Should Veterans Use CBD Oil as a Sleep Aid?

Should Veterans Use CBD Oil as a Sleep Aid?

Cannabis has long been used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Cannabis plants contain cannabinoids that affect the brain, and the two most abundant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Early studies suggest that CBD at high doses supports sleep. According to one study, a dosage of 160 milligrams of CBD, Trusted Source (mg), increased sleep duration compared with a placebo.

How Can Veterans Take CBD Oil for Sleep?

In the military, sleep schedules change frequently. After service members leave the military, their circadian rhythm is thrown out of whack, making civilian life challenging for them.

By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD helps to promote better sleep. A central function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain the balance of several bodily functions, including sleep regulation. Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in the body that act as receptors, and research indicates that CBD stimulates them, which promotes sleep.

Veterans may use CBD oils for different purposes in various forms, such as oral solutions, sprays, tinctures, edibles, pills, patches, gels, lotions, etc.

What’s the Best Dose of CBD for Sleep?

Taking 25 milligrams one or two hours before bedtime, Fuimaono-Poe recommends beginning with 25 milligrams and increasing as needed.

CBD comes in several forms, so there’s also the question of where to get the best CBD for sleep. CBD oil and CBD flower are the most common delivery methods, Fuimaono-Poe says. As a result of throat irritation and coughing caused by smoking, CBD oil is better and healthier for your throat and lungs, according to Fuimaono-Poe.

You can use CBD oil closer to bedtime as it has a more rapid onset than smoking CBD flowers. According to Fuimaono-Poe, you will feel the effects five to ten minutes after smoking.

Side Effects and Other Risks of CBD

CBD is known to cause drowsiness, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, reduced appetite, nausea, and interaction with other medications. These are detailed side effects mentioned below:

Drowsiness

CBD can cause drowsiness and sedation as side effects. Dr. Matharu-Daley, a physician and chief medical officer for a CBD-based brand, warns that CBD may cause sedation if taken with other sedatives.

Gastrointestinal Issues

CBD may cause diarrhea or liver problems in some people. Dr. Matharu-Daley says that monitoring is essential, depending on an individual’s medical history.

Dry Mouth

In addition to cottonmouth, CBD can also potentially dry out your eyes and mouth. However, CBD can also cause this if it is combined with THC.

Risks of using CBD

When you use cannabis or other drugs, your brain and body become accustomed to their chemicals. You’ll have to take a higher dose to get the same effects. Using cannabis repeatedly might not help you sleep as well, or you might find it difficult to sleep on your own.

  • Withdrawal: 

When you quit using cannabis long-term, you may experience sleep problems. Insomnia and nightmares are included in Vandrey’s description of this condition.

  • Dizziness or balance problems:

Sexton says you should always give yourself a minute to find out if you feel stable before getting up in the middle of the night. Make sure you use a walker if you have one.

It’s hard to think clearly. There is evidence that heavy cannabis use can negatively affect memory, learning, and attention.

  • Health problems:

You can get sick if you smoke any substance, including tobacco.

Substance misuse:

Alcohol and opioids are more addictive than cannabis. Regular users, however, could develop a cannabis use disorder. If you can’t stop using cannabis, tell your doctor, and it will be easier for you to quit.

Can Veterans Use CBD and Melatonin Together?

The hemp plant contains a natural compound called CBD, which has been touted as having many health benefits. CBD acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to maintain homeostasis (a balance between order and disorder).

CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, unlike THC, so you won’t get “high.”

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that CBD is commonly used to treat. Sleep professionals believe cannabidiol helps reduce stress and anxiety, which induces sleep, even though the exact link between sleep disorders is unknown. CBD for anxiety may be a natural alternative to traditional sleep aids for those experiencing anxiety and stress-related problems that prevent them from falling or staying asleep.

Unlike CBD-infused oil, melatonin is a hormone produced by your pineal gland that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Rather than making you fall asleep, it signals to your brain and body that it is time for bed. Essentially, this is an entirely different process, and to fall asleep; you need both to be in sync.

When your sleep-wake cycle becomes disrupted, such as when you have jet lag, melatonin helps restore your sleep-wake process.

Combining Melatonin and CBD

Melatonin and CBD are highly beneficial when taken together, especially when taken before bed as gummies. Taking them together is an excellent idea since they work well together. When taken together, supplements are more effective.

You can combine melatonin and CBD by purchasing melatonin gummies from a trusted source like Charlotte’s Web. If you want to combine the two, it is easiest to buy Charlotte’s Web melatonin gummies rather than figure out how to do it yourself. When using these products, you should always be aware of what you’re putting into your body. Using them is quick, easy, and highly portable.

Other Uses of CBD Oil for Veterans

Veterans can benefit from CBD therapy for PTSD and anxiety. According to VA figures, sixty-six thousand veterans received treatment for opioid addiction in 2016. Pain relief, inflammation reduction, and mood enhancement can all be treated with CBD, including pain relief, inflammation reduction, and mood enhancement. Vets suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder may benefit from CBD as a viable alternative to opioids. Previous studies have demonstrated CBD’s effectiveness in treating these conditions.

According to the study, using CBD can help people cope with traumatic events most effectively. In other words, veterans, combat soldiers or other people can probably start using CBD within an hour after their experience. These changes will result in drastically reduced side effects. It is essential to know if this is true. Otherwise, CBD oil products can be revolutionary in treating military and VA conditions. Because CBD won’t get rid of the symptoms, it is not a ‘solution’ or a “remedy”. As a result, regular CBD use should make it easier to cope with the issues associated with post-war anxiety and PTSD.

Active military personnel engaged in combat may benefit even more from CBD. The use of CBD while on active duty could prevent the development of PTSD and severe anxiety before it’s too late, although there is no evidence to support this claim. Therefore, it may reduce their anxiety symptoms and put them in a less depressive or anxious state overall if they use CBD oils or other products when they feel anxious or have PTSD. CBD products can prevent PTSD and anxiety disorders if used early enough.

Additional Sleep Aid Options for Veterans

Some medications are FDA-approved for treating insomnia (e.g., older benzodiazepines; newer benzodiazepine receptor agonists like zolpidem; low-dose doxepin; and the melatonin receptor agonist, ramelteon). In addition, medication without an FDA indication for insomnia is commonly used off-label.

However, despite chronic insomnia lasting months or years, most patients do not seek help or discuss sleep with their primary care provider (PCP).1,9–11 When individuals with insomnia seek help, it is by far most likely to be through their PCP.

PCPs may also be reluctant to discuss sleep because of concerns that prescribing controlled substances may be contraindicated in some patients. Such medications may help in the short term but are ineffective for long-term therapy.

When to See a Doctor

Veterans are more likely to experience sleep disorders for a variety of reasons. Veterans are often subjected to stressful and challenging work situations while serving in the military. Due to the dangers of combat, it is often necessary to work irregular hours or stay awake for long periods. Insomnia Disorder can result. Dreams and nightmares may accompany insomnia. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity are also linked to it. You may feel anxious, depressed, or irritable due to insomnia during the day.

Whenever prescribed medication does not work, the veteran should always consult with a doctor, as they can provide the best treatment and dose based on his or her body.

CBD Oil Can Help You Sleep

In addition to anxiety and chronic pain, CBD oil is also proven to help with acne, acne scars, and chronic pain. There are various over-the-counter versions available in various doses and forms. Considering that cannabis is a mysterious substance, it makes sense to wonder what its effects are.

Further research is needed to understand melatonin’s benefits and harms. In preparation for sleep, our bodies naturally secrete melatonin, Conroy explains. Use the resources you already have.

The following behavioral strategies promote better sleep until we know more about CBD:

  • Relax in a dark environment without bright screens before going to bed. Use a brightness filter if you need to view a screen.
  • It’s important to have outlets for managing stress and anxiety, like journaling or going to a therapist if it’s more serious.
  • If you don’t have a regular schedule, you can train your body to follow one.
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