, for example, are a rich source of protein and healthy fats, making them a great addition to any diet.
Hemp oil, which you can extract from the plant’s seeds, contains the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, which have been shown to improve heart health and boost brain function.
Likewise, hemp oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. This could potentially aid in the treatment of conditions like arthritis and migraines. Great, right? You bet! That’s why so many companies use hemp oil to create all-natural, healthy treatments for their customers.
It’s also why so many health food companies have taken to using hemp in their foods. Hemp contains minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium, as well as antioxidants and chlorophyll.
These, along with the benefits mentioned above, can help with everything from hormone imbalances to skin conditions. This means that whether you’re consuming hemp oil or eating hemp peanut butter, you’re getting lots of essential minerals and health benefits.
And last but not least, hemp leaves can be used to make CBD, which we’ve gone over above. As you’ve just learned, CBD has been linked to reducing anxiety and pain relief.
Hemp for Sleep: What Can It Treat?
Okay, so by now you know all about the benefits of hemp. However, we’ve waited to talk about one of the biggest benefits: hemp can help improve sleep quality!
While the effects of hemp on sleep quality will depend on the product you’re using and how much CBD it has, here’s what to know about how to use it as a sleep aid.
Insomnia
As we’ve established, the hemp plant contains compounds known as cannabinoids. This includes the well-known cannabinoid CBD. In small doses, CBD has been found to promote relaxation and help with sleep.
How so? Studies have shown that CBD can help stimulate relaxation, making it a great option for those struggling with sleepless nights. This is particularly true if you have anxiety and experience racing thoughts to find it hard to turn your brain off at night.
In addition to hemp’s effects on sleep, its anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to better overall sleep health. When your body isn’t as inflamed you can get better, more restful sleep.
But hemp isn’t just good for treating insomnia in the short term. Studies have shown that hemp can also help with chronic insomnia by reducing the racing thoughts and anxiety mentioned above.
So if counting sheep just isn’t cutting it, give hemp a try! Just be sure to talk to your doctor before adding any new supplement to your routine. And remember: hemp is not the same as marijuana, and won’t produce a high or impair your ability to function during the day.
Anxiety
Have you ever tried using hemp to treat your anxiety? It may sound a little out there, but hemp has been shown to have some serious benefits for those struggling with anxiety. As mentioned above, this can be helpful if anxiety is what’s making it difficult for you to fall and stay asleep.
How does it work? The cannabinoids inside the hemp plant interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote feelings of relaxation and reduce stress.
Some studies even suggest that hemp can be more effective at treating anxiety than traditional pharmaceuticals, with fewer side effects.
So next time you’re feeling stressed out, consider giving hemp a shot. Just make sure to stick to hemp products that contain little to no THC, as this compound can actually increase anxiety in some individuals.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder is a sleep disorder that causes people to physically act out their dreams.
Usually, REM sleep is accompanied by muscle paralysis, but individuals with REM sleep behavior disorder do not have this paralyzation and can kick, punch, or even scream during REM sleep.
It’s like an intense form of sleepwalking, for example. However, the movements are directly related to the dream you’re having. So, the behavior associated with REM sleep behavior disorder can be dangerous for the individual and those around them.
Treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder usually involves medication to improve REM paralysis or improved safety measures for during sleep. However, as is the case with most prescription medications, it can be harmful and interfere with other medications.
This is where hemp comes in. The cannabinoids found in hemp have been shown to potentially help to regulate the brain activity associated with REM sleep and decrease the occurrence of these disruptive behaviors.
Likewise, another study showed that CBD in hemp might help improve symptoms of this sleep disorder. It can reduce dream-related movements and improve overall sleep quality.
More research needs to be done on CBD’s ability to treat RBD, but initial evidence suggests it may be helpful for those suffering from this disruptive sleeping disorder.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder, also known as narcolepsy, is a sleep disorder that causes a person to feel excessively sleepy during the day.
This extreme fatigue can lead to difficulties with daily activities and often results in sudden episodes of falling asleep or losing muscle control. Other symptoms of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder include sleep paralysis and hallucinations during sleep.
Treatment for this sleep disorder often includes medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. However, CBD in hemp is emerging as a potential treatment for this type of narcolepsy as well.
As we’ve mentioned, CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate many bodily functions including sleep-wake cycles. In addition, CBD can help alleviate anxiety and pain, both of which can contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness.
More specifically, it appears that CBD in hemp can increase the levels of 2-AG, an endocannabinoid that promotes wakefulness and decreases sleepiness. Additionally, CBD can also act on serotonin receptors, potentially improving mood and reducing fatigue.
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of CBD on narcolepsy, current findings suggest it may be a promising treatment option.
Does this mean one CBD or hemp gummy at night is going to cure your Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder? It will likely require a more strict regimen. However, the results are promising!
Is Sleep Even That Important
If you’re reading the above benefits but are struggling to understand why sleep is so important then now’s a good time to take a step back and look at some important facts and statistics.
Many people underestimate the importance of sleep, but getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining good health. During sleep, our bodies have a chance to repair and rebuild damaged cells and tissues, as well as consolidate memories and process new information.
Sleep also gives our body the time and energy it needs to regulate hormones. This has a direct impact on everything from immune function to mood.
This is why sleep deprivation can lead to several negative effects on the body, including an increased risk of:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Depression
In addition, sleep affects cognitive function and decision-making ability, so not getting enough sleep can impact your performance at work or school.
Adequate sleep helps to keep our minds sharp and our bodies strong, so make sure you prioritize getting enough sleep each night.
Whether that means taking hemp capsules with melatonin or turning off your cell phone to avoid distractions during the night, your health will thank you in the long run.
Are There Risks of Taking Hemp Sleep Products?
Hemp products have become increasingly popular for their potential health benefits, including as a natural sleep aid. But are there risks of taking hemp sleep products?
As with all supplements, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new substances into your routine.
While preliminary studies suggest that hemp may have some anti-anxiety properties, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on the brain and body.
In addition, hemp sleep products may contain different levels and types of cannabinoids, potentially causing unexpected side effects or interactions with other medications. In this context, it’s important to pay attention to dosing as you get used to using hemp for sleep.
It’s also important to consider the source and quality of the product before use, as low-quality hemp may contain contaminants that could be harmful to your health. How can you know what you’re taking is high-quality hemp and contains the right amounts of CBD?
At Life Grows Green, we quality test all of our products and provide our users with lab test results. If you purchase hemp or CBD products from a provider, you should always ensure they offer the ability to view lab test results. If they don’t, we don’t suggest buying from them.
Ultimately, as with any supplement or new substance, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the risks and potential benefits before incorporating hemp sleep products into your routine.
Are There Risks of Taking Regular Sleep Aid Products?
While there is always the risk of a supplement or new medication interfering with your current medications, the risks of hemp sleep aids are quite low compared to over-the-counter sleep aids such as Ambien.
One of the risks of taking over-the-counter sleep aids, for example, is that they can be habit-forming. When used regularly, the body can become dependent on the drug to fall asleep and may experience withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly.
This isn’t the case with hemp. Neither hemp nor CBD is habit-forming.
In addition, taking over-the-counter sleep medications can cause drowsiness and slowed reactions the next day, increasing the risk of accidents or injury. Overdose is also a concern with sleep aids, as there is a fine line between the recommended dosage and a dangerous amount.
It’s important to carefully follow the instructions and only take them as needed instead of using them regularly. Consulting with a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications can help to identify potential risks and determine if they are safe for individual use.
Ultimately, this is why many people opt for more natural solutions such as hemp and melatonin.
Potential Side Effects of Consuming Hemp & CBD
Aside from the potential risks of using hemp for sleep, are there negative side effects to consuming hemp or CBD in general?
While both are generally safe to consume, they can still have side effects. These side effects may include dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. Some people may also experience changes in appetite or mood.
In some cases, CBD can also interact with certain medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using hemp or CBD products to ensure they’re safe for you to use. And as always, it’s important to follow dosage guidelines and not overuse these products.
The Most Effective Ways to Consume Hemp
By now you might be thinking that hemp sounds like a great solution to your sleep problems. Great! However, you’ll still need to find the right products. After all, what’s the most effective way to consume hemp to harness the power of what it can offer you and your body?
It all depends on your personal preferences and needs. For most people, the most effective way to consume hemp is by taking it in oil or capsule form. This method allows for consistent dosing and easy consumption.
When you’re using hemp as a sleep aid, getting the dosage is right. This is why capsules are often the best option. Each capsule contains the same amount. Plus, it’s easy to incorporate hemp capsules into your nighttime routine as they’re easy to take.
However, you can also add hemp to food or drinks, such as smoothies or salad dressings, but this method may result in uneven dosing.
It’s worth noting that inhaling hemp through vaping may provide faster effects, but it can also be harsher on the lungs. Overall, this method isn’t as effective for those who are struggling with sleeping either.
Topical hemp products, such as lotions and salves, are primarily used for localized relief and may not have systemic effects.
Ultimately, it is up to you to find the most effective way to consume hemp for your well-being. We do recommend looking into capsules and oils first, though. They tend to be the most effective. And, we’ve created hemp capsules specifically to improve sleep.
Capsules allow us to mix hemp with other natural products and supplements. In our case, we’ve mixed them with melatonin. This increases their effectiveness. However, we’ll get to this in just a second.
The Best Hemp Products to Improve Sleep
So, we’ve walked you through all of the great benefits of using hemp. When it comes to hemp and sleep, there are some great benefits. You also know a little bit about the most effective ways to consume hemp. Now, it’s time to walk you through the best hemp products for sleep.
Relax With a Hemp Bath Bomb
If you struggle to get restful sleep because you have a hard time relaxing then we suggest trying a hemp bath bomb!
A hemp bath bomb is a simple way to relax and unwind. Just drop the bomb into your warm bath water and let it dissolve. It will release soothing essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, aloe vera, and bergamot. It will also release skin-nourishing cannabinoids from the hemp extract.
Take deep breaths and feel the tension melt away as you relax in the comforting and fragrant water. Another option is to use the bath bomb as a soothing foot soak after a long day on your feet.
Whatever way you use it, a hemp bath bomb can help promote calmness and tranquility for both body and mind. This will help you relax and wind down as you let your stress melt away. If this is the source of your lack of restful sleep then your body will thank you.
Want to add a little extra bit of self-care to this routine? Use a hemp face mask as you soak in the tub. There’s no guarantee that it’ll help as a sleep aid.
However, the hemp plant contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants, making it a natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory. It can also help to balance oily skin and minimize the appearance of pores.
Wind Down With Hemp Honey & Tea
Many people turn to tea in the evening as a way to wind down and relax before bed. But did you know that tea can also improve your sleep quality? One study found that tea drinkers fell asleep more quickly and had longer, more restful sleep compared to non-tea drinkers.
This is likely due to the amino acid L-theanine, which is unique to tea and can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. So next time you’re having trouble falling asleep, try sipping on some tea before bed.
Not only will it help your mind and body relax, but it may also lead to a better night’s sleep. Better yet, add in some hemp honey so that you can enjoy the relaxing, sleep-improving qualities of hemp along with the tea.
Just be sure to steer clear of caffeinated varieties like black tea or green tea, as the caffeine can prevent you from fully relaxing and getting a good rest. Instead, opt for caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile or lavender. Sweet dreams!
Give Yourself a Massage With Hemp Oil
Hemp oil contains CBD just like other hemp products too. When you incorporate hemp and the CBD it contains into massage oil, it can have a calming effect on the body and can help with relaxation.
In addition, hemp oil has been shown to alleviate stress and improve sleep quality. It can also provide relief for muscle aches and pains.
A massage with hemp oil can help improve sleep quality by reducing muscle tension and stimulating the release of serotonin and melatonin. These neurotransmitters are known to help regulate mood and promote relaxation.
The anti-inflammatory properties of hemp oil may also provide relief from physical discomfort, allowing for a deeper and more restful sleep. Additionally, massage in general can increase blood circulation, promoting physical relaxation and further improving sleep quality.
So next time you’re feeling stressed or tense, try giving yourself a massage with hemp oil to help relax and unwind. We suggest one with lavender as lavender has a calming effect and can also improve sleep quality.
Take Hemp Softgels With Melatonin
Our best suggestion for using hemp to improve sleep? Combine hemp and melatonin and take them in the form of a nightly softgel before bed.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by our bodies that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Your body naturally produces more melatonin when it’s dark. This is what causes you to feel tired at night. However, factors like artificial light and natural changes in the body can throw off our melatonin levels and disrupt our sleep patterns. Supplementing with melatonin can help restore balance and improve sleep quality.
Research has shown that melatonin can not only help induce drowsiness and lengthen overall sleep time but also improve the ability to fall asleep quickly and reduce nighttime wakefulness. If you remember from above, the CBD found in hemp can help with this too.
Together, hemp and melatonin capsules can provide a calming and soothing effect, leading to improved sleep quality. If you find that you don’t need the added melatonin then just opt for regular hemp softgels to help you sleep better.
How to Take Hemp Softgels for Sleep
Thinking that hemp softgels sound perfect as a solution to your sleep troubles? We agree! However, you need to ensure you’re taking them correctly to get the most benefits.
First, it’s important to get your dosing right. When it comes to melatonin, most adults do fine with just taking 1 mg of melatonin about half an hour before bed. However, in some cases, that dose can go all the way up to 5 mg.
In terms of the correct hemp dosage for sleep, most adults find that a good dosage is around 25 mg. However, that can go all the way up to 75 mg depending on body weight and a few other factors.
Our hemp and melatonin softgels offer the perfect dose for most adults. With 25 mg of broad-spectrum hemp oil and 1 mg of melatonin, the combined effects of both seem to work perfectly to induce a restful night of sleep.
Start by taking one softgel about 30 minutes before bed and see how your body reacts. If you find that you need additional hemp or melatonin, we might recommend incorporating another 10 mg hemp softgel and increasing the dosage that way.
Where to Find High-Quality Hemp Products
Before you go out and find the cheapest hemp products online, it’s important to talk about safety! It is important to only consume high-quality hemp and CBD products because those products have undergone testing to ensure their potency and safety.
High-quality hemp and CBD products also contain a precise amount of cannabinoids, allowing the consumer to accurately control their dosage.
In addition, high-quality products tend to be more effective in treating symptoms, as they are made with high-grade hemp extract rather than cheap fillers. On the other hand, low-quality products may contain impurities or harmful additives that can have negative effects on health.
Consuming high-quality hemp and CBD products is not only safer, but it can also improve the effectiveness of treatment. So next time you purchase a hemp or CBD product, make sure to do your research and choose a high-quality option.
If you have questions about the safety of Life Grows Green hemp or CBD products then don’t hesitate to reach out. We are transparent about the lab test results of all of our products but would be more than happy to answer questions about what goes into our products.
Final Words: Does Hemp Help Improve Sleep Quality?
Let’s take a moment to recap. Does hemp help to improve sleep quality?
Hemp has been used for centuries for its health benefits, and one of these benefits is improved sleep quality. Cannabinoids in hemp have been shown to have a positive effect on sleep patterns and can help with insomnia.
In addition, hemp contains an abundance of amino acids, including sleep-promoting tryptophan. Hemp also contains essential fatty acids which can improve overall brain health, leading to better quality sleep.
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of hemp on sleeping patterns, many individuals report improved sleep after incorporating it into their daily routines. So if you’re having trouble getting a good night’s rest, consider adding hemp to your bedtime routine.
Likewise, there are other health benefits of incorporating hemp into your daily routine. These range from heart health benefits to lowered blood pressure levels. Other potential benefits include improved skin health, reduced inflammation, and improved cognitive function.
So, regardless of what you use it for, hemp is a great all-natural product to incorporate into your health and dietary routines.
Browse Life Grows Green Hemp Products
If you’re looking for a way to improve the quality of sleep, hemp products may be the answer. Hemp has been shown to help some people get better sleep, and combining hemp with melatonin can be especially effective.
Ready to use hemp for sleep? We have a wide variety of hemp and CBD products to choose from, so browse through our shop to find a product that works for you. As always, we’re here to help guide you through the process if you have questions or need help!