A good night’s sleep is a distant dream for many people. The condition referred to as insomnia is the struggle to fall asleep. We’ve all been a victim of this in our life. Waking up tired and exhausted disturbs our readiness for the day. It can interrupt our daily lives and can be a mental and physical toll for many.
Insomnia doesn’t mean sleepless nights, it refers to the extended periods of trouble falling asleep. If this trouble lasts for a continuous duration, the potential of this turning into a persistent problem exists. Sleep deprivation can affect the mind, body and overall well-being.
While there are traditional medications available, people often look for natural remedies. In this blog, we’ll explore the potential of Ayurveda (an ancient Indian medicinal system), and cannabidiol (CBD) to help with a restful good night’s sleep.
Insomnia: Causes and Types
Insomnia could be a result of various underlying conditions, improving them could help enhance sleep quality. Some commonly known causes for insomnia are:
- Stress, long term anxiety, panic attacks or PTSD, dementia, Alzheimers and ADHD.
- An irregular sleep schedule is another reason as it disturbs the circadian rhythm i.e. body’s internal clock.
- Lifestyle habits such as junk intake, caffeine or alcohol consumption and smoking may impact your sleep quality without your notice.
- People with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety or OCD have higher chances of sleep disturbances.
- Prescription medicines are another culprit behind sleep disorder. Think of the time when you felt sleepy at an unusual time due to any pharmaceutical medicine.
- People with medical conditions like nasal allergies, asthma are at higher risk of insomnia. The pain or health problems experienced by diabetes patients, women during menstruation or menopause and blood pressure patients is another significant factor in sleep deprivation.
While understanding insomnia and the people who deal with it, we came across two types of people. First is people with acute insomnia i.e. short term insomnia, which can last from some days to weeks. This is generally caused by common environmental changes. In contrast, people with chronic or long term insomnia experience sleepless nights on a routine basis. This is likely developed by continuous consumption of prescription medication or unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Ayurveda & Its Potential
Ayurveda suggests helpful lifestyle changes such as a regular sleep and wakeup schedule which regulate the body's sleep cycle. Calming head massages promotes relaxation and eases stress. Dietary modifications like intake of warm milk before sleep and avoiding heavy meals before bedtime works in the body's favour.
Apart from these, conscious consumption of ayurvedic herbs like Vijaya helps with sleep disorders by promoting calmness and relaxation.
Cannabis: The Ayurvedic Miracle
The Ayurvedic approach to sleep and sleep disorders begins with the body’s balance of three doshas. Vata (the air and space) regulates sleep and relaxation, while Pitta (the fire and water) regulates sleep and rest. Finally, Kapha (the earth and water) regulates relaxation. Vata dosha is particularly associated with sleep. Ayurveda has numerous solutions for a peaceful night sleep, ranging from use of herbs such as Vijaya or Medical Cannabis and practising healthy habits.
Vijaya or ‘Medical Cannabis’ has been identified as a medicinal herb in AtharvaVeda (2000 BC to 1400 BC), to which Ayurveda sources its origin from. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis that is associated with the therapeutic potential of cannabis in treating sleep disorders, anxiety, PTSD and muscle pain.
Cannabis contains many cannabinoids that affect the body’s endocannabinoid system(ECS). ECS is the biochemical communication system that regulates our physiology and emotions. ECS is located in the endocrine system of the body, it is responsible for regulating sleep, energy storage, growth and development. Disruptions in this system can lead to insomnia.
Cannabis holds the potential to regulate the endocrine system and improve sleep pattern. It restores the natural sleep cycle with analgesic properties. It also provides relief from anxiety by calming down the mind and body. Overall reducing stress enhancing mood.
Clinical studies on CBD in the psychiatric literature are limited but increasing in recent times. ‘Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series’ by National Library of Medicine found anxiety reduction in people and an improved sleep score within the first month which fluctuated overtime. Preliminary research on CBD highlights its efficacy in improving sleep quality in people with insomnia.
Choose Authenticity
Cloud 12 Tranquill (product link) comprises 2000 mg Cannabis Sativa (Vijaya) leaf extract and organic MCT oil. Studies have found the Cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) present in Tranquill to be effective in inducing sleep in patients with insomnia. Helping you fall asleep easier and bid goodbye to nights of agitation. Due to the relaxing and mood-improving effects of Vijaya extract, Tranquill helps enhance the quality of your sleep, providing you with a restful night. In addition to Vijaya extract, Cloud 12 Tranquill also has time tested Ayurvedic ingredients like Ashwagandha, used for its calming and stress-relieving properties. Jatamansi, another powerful herb that supports relaxation and promotes sound sleep. Finally, Chamomile, a well-known calming flower which contributes to Tranquill's gentle and holistic approach to sleep improvement.
Conclusion
Medical Cannabis is a growing subject with ongoing research of CBD and its potential. Vijaya (cannabis leaf) Extract is approved by the Ayush Department with a prescription from an Ayurvedic doctor.
Ayurveda suggests that Vijaya may have potential health benefits such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, improved sleep, and relaxation. However, it's important to use such products under medical supervision. We provide consultations with a doctor to provide products suited for your specific health concerns.