Biohack your sleep with cannabinoids

In its simplest definition, biohacking is the process of experimenting with different elements of your well-being with the intention of functioning better. This self-experimentation can help you learn about your body, your brain, and, in turn, how to ‘hack’ your mental and physical performance.

Given how critical sleep is to every facet of our well-being, it’s become one of the biggest focus areas of the biohacking community in recent years.

Sleep is one of the core components of healthy living.

It is estimated that around 67% of UK adults suffer from disrupted sleep, and nearly 23% of us manage no more than five hours a night.

If you don’t sleep well, your body and brain can’t perform at their best. Sufficient sleep results in sharper focus, heightened awareness, improved physical endurance, a responsive immune system and even a more positive mindset. Poor sleep has even been linked to ageing.

Lack of sleep can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, and has been linked to poor insulin regulation.

Where do cannabinoids come in?

Biohackers have found that cannabinoid supplements may aid sleep. Similar to supplements like valerian root and magnesium, growing evidence suggests that cannabinoids like CBD may enhance natural sleep cycles, allowing our bodies to rest for longer and more comfortably.

5 ways to biohack your sleep:

1. Explore ingestible cannabinoid products, like sprays, droplets, or capsules.
2. Limit your caffeine and nicotine intake, especially after midday.
3. Avoid spicy or especially acidic food before bed, which can cause stomach issues.
4. Lower your body temperature with a cold shower that boosts endorphin production and decreases inflammation.
5. Sleep with the blinds open. Waking up with the morning sun is gentler on your body and results in you feeling more energized after you’ve woken up.
6. Limit screen time before bed, as the blue light emitted by digital devices suppresses our body’s natural production of melatonin, making sleep more difficult.

References

• Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep and their Therapeutic Potential for Sleep Disorders
• Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature
• Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep