Everyone has experienced some level of anxiety at one point or another. Anxiety is a natural response during stressful situations when the mind perceives that something dangerous or harmful is going to happen. The heart starts to beat faster, and the body begins to perspire. The individual is on high alert, ready to flee if necessary. Feeling anxious is not abnormal. However, when the anxiety is so intense and frequent that it keeps the person awake every night, it becomes a problem. There are numerous types of medications that are formulated to address anxiety and sleep problems, but more and more people are using CBD for anxiety and insomnia issues.
CBD is an acronym for “cannabidiol”. It is an oil that is extracted from hemp, which is a plant that is related to the marijuana plant. Both of these plants belong to the cannabis family. Although these plants are related, CBD does not cause a person to get “high” in the way that marijuana does. The ingredient that causes this “high” is called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Marijuana has a high level of this psychoactive ingredient, but hemp has very little of it. The CBD oil extracted from hemp can have tiny traces of THC if it was extracted as a “full-spectrum” oil, but it can have no THC at all if it was processed as a pure “isolate” compound.
CBD is reported to have a positive effect on the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates a person’s mood. A healthy level of serotonin puts a person in a good mood. People who suffer from anxiety have a low level of serotonin. Prescription anti-anxiety drugs are designed the treat the low levels of serotonin. However, a lot of people fear that drugs might be habit-forming. Also, many people often experience negative side effects from these prescription drugs. So, they are increasingly willing to try CBD for anxiety problems.
If left untreated, anxiety can lead to other health problems, physically and mentally. People can develop insomnia when they feel anxious every night and cannot fall asleep. Even if the person does manage to fall asleep, the quality of sleep is often very poor because when he wakes up after an hour or two of sleep, he is unable to fall back to sleep. It is a double-edged sword because when a person does not get enough sleep, he becomes more irritable and easily stressed. He is unable to focus during the day. His quality of life suffers when he is at work, at home, and among his friends. This makes his anxiety worse, so it becomes a vicious cycle.
Initial scientific studies have shown promising results that CBD can provide relief to people who suffer from anxiety and insomnia. It is a viable option to help anxiety sufferers relax and feel better so they can get a better night’s sleep. CBD can help soothe away pain and physical discomfort that can make a person restless and unable to fall asleep. Anxiety and insomnia are closely connected, and CBD can provide relief to both conditions.
CBD can be found in many forms. It is often found as an oil and extract, but it can also be found in the form of a pill or capsule, or be infused in consumer products like food, beverages, and skin products. It is important to get CBD from a reputable source to ensure the purity and high quality of the product.
Before starting a regimen of CBD for anxiety and insomnia, it is important to consult a doctor to find out if there are any underlying health problems that might be contributing to these challenges. If medical conditions are found, these will need to be addressed as part of the treatment for anxiety and insomnia. A consultation with a mental health professional will also be helpful if the anxiety issues are complex and multi-faceted. CBD is usually well tolerated, but it may cause side effects in some people, including excessive fatigue, drowsiness, upset stomach, and dry mouth. It may also interact with certain medications.
Effects of CBD can vary from person to person because of the differences in body chemistry. The proper dosage will also vary with each person. Some people might feel its effects right away, while others might take longer to experience its full effects. The effects can also depend on the individual’s daily activities, diet, and other medications that he might be taking.
People can suffer from anxiety and insomnia for a variety of reasons. CBD can be an effective part of a treatment plan that may also include a change in diet or a modification in behaviors. It is essential that chronic problems be discussed with a qualified health professional to determine the root of the problem so the proper treatment plan can be created.
