CBD interacts with receptors that control mood and stress responses, creating an overall sense of calm. CBD may also prove effective for treating anxiety disorders like panic and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Addicting CBD to mindfulness practices can only enhance their relaxing benefits. A CBD gummy taken before sleeping could be just the thing to help relax a restless mind and promote restful nights’ rest.
Relieves physical tension
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to soothe sore, tight muscles, promote healthier inflammation responses and reduce oxidative stress that causes discomfort in muscles. CBD may be an ideal addition to your wellness regime after workouts or long, strenuous days.
CBD can be taken in various forms such as tinctures, capsules and pills. Topical applications for sore and tense areas as pain relievers as well as adding it to massage oils is another great use of CBD. Furthermore, vaping CBD may reduce anxiety while simultaneously increasing relaxation.
As with anything, CBD works best when used regularly and according to your body. Some individuals take CBD in the morning as an aid for managing daily stress; others use it at nighttime for relaxation and better restful sleep. No matter which strategy works best for you, take note of what works for you; in time you should notice changes in both mood and quality of life.
Enhances serotonin levels
Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter in maintaining our mental wellbeing. It influences regions like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus – essential brain regions essential for cognitive function – while helping maintain positive emotions. CBD has been shown to alter how our bodies use serotonin, potentially increasing its effectiveness and creating an upbeat state of mind.
Studies have also demonstrated that CBD helps reduce anxiety and promote relaxation by altering how fear responses are processed by the brain. CBD seems to increase GABA’s effectiveness by altering its binding mechanism with receptors on cells.
CBD has been demonstrated to have anxiolytic effects in animal models of generalized anxiety, including elevated plus maze and Vogel Conflict Test models. Studies have demonstrated these anxiolytic effects depend on activating 5-HT1AR receptors while inhibiting CB1R activity, providing anticompulsive actions, enhanced fear extinction/reconsolidation blockade capabilities and the potential ability to prevent long-term anxiogenic effects of stress.
Reduces cortisol levels
CBD has been demonstrated to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone produced by adrenal glands. Cortisol can be beneficial when managing acute stress; however, excessively elevated cortisol levels may lead to chronic health problems. CBD may help manage this by activating the endocannabinoid system for balanced stress and relaxation levels.
CBD works with 5-HT1A receptors to reduce cortisol production, leading to anxiolytic effects like reduced anxiety behaviors and heart rate. Furthermore, hippocampal neurogenesis acts as a safeguard against long-term stress-induced anxiogenicity.
Start small when taking CBD for stress management: start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find what works for you. A great place to begin using CBD is with a CBD tincture available from major retailers – start out using 5-10 mg bottles daily and see how you feel over time.
Enhances sleep
CBD’s relaxing properties have long been well-documented, and its ability to aid sleep is well known. Some clinical studies indicate it could even help treat anxiety-related sleep disorders; more research needs to be conducted, however.
Researchers conducted behavioral and electrophysiological recordings with rats trained to complete simple and complex memory tasks (conditions Stable and Overlapping). Animals received oral administrations of CBD or vehicle and then anesthesia via injection with urethane anesthesia; electrophysiological data demonstrated that CBD increased NonREM sleep duration without altering sleep stage transitions or REM stages; delta, spindle or quiet wake ripple rates did not change between conditions.
Anecdotal reports of improved sleep quality among CBD users are widespread, yet everyone varies greatly in how well their own individual patterns take hold. Monitor and adjust as necessary according to your own sleep cycles before making adjustments accordingly. It may be useful to log your CBD dose and utilize apps which track sleep.
