Alaska Sleep Education Center

Can CBD Oil Lead to Overall Wellness and Great Sleep?

One in three American adults is not getting enough sleep. In fact, 70 million of us will struggle to get to sleep tonight due to restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or Insomnia.

Chronic Insomnia is a more severe health condition that can affect up to 10% of Americans. However, milder sleeping problems can also have a detrimental effect on our overall well being and quality of life.

Many medications prescribed by physicians to treat chronic sleep problems come with a host of unpleasant side-effects which are more prevalent the more frequently the medicines are taken.

For this reason, thousands of people are choosing natural remedies to help with their sleep.

What is CBD?

oil

A popular option for improving sleep is Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil, one of the many compounds found in the Cannabis plant with specific healing properties.

CBD is extracted from the hemp or Cannabis plants; it’s a non-psychoactive alternative to THC, the compound that produces the ‘high’ in marijuana use.

There are also cannabis oil extractors like Apeks Supercritical, and they produce CBD oil products that you need.

What Conditions is CBD Oil Used to Treat?

CBD products can be used to treat a range of conditions, including:

  • Chronic Pain
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Psoriasis
  • Sleep Disorder
  • Cancer Related Symptoms
  • Acne
  • Heart Health

When used to treat sleeping disorders, these are five of the ways that CBD oil products can help you to get a more natural, peaceful sleep.

CBD Helps to Regulate Circadian Rhythms

There are many examples of circadian rhythms present in humans, such as the sleep-wake cycle, the body-temperature cycle, and the cycles in which certain hormones are secreted.

CBD has a considerable effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors inside our nervous systems, which trigger various neurological effects.

CBD helps to signal the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin within our brains,

Various studies suggest that CBD helps to ease feelings of anxiety while alleviating symptoms of inflammation and chronic pain.

The endocannabinoid system plays a big part in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm, meaning that CBD products can help us to control our sleep/wake cycles, improving conditions like Insomnia as a result of this.

Regulating GABA Production Within the Brain

CBD has a fantastic ability to interact with serotonin receptors and GABA receptors in the brain. Serotonin plays a massive role in helping to stabilize our mood and anxiety levels, with GABA being the main ‘inhibitory’ neurotransmitter, it calms down excess activity within our brains and promotes relaxation.

As a result of this interaction, many people who suffer from problems getting to sleep or staying asleep could benefit from taking CBD products regularly.  GABA receptors are usually the target of benzodiazepines, which are frequently prescribed to treat people having trouble sleeping.

Pain Relief and Inflammation Treatment

There have been many scientific studies that have revealed evidence backing CBD as a potential option in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

study carried out by the University of California, and San Francisco has revealed to us that CBD is the most reliable supplement available concerning its anti-inflammatory properties.

Although several different compounds within marijuana can help to reduce inflammation, selling CBD oils is the most effective. A study undertaken by Imperial College London showed that CBD products had excellent anti-inflammatory capabilities when administered to mice.

Researchers found that inflammation was reduced by over 50% in mice that received 5mg/kg of CBD.

Additional research published in the Future of Medicinal Chemistry showed that cannabinoids could protect people from pathogenesis through the induction of multiple anti-inflammatory pathways.

This research looked explicitly at experimental models of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis.

Pain causes an average of 42 minutes of sleep debt in chronic sufferers, and 14 minutes for people who are living with acute pain. CBD products can help to promote healthier sleep in people that experience frequent pain by helping to reduce the inflammatory conditions that are causing such pain.

CBD Can Help Relieve Migraines and Headaches

The relationship between sleep disorders and headaches can be very complicated. Headaches can occur during sleep, after sleep, and in relation to different stages of sleep. Lack of sleep and too much sleep are both considered triggers for migraine. Also, Insomnia is found more commonly among chronic headache patients.

Because it’s a natural anti-inflammatory, CBD helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with cluster headaches and stress by assisting the bodies ability to reduce inflammation in areas that may affect headaches.

Also, with research stating that a lack of endocannabinoids within the brain can contribute to migraine headaches, CBD may help to relieve these types of headache by regulating levels of serotonin within the brain and subsequently restimulating the receptors that control emotional responses to both pain and pleasure.

Additional research from the Journal of Headache and Pain states that the power of CBD oil in the treatment of headaches and migraines lies in its unique ability to manipulate AEA (Anandamide) levels within the body. By regulating these molecules throughout our systems, CBD products can help to relieve migraine symptoms.

CBD products have been proven to help us achieve more restful sleep that lasts longer. This has a positive effect on our overall well being, reducing our chances of stress and cluster headaches.

Anxiety Relief

Recently, researchers in Brazil conducted a small double-blind study of patients suffering from generalized social anxiety. After taking CBD, many patients reported a huge decrease in anxiety levels. The usage of  CBD oil for anxiety can improve the quality of your sleep as well as have other health merits such as cognitive clarity and better mood levels.

The reports were validated when researchers performed brain scans showing that the patients cerebral blood flow patterns were consistent with anti-anxiety effects.

During another even smaller study, researchers asked patients suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder to perform a simulated public speaking test.

Those that participated reported lower levels of anxiety; these were supported by anxiety indicators such as blood pressure and heart rate.

In general, researchers concluded that CBD products could significantly reduce cognitive impairment, anxiety, and discomfort associated with speaking performance. The placebo group in this particular trial reported increased levels of anxiety.

When we worry, we can’t get to sleep correctly, stay asleep, or wake up feeling refreshed. CBD oil supplementation may combat this by helping to decrease levels of anxiety.

In conclusion, there is a myriad of clinical evidence that proves CBD products can provide relief in many conditions that have a detrimental effect on our sleep.

Conditions such as headaches, anxiety, chronic pain, stress, and low mood could all be relieved with regular CBD oil supplementation.

CBD may also help to regulate GABA levels in our brains, which helps to further promote relaxation within our bodies and minds. Another benefit of regular CBD supplementation is that it may help us to improve our sleep/wake circadian cycles, further enhancing our natural ability to control when we sleep, and for how long we sleep.

CBD Oil for Your Fitness Routine

CBD has, over the years, gained popularity as a healthy addition for intense training. It comes with anti-inflammatory properties that enhance endurance and speeds up muscle recovery.

Here is some of the critical information you need to know about CBD for your fitness routine:

CBD for Pre-workout

The use of supplements among athletes has been a matter of concern, with most people arguing that it gives an undue advantage. CBD has also been on focus, with some sports banning it and legalizing it yet again. Whether you are working out for professional or personal gains, CBD is a reliable supplement. Unlike the other supplements laced with caffeine and other synthetic ingredients, CBD contains cannabinoids to boost your body energy for maximum training power. It is also free from adverse side effects like crashing of the body due to over-exercising, which is possible with caffeinated products.

CBD supports several body functions for a seamless workout session. It comes with anti-inflammatory properties that make the body handle more intense workouts. It has mood-enhancing capabilities for stress releasing and mind relaxation during your exercise. A relaxed mind and body help you perform at the highest level.

That is not to say that using CBD is all fine for everyone. CBD affects people in different ways. Some people experience bouts of drowsiness, which slows down their workout. For those who suffer challenges with CBD for pre-workout, the other option is CBD for post-workout.

Post-workout

As already mentioned, those who struggle with CBD oil for pre-workout should opt for the dosage after the workout. Post-workout comes with several effects like sore and tired muscles and, at times, nausea. To help restore normal body operations, most people use a supplement which comes with several adverse health effects. These supplements’ results are long terms that are not easily detectable in the early stages.

CBD oil, on the other hand, provides you with the desired relaxation effects without adverse health effects. As a natural pain reliever, it comes with anti-inflammatory properties that help improve muscle recovery. It protects body parts like the heart and lungs from inflammation due to intense workout.

It also has antispasmodic effects for faster tension relieving on the muscles.Its anti-emetic properties come in handy to ensure cool head and reduce the nausea feeling. It also improves sleep quality for faster recovery. CBD generally provides a feel-good effect that makes light of the pain and soreness of the muscles after intense physical work.

CBD Intake Methods

There are several ways to get CBD to your bloodstream, depending on your agency and the level of pain. Some of the most common forms of CBD are:

Inhalation

Inhalation is for those who are looking to get the CBD to the bloodstream as fast as possible. Inhalation allows for direct absorption into the lungs then to the blood for almost immediate reactions. The main inhalation methods are vaping and dabbing.

Placing Under Tongue

Placing the CBD under the tongue is another effective intake method, even though not as fast as inhalation. Using this method, the CBD lasts in the mouth for around a minute. It then mixes with the mucous membrane before absorption into the bloodstream.

Ingestion through Mouth

Ingestion is the slowest CBD intake method as it relies on the digestive process before absorption to the bloodstream. The technique involves capsules and tinctures, which take around 15 to 45 minutes to be absorbed. On the positive side, though, it comes with more prolonged effects.

Conclusion

Using CBD oil as part of your workout routine is a healthy way to include supplements. Without specific right dosage, take the right amount of the CBD depending on your work intensity and body reactions. Also, choose the intake method that works best for your routine.


Call Alaska Sleep Clinic today to diagnose and treat your sleep disorder.  

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Alaska Sleep Clinic's Blog

Our weekly updated blog aims to provide you with answers and information to all of your sleeping questions.

Brent Fisher, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE
President and Chief Executive Officer

“Alaska Sleep Clinic has a history of providing the most comprehensive sleep medicine services in the state of Alaska. Its potential has only begun. I am here to take these high-quality, comprehensive services to all Alaskans.”

Experience

Brent Fisher has held leadership positions spanning a wide variety of complex and start-up organizations: manufacturing (pharmaceutical & medical device), software development, hospitals (academic and community), medical groups, consulting, hospice, military, engineered devices, engineered plastics, and private equity.

Publications and Organizations

His writings have been published in various magazines, trade journals, and medical journals, including the Physician Executive Journal, Healthcare Executive, Modern Healthcare, Group Practice Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of Healthcare Management (Best Article Award).

He has served on the Board of Directors of professional associations, civic organizations, and businesses.

Hobbies and Activities

Brent enjoys being with his family, serving in the community, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.