Cannabidiol Relief: Helping with Anxiety and Sleep

Cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive, non-addictive, and second most prevalent active ingredient of cannabis, is a natural remedy with a variety of health benefits. From alleviating pain to treating severe medical conditions, the remarkable capabilities of CBD are changing lives around the world for the better. 

In this post, we'll take a closer look at how CBD provides effective relief for two important health struggles: suffering from anxiety and having difficulty sleeping.

Contents

• Regular Relief for Anxiety
• Promoting Better Sleep Hygiene
• How to Effectively Consume CBD for Anxiety and Sleep
• The Bottom Line

Regular Relief for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States, impacting nearly one-third of U.S. adults. Thankfully, cannabidiol has shown significant promise in its ability to alleviate anxiety. According to a 2015 review, CBD interacts with the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and other receptors in the brain that play a role in regulating fear and anxiety-inducing behaviors. The authors of the review found both preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrating that cannabidiol is an effective treatment for various types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Panic disorder (PD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

Evidence that CBD is an effective remedy for reducing anxiety is only continuing to grow. In a study that was conducted just last year in New Zealand, researchers observed that individuals who received cannabidiol treatment for anxiety or depression experienced improvements in their ability to perform daily functions, as well as reduced symptoms of anxiety or depression. 

In another recent study that took place in 2019, researchers evaluated the effects of CBD treatment in 47 adults with anxiety problems. With doses ranging from 25 mg to 175 mg per day, after the first 2 months, nearly 80% of participants reported improvements with anxiety symptoms. And in yet another 2020 study, further evidence supported CBD's ability to effectively treat multiple forms of anxiety disorders, with the doses in the experiment ranging from 6-400 mg. 

As these studies have shown, cannabidiol clearly has impressive capabilities to treat and relieve anxiety. However, the dosage required to have its desired effects will likely vary from person to person, so this is something to be mindful of when you consume CBD. If you are trying it for your first time, start off with a smaller dose and work your way up if needed.

Promoting Better Sleep Hygiene

There are a variety of potential causes for suffering from poor sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following factors can result in insomnia:

• Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression
• Certain medications, which can disturb your sleep-wake cycle
• Physical conditions, such as chronic pain and restless leg syndrome
• Caffeine, particularly when it is consumed later in the day
• Environmental factors, such as loud noises or an uncomfortable mattress

Cannabidiol can facilitate better sleep by treating the root causes behind insomnia. As we've already discussed, CBD is a powerful natural remedy for treating anxiety, inherently facilitating sleep for those who struggle to do so because of their anxiety. 

CBD's ability to alleviate pain also plays a role in helping people sleep. In a 2018 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology, the authors described that because it reduces chronic pain, cannabidiol is able to help improve sleep. 

Additional research has demonstrated CBD's ability to positively affect the sleep cycle. In a study that was conducted in 2014, four patients with Parkinson's disease were examined. Cannabidiol was determined to improve the symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a disorder that is linked to poor sleep and nightmares in which a person acts out in their dreams. A 2017 review further supports cannabidiol's ability to help treat RBD, and also demonstrates its potential to treat excessive daytime sleepiness. 

Cannabidiol may also be able to help with grogginess, another symptom that is associated with insomnia. A 2014 review, based on both human and animal research, showed that CBD could have the ability to promote wakefulness. And independent of insomnia, having high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, at night is associated with increased nighttime awakenings: a 2019 study showed that CBD affects the release of cortisol, acting as a sedative and thereby improving sleep. 

Just as with treating anxiety, the dosage required to facilitate better sleep will likely vary from person to person, so experiment in small doses and find the right amount that works best for you. 

How to Effectively Consume CBD for Anxiety and Sleep 

In order to effectively reduce anxiety and improve sleep, there are a number of different ways that you can consume cannabidiol: 

• Oil
• Sublingual spray 
• Capsules
• Edibles
• Vaping
• CBD-infused beverages (thanks to the recent innovation of water soluble CBD)

The way in which you elect to consume cannabidiol will determine how quickly it will begin taking its desired effect. Oils and edibles will start working within 30 minutes to 2 hours, while vaping CBD oil will result in almost immediate effects. Before the advent of water soluble CBD, which is created by breaking down cannabinoid particles into nanoparticles through a process called nano-emulsification, smoking or vaping were the only ways to achieve immediate impact from consuming cannabidiol. However, water soluble CBD may have a faster and more comprehensive effect than other forms of consumption, providing an appealing alternative to those who would rather avoid inhaling. 

Consuming CBD in the morning with some food is a great way to relieve anxiety throughout the day, and having some before bed can help soothe your mind and ease you into a peaceful slumber. And that's why we've delicately crafted our ritual blend teas to include both a morning and an evening blend. Our morning blend is designed to gently awaken your senses, giving you peace of mind as you begin your day, and our caffeine-free evening blend helps you wind down and get a good night’s sleep. 

Regardless of how you elect to consume CBD, be cognizant of the time it will take for your method to begin working its magic and keep the dosage you’ve chosen in mind. This will help you to determine which combination is most effective to best meet your needs.

The Bottom Line

Are you interested in using cannabidiol to help relieve anxiety or improve your sleep? Our ritual blend teas are perfectly infused with the highest quality hemp-derived CBD, and each blend harmoniously incorporates organic, sustainable, and fair trade ingredients sourced from around the world to carefully curate the perfect cup of tea. 

At Empress Teas, we believe that you deserve the cleanest, most effective plant-based solutions to bring your body, mind, and spirit back into alignment. Treat yourself to the daily rituals you deserve: sit, sip, and self-reflect. 

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- Water Soluble CBD: Everything You Need to Know
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