In 2022, a comprehensive systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was published in the esteemed journal Current Pharmaceutical Design. This significant scientific review affirmed the therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, as a potent agent in mitigating symptoms of anxiety disorders and enhancing the quality of sleep. The study was impressively extensive, encompassing a thorough review of 25 RCTs that focused primarily on anxiety disorders, and an additional set of 13 RCTs that specifically investigated the impact of CBD on insomnia. This volume of scrutinized research provides a robust, trustworthy foundation of empirical evidence supporting the superiority of CBD over a placebo in effectively reducing the debilitating symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition to proving its effectiveness in managing anxiety symptoms, the evidence gathered also revealed CBD’s positive impact on significant sleep quality parameters. These include prolonging total sleep time, reducing sleep onset latency (the amount of time it takes to transition from full wakefulness to sleep), and minimizing wakefulness after the onset of sleep. Furthermore, the systematic analysis underscored that CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated by a broad spectrum of patients. Though some minor and largely transitory side effects were reported, such as fatigue, drowsiness, and dry mouth, they were predominantly mild and did not outweigh the benefits of CBD use. The review further accentuated the effectiveness of CBD in a comprehensive range of patients. This includes both those suffering from primary insomnia, a sleep disorder not linked to any other health conditions, and those experiencing insomnia secondary to other medical conditions, suggesting that CBD’s benefits extend beyond a singular, niche application. However, despite the compelling and encouraging evidence derived from the systematic review, the authors prudently underscored the necessity for further, more detailed research. They highlighted the need to precisely establish the optimal CBD dosage that maximizes therapeutic benefits while minimizing the potential for side effects. Additionally, a call was made for extensive studies to ascertain the long-term safety profile of CBD, an essential aspect of any potential treatment protocol. In their conclusion, the authors of the review unequivocally asserted that CBD holds significant promise as a potential therapeutic treatment for anxiety disorders and insomnia. However, they stressed that this assertion is the beginning rather than the end of the conversation, with the understanding that the medical community must continue to explore, research, and validate CBD’s therapeutic claims in-depth.

The comprehensive systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the esteemed journal Current Pharmaceutical Design in 2022, affirmed the therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in mitigating symptoms of anxiety disorders and enhancing the quality of sleep¹. The review included a thorough analysis of 25 RCTs that focused primarily on anxiety disorders, and an additional set of 13 RCTs that specifically investigated the impact of CBD on insomnia¹. The evidence gathered from these studies provides a robust, trustworthy foundation of empirical evidence supporting the superiority of CBD over a placebo in effectively reducing the debilitating symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder¹.

In addition to proving its effectiveness in managing anxiety symptoms, the evidence gathered also revealed CBD’s positive impact on significant sleep quality parameters. These include prolonging total sleep time, reducing sleep onset latency (the amount of time it takes to transition from full wakefulness to sleep), and minimizing wakefulness after the onset of sleep¹. Furthermore, the systematic analysis underscored that CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated by a broad spectrum of patients¹. Though some minor and largely transitory side effects were reported, such as fatigue, drowsiness, and dry mouth, they were predominantly mild and did not outweigh the benefits of CBD use¹. The review further accentuated the effectiveness of CBD in a comprehensive range of patients. This includes both those suffering from primary insomnia, a sleep disorder not linked to any other health conditions, and those experiencing insomnia secondary to other medical conditions, suggesting that CBD’s benefits extend beyond a singular, niche application¹.

If you are interested in exploring CBD as a sleep aid, you may want to consider some of the best CBD oils for sleep in the UK, as recommended by Reader’s Digest ¹. They have compiled a list of the top CBD oils for sleep in the UK, which includes Evopure Sleep Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, Love Hemp CBD Liquid Oral Drops, OTO CBD Pillow Spray, Apothem Lights Out Drops, and more ¹. However, please note that you should always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Learn more:

1. readersdigest.co.uk2. sleep.com3. forbes.com4. medicalnewstoday.com5. medicalnewstoday.com6. gettyimages.com