Insomnia
Lack of sleep may or may not be something you struggle with. If it is, you will want to check this out. If insomnia is something you struggle with, you understand how frustrating and exhausting not getting a restful night’s sleep is.
The problem with insomnia is the negative effects that lack of sleep has on the body. The other problem which further deteriorates our state of health is using over-the-counter medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Tylenol PM (acetaminophen) over long periods of time to try and get some sleep. Lack of sleep is already destructive to the body; we don’t need to add fuel to the fire. Check this out.
One of the active ingredients in sleeping pills like Tylenol PM is acetaminophen, which is known to show a high degree of toxicity for the liver. In fact, studies show that acetaminophen toxicity is the second most common cause of liver transplants, killing 500 Americans each year (1). Drug induced liver injury from acetaminophen is a huge problem here in America and just because we find this drug at every corner store, don’t consider this medication safe by any means.
The other over-the-counter medication we commonly use for sleep, which also happens to be the second ingredient in Tylenol PM, is diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Diphenhydramine is a mild sleeping aid, but it too comes with great risks to human health. Long term use of diphenhydramine was shown to increase risk for dementia (2). This means that this medication damages brain cells to the point of interfering with the brain cells ability to communicate. A huge no no. On top of the increased risk for dementia, diphenhydramine can cause postrenal obstruction, indicating this medication has a negative impact on our renal (kidney) health (3). Remember, our liver and kidneys are our filtering organs and xenobiotics (chemical substances like pharmaceuticals) can cause a great deal of harm to these filtering organs.
My reason for sharing this information is to highlight the harmful effects that these over-the-counter medications have on our health because we just assume because these medications are available over-the-counter, they have a great safety profile, but that is far from the truth. I want to show others a healthier alternative to addressing insomnia or sleep disorders utilizing a natural herb, but most importantly share what is being published in medical journals around the world. After all, it is about getting some sleep and improving our quality of life! Check this out.
Studies show that CBD alone or paired with THC, was shown to improve quality of sleep and alleviate the symptoms of insomnia (4). Many people note that CBD and THC when used together offer the most relief due to the potential entourage effect, which is where CBD and THC (plus other cannabinoids) enhance their potential. My favorite part to mention is that this herb (cannabis) has a much better impact on our health and wellness compared to the ones mentioned above when we take those side effects into consideration.
The safety profile of cannabis (CBD, THC, etc.) is what excites medical researchers as well, I am not the only one LOL. We get to use a natural herb to address many things that we live with every day, utilizing this plant to alleviate insomnia is one of many benefits that can be expected with the use of this wonderful plant.
One amazing plant, with seemingly endless benefits. Now that's what I call medicine.
Bee-Well,
Brandon Farless
*This information is for educational purposes and simply sharing information pertaining to these studies. No medical advice or claims are being made, by me anyway.
References
- Agrawal S, Khazaeni B. Acetaminophen Toxicity. [Updated 2023 Jun 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441917/#
- Wong H. C. G. (2015). Long-term use of diphenhydramine. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 187(14), 1078. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.1150066
- Sicari V, Zabbo CP. Diphenhydramine. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526010/
- Ranum, R. M., Whipple, M. O., Croghan, I., Bauer, B., Toussaint, L. L., & Vincent, A. (2023). Use of Cannabidiol in the Management of Insomnia: A Systematic Review. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 8(2), 213–229. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0122
