Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders that people suffer from globally. Around 4% of the population is affected by it. That is 300 million people who have to experience feelings of dread, fear, and uneasiness in their day-to-day lives.
With a fast-paced life, a lack of time for physical activities, and low penetration of therapy as a treatment in the masses, anxiety is a major challenge for mankind, especially young people.
Anxiety disorders also lead to a degradation of sleep quality and increase the chances of insomnia. Though everyone with anxiety doesn’t need to also suffer from insomnia, it is definitely a major culprit in many insomnia patients.
It’s all related in a way: anxiety makes it hard to relax, disturbs sleep, which worsens insomnia, resulting in no recovery or rest, which further leads to an increase in panic frequency, and the cycle goes on and on.
But it seems like many are flocking to CBD products to deal with both of these devils. Why? Because it’s natural, hardly has any side effects, and is also scientifically proven to be effective against anxiety and sleep. In this article, we will explore both of these conditions in detail and explore how and why CBD gummies for anxiety can be a one-shot solution to tackle both.
How Do Anxiety And Insomnia Lead To Sleep Disorders?
Anxiety and insomnia are closely linked to sleep disorders, creating a vicious cycle that can significantly impact an individual’s overall well-being. Anxiety is characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, and unease, which can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
On the other hand, insomnia is a sleep disorder that results in difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep.
When an individual experiences anxiety, their mind races with intrusive thoughts, making it difficult to calm down and prepare for sleep. This heightened state of arousal can lead to insomnia, as the body struggles to transition into the restful state necessary for quality sleep.
Additionally, the anticipation of not being able to sleep can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, further exacerbating anxiety and perpetuating the cycle of sleeplessness.
Prolonged insomnia can also contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of fatigue, which can amplify feelings of worry and stress. This, in turn, can make it even harder to fall asleep, perpetuating the cycle of insomnia and anxiety.
Sleep disorders can happen in various forms, such as difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset insomnia), frequent awakenings during the night (sleep maintenance insomnia), or waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep (early morning awakening insomnia).
These sleep disruptions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting physical and mental health, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.
Breaking this cycle often requires a multifaceted approach, combining lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and, in some cases, medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.
However, these medications are often quite costly and are riddled with chemicals that can damage your health in the long term. Hence, CBD gummies for sleep and CBD for anxiety can be a much better and effective alternative.
How CBD Helps With Anxiety And Insomnia?
CBD is known for its anxiolytic properties. When you take it in the form of gummies or Oils, it enters your bloodstream and affects the working of your body’s Endocannabinoid system. All mammals have an Endocannabinoid system in their body and are responsible for maintaining homeostasis.
It plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, such as mood, appetite, sleep, and pain perception. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, and it uniquely interacts with the ECS.
The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, which are naturally produced by the body, and cannabinoid receptors, primarily CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are found throughout the body, including the brain, nervous system, and immune cells.
Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not directly bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it interacts with the ECS in a more indirect manner, influencing the activity of these receptors and the levels of endocannabinoids in the body.
One of the primary ways CBD affects the ECS is by inhibiting the enzyme FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase), which is responsible for breaking down anandamide, an important internal endocannabinoid.
By inhibiting FAAH, CBD allows anandamide to remain in the body for a longer period, enhancing its therapeutic effects, such as reducing anxiety, improving mood, and reducing pain.
CBD also interacts with other receptors and systems in the body, such as the vanilloid receptors (TRPV1), which are involved in pain perception and inflammation, and the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which plays a role in regulating mood and anxiety.
It also affects the receptors in the hypothalamus region which play a crucial role in controlling our sleep-wake cycles. Hence, by making it calm and relaxed, CBD can provide relief from both anxiety and insomnia.
How To Take CBD For Sleep And Anxiety?
Taking CBD for sleep and anxiety can be an effective approach, but understanding the different product types, dosages, onset times, and bioavailability is crucial. CBD oils or tinctures are administered sublingually for faster absorption, while capsules or gummies are ingested orally, resulting in slower onset.
Vaping CBD provides the quickest onset as it enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs. Bioavailability or the amount of CBD effectively reaching the bloodstream, is higher with sublingual and vaping methods compared to oral ingestion.
Onset times vary, with sublingual CBD oil taking 15-30 minutes, ingested forms like capsules or gummies taking 1-2 hours, and vaping CBD providing effects within 5-10 minutes, but for a much shorter duration.
Dosages can differ based on individual factors like weight, metabolism, and symptom severity. It’s recommended to start with a low dose of 5-10mg and gradually increase as needed, consulting a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
For sleep, a moderate dose of 10-25mg CBD oil or capsules 1-2 hours before bedtime is advised, with some individuals finding higher doses of 50-100 mg more effective. For anxiety relief, lower doses of 5-10mg CBD oil or vaping can help with acute symptoms, while chronic anxiety may require higher doses of 20-40mg.
Just make sure to Choose high-quality CBD products, follow manufacturer instructions, and be consistent, as it may take some experimentation to find the optimal product, dosage, and timing for your needs.
Natural Remedies For Curing Anxiety And Insomnia
Here are some effective natural remedies for curing anxiety and insomnia:
● Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. Engaging in activities like yoga, tai chi, or even a brisk walk can help calm the mind and release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.
● Meditation and Deep Breathing: Practices like mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises can be powerful tools for managing anxiety and promoting better sleep. These techniques help quiet the mind, reduce racing thoughts, and induce a state of calmness and relaxation.
● Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs have been used for centuries to alleviate anxiety and improve sleep. Chamomile tea, for instance, is known for its calming properties, while valerian root and lavender are often recommended for their sleep-promoting effects. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating herbal remedies, as they may interact with medications.
● Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils, such as lavender, bergamot, or chamomile, can create a soothing environment and promote relaxation. These oils can be used in diffusers, added to baths, or applied topically (when diluted) to help calm the mind and body.
● Dietary Changes: Certain foods and nutrients can have a significant impact on mood and sleep. Increasing the intake of foods rich in magnesium, like leafy greens and nuts, can help reduce anxiety levels. Additionally, avoiding stimulants like caffeine, especially in the evening, can improve sleep quality.
● Stress Management Techniques: Learning effective stress management techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals identify and address the underlying causes of anxiety. CBT can provide coping strategies and promote healthier thought patterns, leading to improved mental well-being.
● Establish a Sleep Routine: Creating a consistent sleep routine can be incredibly beneficial for those struggling with insomnia. This includes setting regular sleep and wake times, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, and creating a sleep-friendly environment by minimizing light and noise exposure.
The Final Note
To sum it up, anxiety and insomnia affect millions of people globally. Both of these conditions can result in the degradation of health and overall life quality if not dealt with on time. Common anxiety and sleep medications often lead to a plethora of negative effects on health due to the presence of multiple hard chemicals in them. That’s why many people are now flocking to CBD products to deal with these conditions.
CBD is generally well tolerated by the majority of people and hardly has any side effects. Plus, it’s cost-effective and scientifically proven to be effective for day-to-day anxiety disorders and sleep troubles.
By incorporating CBD, a clean diet, and exercise into your daily routine, you can easily escape from the strangles of panicking heartbeats and restless nights. Just make sure to buy CBD only from reputable brands like Colorado Botanicals, and always start with a low dose.