CBD herbal tea for sleep: what are the benefits?

In recent years, CBD or cannabidiol has been on the rise. It is used for its analgesic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It is found in the form of oil, e-liquid, raw leaves as well as herbal tea.

What are the benefits of this for sleep? When and how to consume it? Decryption.

Definition: what is CBD?

CBD is an active substance extracted from hemp, a plant better known as cannabis. Unlike THC, another molecule present in the plant, it does not cause any addictive effects. It nevertheless has recognized psychoactive effects. The CBD sold in France cannot contain more than 0.3% THC (decree of December 30, 2021), so it comes from a specific plant variety. Products containing it may not show therapeutic effects on their packaging.

CBD exists in several forms: oil, cannabis flower, capsule, e-liquid, cosmetic products, powder, tincture, wax, resin, suppositories, seeds, food products or even treatments for pets. It can therefore be smoked, vaporized or ingested.

Two drugs which are authorized in France: Epidiolex® indicated in the treatment of convulsions of certain forms of epilepsy, and Sativex®, prescribed in the treatment of contractures linked to multiple sclerosis which is not yet marketed at this day.

What are the effects of CBD?

CBD sellers promote its many therapeutic virtues. It would reduce:

• the pain ;
• nausea and vomiting;
• it would have antidepressant effects;
• reduce stress;
• anxiety;
• sleep disorders;
• and would also have a preventive effect on the occurrence of certain chronic and/or neurodegenerative diseases.

Its soothing effects would also reduce anxiety and sleep disorders.

However, Drugs Info Service recalls that in the current state of knowledge, these promises are exaggerated. “There are still too few clinical studies to assess the effects of cannabidiol on humans, most of the studies having been carried out on animals. Their results should therefore be considered with caution,” she explains on her website.

What is the state of sleep of the French?

According to an Inserm study published in 2017, one in three people suffers from sleep disorders. To spend a restful night, it would be necessary to chain 3 to 5 cycles of 90 minutes on average. However, the French sleep on average 1h30 less than 50 years ago, and 45% of 25-45 year olds consider that they sleep less than they need. In question, sleep disorders that shorten the nights or interrupt them. It could be :

• insomnia;
• nocturnal awakenings;
• hypersomnia (excessive need for sleep);
• night terrors;
• nightmares;
• sleepwalking;
• bruxism;
• or bedwetting.

Sleep disorders can be linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease, significant stress, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or even restless leg syndrome.

Different solutions exist to regain restful sleep, in particular adopting good sleep hygiene (switching off screens 2 hours before going to bed, avoiding stimulants after 5 p.m., regular practice of physical activity, meditation or yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

What are the benefits of CBD herbal tea on sleep?

CBD works by attaching to the CB1 and CB2 receptors changing the message they send to the brain. CBD reduces the intensity of neuronal activity, which contributes to muscle relaxation and relaxation of the body. CBD therefore promotes falling asleep and improves the quality of sleep.

The advantage of herbal tea compared to other modes of CBD consumption lies in the fact that the molecules, and therefore the taste, are intact. The preparation is simple: just immerse the hemp leaves in boiling water and let stand for a few minutes. It’s ready !

However, these effects have not been scientifically established. Either way, consuming CBD herbal tea is less harmful than sleeping pills, which are addictive.