CBD For Sleep & Anxiety
If you suffer from insomnia or anxiety, you have probably heard someone suggest CBD as a potential solution. More people than ever are beginning to recognize and embrace CBD for its natural, therapeutic benefits for a range of conditions.
But with that kind of hype, there is bound to be some occasional misinformation & confusion out on the matter. Can CBD really help ease some of the symptoms associated with depression & anxiety? Is it safe to use, and are there any side effects?
These are a few of the questions we hear most often and will clear up for you here. First, let’s take a quick look at what CBD is and how it affects our bodies.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol Oil, or CBD as it’s commonly known, is a naturally occurring compound extracted specifically from cannabis plants. Cannabis plants contain two significant compounds that make them unique: THC and CBD.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound that is responsible for the intoxicating sensation of being “high” or “stoned.” On the other hand, CBD is not intoxicating and is thought to carry a whole spectrum of physical & mental health benefits. Though not all of the benefits people associate with CBD have been conclusively backed by science yet, there is enough promising evidence so far to feel optimistic.
Two reasons for CBD’s surging popularity in recent years are that it is a more “natural” alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals and easy to consume. Popular forms of CBD consumption range from infused oils to food/ drink edibles, or even topical ointments & more!
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Does CBD Help With Sleep?
In short- yes! Assistance with insomnia or other sleep-related issues is one of the most popular reasons for CBD’s increasing popularity and acceptance. Many patients across multiple studies have reported a noticeable increase in sleep quality and duration.
How Does CBD Help With Sleep?
CBD (and THC) works by directly influencing our endocannabinoid system (yeah, it’s a mouthful). The endocannabinoid system comprises a series of receptors that conveniently react in generally positive ways when they come into contact with these compounds.
The endocannabinoid is responsible for regulating bodily functions such as sleep, pain, appetite & the immune system (among other things). One theory for why CBD is a good sleep aid is that it helps the body to regulate cortisol production.
Cortisol is a stress-related hormone that, in excess, is known to disrupt normal sleep patterns. Some research has suggested that CBD can help reduce cortisol levels and act, in a way, as a sedative.
Another element that is currently not well understood is just how much CBD is required to be effective for sleep aid. It seems that people react differently to its effects, and variables like body size and tolerance may factor in as well.
Does CBD Help With Anxiety?
Also yes! Treatment for anxiety symptoms is currently one of the most researched benefits of CBD, with consistently positive results.
This has been a hot topic among users and researchers because it is a potentially much healthier alternative to many current pharmaceutical alternatives. Many of these pharmaceuticals are known for their heavy effects and unpleasant side effects.
CBD itself has very minimal, nearly non-existent side effects for most users.
How Does CBD Help With Sleep?
Similar to how CBD can influence the endocannabinoid system to regulate the production of cortisol, it may also be effective at regulating serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for the regulation of mood and social behavior.
Many people refer to serotonin as the “happy hormones,” as the more of it you have, the more stabilized your mood will tend to be. Often, conditions associated with anxiety and even depression are related to low serotonin levels, which can be assisted by using CBD.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using CBD For Sleep & Anxiety?
For the most part, there aren’t many side effects associated with CBD usage, and most people tolerate it very well. Most side effects reported are thought to be related to dosage issues, leading to feelings of fatigue.
There is also little evidence at this time to suggest that CBD has any significant potential for abuse or dependency, and there are no reports of CBD-related overdoses.
For this reason, folks seeking relief from symptoms associated with anxiety or sleep disorders can feel confident in giving CBD a try. Though there is still plenty for us to learn and understand its effects, the increasing body of research has been encouraging to say the least!
DISCLOSURE: This is not meant to be taken as medical advice. You should always consult your doctor before entertaining the idea of adding CBD to your health regimen.