Balance

An Introduction to CBD

CBD FOR SLEEP, MOOD, & PAIN

Written by Dr. Jessica Jameson

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion in the popularity

of cannabidiol (CBD). Now, we are hearing about CBD edibles and CBD oil, which can help with anxiety, pain relief, inflammation and insomnia, among other things. But what is CBD? And what makes CBD therapeutic?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non- intoxicating, non- psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is one of over 100 compounds known as cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with our body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS consists of receptors throughout your brain and body that bind to cannabinoids like CBD. The ECS helps regulate things like appetite, mood, memory, and more by controlling neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) like serotonin and dopamine.

Unlike THC- the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, CBD does not create a euphoric feeling or a “high”. This is why CBD can be used safely by people who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the psychoactive effects caused by THC.

With that said, there are a few well known benefits of CBD worth exploring.

PAIN RELIEF

CBD’s role in pain relief is well known. It has been shown to help people with chronic pain, arthritis, and other conditions that contribute to pain. The relief is thought to be due to the reduction in inflammation that CBD promotes. This effect is due to the interaction of CBD with receptors in the body called CB1 receptors and TRPV1 receptors (TRPV1 is short for transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1). These receptors are involved in regulating pain sensation and inflammation, which helps reduce pain signals sent to your brain from the various parts of your body.

REDUCES ANXIETY

Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. In fact, about 18% of adults are affected by it at some point in their lives. Research shows that CBD can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mood by activating serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood, sleep and appetite. It helps regulate these things by activating receptors (called 5-HT1A receptors) that are located in different parts of the brain. As CBD interacts with these receptors, it can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety as well.

IMPROVES SLEEP

According to the Sleep Foundation, CBD can help increase serotonin levels and decrease cortisol levels, which can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up rested. Better sleep can in turn help improve mood. CBD can also help to provide relief from chronic pain or other symptoms that make it difficult for people to sleep well at night. One study showed that individuals who took CBD before bedtime experienced an average decrease of one hour and forty minutes in the time it took them to fall asleep. They also reported feeling more rested when they woke up than those who took placebo pills instead. Sweet dreams!

CBD is an all-natural product that has the potential to be helpful for a variety of problems.

Overall, CBD is a helpful supplement for many. Its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties can help ease pain and anxiety while also bringing relief to those with insomnia . You can find a lot of information out there related to CBD and I certainly believe it is best to do your own thorough research before taking this drug or any other drug or supplement. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider first!

The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficiency of these products has not been confirmed by FDA- approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or an alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare provider about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Jessica Jameson is a board certified, fellowship trained interventional pain physician. She believes wholeheartedly in the body’s ability to heal itself and strives to help her patients improve their quality of life and maintain their function. She is the founder and owner of ReposeRX, a line of pure CBD products. www.reposerx.com