Best supplements for sleep

CBD oil  (Read more)

CBD (cannabidiol) oil is Dr Brewer’s own sleep-promoting supplement of choice.

She said: “CBD is a natural extract from industrial hemp plants which is relaxing, lifts mood and generates feelings of wellbeing.

“CBD enhances the effects of brain chemicals such as serotonin and anandamide, and helps you achieve a good night’s sleep by reducing muscle tension, reducing restlessness and anxiety, and by supporting a normal pattern of REM sleep. It also reduces the perception of pain and may help if aches and pains are keeping you awake.

“Ever since I started taking a capsule at night I’ve slept really deeply and woken feeling refreshed. While some people experience vivid dreams when taking CBD, I now sleep so heavily that I rarely recall my dreams.”

But she notes: “If you have a health condition or are taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, always check with your doctor or a pharmacist before taking CBD, as it interacts with enzymes involved in metabolising some medicines. Many doctors and pharmacists feel unable to advise on this, however.

“The best Drug Interaction checker I have found is on Drugs.com, which includes most herbs, supplements and prescribed medicines. While it does not specifically include CBD it does include cannabis (which as well as containing CBD also includes the legally-regulated, psychoactive ingredient, THC).”