CBGA for Sleep/Insomnia
The Awful state of sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is one of humankind’s biggest challenges, affecting over 60% of adults, 40% of adolescents, and 25-50% of children. Although it is not identified as a disease condition, sleep deprivation is responsible for many diseases ravaging our world. Lack of sleep is a pandemic strictly sponsored by the need to meet tight deadlines and fit into a technology-driven environment while coping with chronic diseases.
Information from the CDC shows that about 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems triggered by chronic diseases, poor mental health, injuries, increased healthcare cost, lost work productivity and poor quality of life, increased screen time, and deterioration of general well-being.
Sleep plays a vital role in our well-being as humans. It is necessary for proper growth and development. Increased exposure to sleep-related problems like insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless leg syndrome, and more can create a perfect environment for chronic conditions like obesity, anxiety, and depression to thrive.
When we sleep, our body recharges itself by getting rid of toxic wastes and allow our brain to store new information. During sleep, our nerve cells communicate and reorganize to support our brain functions while our body repairs the cells, restores energy, and releases hormones and proteins that help us grow. Sleep also contributes to bodily and brain homeostasis.
Even with the recent advances in medicine, quality sleep has continued to elude us, thus driving researchers to more natural-based remedies, including cannabinoids like CBGA for sleep. Note that the cannabis plant is home to about 420 different chemicals which assist the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in carrying out its activity.
The ECS is a network of receptors and chemicals (endogenous cannabinoids) that help modulate cognitive activities such as homeostasis, hormonal balance, pain relief, hunger, and sleep.
Relationship between the Endocannabinoid System and Sleep
The ECS is responsible for maintaining the daily sleep-wake cycles. It achieves this by a series of complex cell signaling involving cannabinoids and receptors. The ECS is home to CB1 and CB2 receptors expressed in the brain and peripheral nervous system (CB1 receptors) and immune system (CB2), respectively.
In connection with other neurotransmitters, the ECS receptors can induce sleep and stimulate wakefulness depending on the time of the day and the concentration of cannabinoids supplied. The activity of the ECS on the sleep-wake cycle is generally determined by the presence of light and endocannabinoids like anandamide (AEA) and 2–Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Note that AEA interacts with the CB1 receptors while 2-AG interacts with the CB2 receptors.
Research data show that a high concentration of AEA in the body will support sleepiness, while a low concentration can trigger arousal and wakeful activities. Furthermore, the expression of CB1 receptors is affected by the time of the day. This interaction between the diurnal fluctuation in the AEA and CB1 levels in the brain may be the reason behind the use of CBGA for sleep/insomnia.
Since phytocannabinoids can interact with the ECS receptors, there is a clear indication that they may play an important role in the sleep-wake cycle, thus promoting sleep. Let’s see how CBGA, the mother of cannabinoids, can promote a night of good sleep.
CBGA Removes The Obstacles To Restorative Sleep
CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) is the first phytocannabinoid formed in the cannabis plant. The compound is a non-psychoactive, bioactive component that converts to CBDA, THCA, and CBCA. While CBGA may not play a direct role in good sleep for all individuals, it has unique potential to mitigate the most common causes of disrupted sleep.
- CBGA can trigger relief from anxiety and depression
It is almost impossible for a clouded mind to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Anxiety and depression have been identified as one of the most common causes of preventable deaths. Although the mode of activity is still unknown, CBGA can trigger the release of feel-good hormones and assist users in keeping a clear mind, thus aiding sleep.
- CBGA may play an important role in diabetes treatment
Insomnia and diabetes have evolved to become an inseparable duo. Information from research shows that CBGA can inhibit the activities of aldose reductase, an important enzyme in diabetes. It is also important in combating some disease complications like cardiovascular diseases. Aldose reductase contributes to oxidative stress that leads to heart problems. The ability of CBGA to neutralize their effect also shows a possible antioxidant property.
- Energy booster
More energy of motivation during the day can give you the impulse you need to
expend that extra energy, creating the fertile grounds for restful sleep.
- Pain relief
There are also reports pointing to the possible use of CBGA as an anti-inflammatory agent for pain relief and cancer treatment. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBGA have been reported on colon cancer.
