Is CBD safe for battling kids’ sleep problems?

With the growing acceptance of CBD and its proven ability to help people sleep better, many parents now ask whether it can help kids, too. After all, it can be exhausting to put your kids to sleep, especially if they have anxiety and hyperactive personalities.

Plus, social factors like trauma from bullying, fear of darkness, change in schedule, too much activity on a given day, temperament issues, and underlying conditions only add to the problem. 

So is it ok to buy CBD gummies for kids? Are there any side effects? What should I know beforehand as a parent? These are some of the questions that we’ll try to cover in this article.

What is CBD, what’s all the craze about?

Cannabidiol or CBD, is a natural compound that is present in cannabis sativa plants. Now there are two types of cannabis plants, hemp and marijuana. Hemp has high levels of CBD and low levels of THC (another cannabinoid, but this one is highly intoxicating). 

At the same time, marijuana has levels of THC but low concentrations of CBD. That’s why only hemp-derived CBD is legal as per the federal farm bill, and it can not have more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

Hence, the risk of someone getting high on CBD is next to nil, it will make you relaxed but not trippy. So why is it famous? Well, turns out this natural compound is much better and safer than traditional anxiety or pain meds. 

It has strong pain-relieving, anxiety-curbing, and sleep-enhancing properties. Be it social anxiety, muscle pain, environmental stress, or disrupted circadian rhythm, regular dosing of CBD can alleviate it all without causing any side effects. 

It’s also proven to be effective against various neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, PTSD, and more. Most people consume it to just wind down and feel at ease after a long, hectic, stressful day. 

It comes in lots of varieties like creams, sprays, tinctures, capsules, softgels, bath bombs, shampoos, vape, and even clothing (CBD-infused pillows, bedsheets, t-shirts). 

Is CBD safe for kids’ sleep troubles?

Well, it’s a little tricky space, see most doctors won’t recommend you to give your kid CBD for sleep troubles. Why? Because CBD is mainly marketed for adult use, and the accidental risk of overdosing with kids is very high. The adult body may tolerate CBD at high levels, but for kids, it can cause severe issues. 

So the safety of this compound is not really about itself, but about how it’s used. If you give CBD to your kid only in very balanced and small doses and store it out of their reach, then yes, it may help them sleep better at night. It has the potential to curb bedtime anxiety and stress, it can make nerves calm and suppress pain signaling which can allow kids to slide into a deep restful sleep. 

There’s no doubt that more research is required in this space. However, there is some assurance from the trial data of Epidolex. For those who don’t know, epidotes is the first FDA-approved prescription CBD drug, it’s mainly used for treating severe epilepsy conditions (Lennox Gastaut and Dravet syndromes) in kids. 

It’s deemed safe for even kids as young as one-year-old. So yes,  in a way CBD can be good for kids’ sleep problems because FDA approval is given after strict testing, real results, and utmost safety, but you have to keep strict control over dosage. As seen in Epidolex trials, CBD may lead to a decrease in appetite, diarrhea, insomnia, and fatigue among kids if not given carefully. 

Also, you’ll notice that some brands have launched a dedicated kid CBD lineup. Products under this category go through strict quality checks, have safe limits for each compound are usually completely free from THC. So do check them out once, Colorado Botanicals is currently dominating this space with its transparent policies and high-quality products.

Other Ways to Help Kids Sleep Better At Night?

If you are not sold on CBD for kids still, then there are plenty of other things you can do to help your kiddo sleep well. Believe it or not, it’s more about setting a routine and adopting good pre-bed practices. Kids need 9-12 hours of sleep, and you must try to create an environment in which they can get it without any hassle. Let’s look at some practices you can adopt : 

• No Screen Before Bed: Set a time limit on your kid’s screen use, keep at as low as possible. Turn on the blue light filter after the sun sets, and make sure that your kid doesn’t use any screen at least an hour before bedtime. It’s better to replace mobile phone entertainment at night with physical books.

• Lots of outdoor playtime: Make sure kids run around and play during the day. Being active helps them feel tired at night. Try to get them outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Play at the park, ride bikes, or just run around in the backyard. Doing so will also help in regulating their body’s natural circadian rhythm. 

• Create a Calm Environment: Create a calm routine every single night before bed. You can give them warm baths, read a story together, or encourage them to do some light stretching routine. Do the same things in the same order each night. Kids love knowing what comes next, and this helps their bodies understand it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep.

The End Note

To sum it up, Yes, CBD may help kids who have sleep troubles but more in-depth research is required on it. If you do decide to buy CBD for your kids, make sure to get it only from reputed and well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals. 

Also, try to make their room cozy, and keep it cool and dark before bedtime. Use soft blankets, maybe a nightlight if they’re scared of the dark. Get rid of noisy things that might wake them up. Make sure the room feels safe and comfortable so they can relax and fall asleep easily.

Caesar