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Author: Jessica Silva

  • The Truth About Taking CBD for Stress Relief

    Stressed woman sitting on floor holding head.

    Let’s talk about stress. 

    Just about everyone deals with stress from time to time. Lots of people even feel stressed out by their busy schedules on a daily basis.

    In general, feeling stressed from time to time is to be expected. Getting anxious before a big event, worrying about your finances, or feeling awkward in some social situations is completely normal. 

    Regardless of how often you feel stressed, you may want to consider trying out different methods or strategies to find some relief. Things like exercise, sleep, making time for your hobbies, and eating healthier can all help. In addition to those suggestions, you may want to also try taking CBD for stress.

    Many people benefit from taking CBD (cannabidiol) regularly. CBD has the potential to help ease feelings of stress thanks to its relaxing effects. Since CBD is an all-natural, non-psychoactive, and non-addictive compound, many have started using it for a variety of different reasons. From improving their sleep to reducing pain and inflammation, CBD has been shown to have many potential benefits on the human body.  

    However, note that not enough research has been done on CBD for scientists to know how effective it is at managing or treating different issues. It is not FDA-approved, and although many studies have shown promising results, more studies are needed. 

    To learn more about the truth behind taking CBD for stress relief, keep reading!

    Image of FDA sign in front of FDA building.

    What does the FDA say about using CBD?

    Before we talk about how CBD works and whether it can help you feel less stressed, we need to get some important information out of the way. 

    CBD is not approved by the FDA for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease. There is currently only one CBD-based medication that has FDA approval – Epidiolex, which is used to treat and manage epileptic seizures.

    Although many research studies have been completed on CBD and its effect on various health issues, many more human clinical trials need to be done. We need more information before anyone has a clear picture of how effective CBD is and what health issues CBD may help manage. 

    At this time, we cannot make any claims that our CBD products will cure any diseases or reduce symptoms that you experience. We can, however, share with you some of the research that has been done on CBD, and mention some of the common experiences CBD users have. Then, (after you get the go-ahead to use CBD by chatting with your doctor first) you can make an educated decision about whether you think CBD might benefit you. 

    It’s just a little stress. What’s the big deal?

    Like we mentioned earlier, everyone experiences stress in some form on occasion. Life seems to move a million miles per hour with tightly packed schedules, family and work pressures, and more. 

    But there is a difference between being stressed out every so often and experiencing stress daily. If you constantly feel stressed out, you may be dealing with chronic stress. 

    If you just feel stressed on occasion, that’s very normal. A few examples of everyday stress may include:

    • Stressing about paying your bills
    • Worrying about issues in your relationship
    • Getting panicked about an upcoming job interview
    • Feeling awkward when talking to new people at a party

    Whether you only experience stress every once in a while, or you’re dealing with chronic stress, it’s important to have a plan for dealing with that stress so that you can be more productive and happy.

    You should also note that stress can have long-term negative effects on the body. It can lead to digestive issues, sleep disorders, headaches, and other issues. 

    Stress isn’t just in your head. It physically impacts the body! Stress affects you by releasing hormones that increase your heart rate and breathing, and by restricting your blood flow. This is called the “fight-or-flight” response. 

    It’s best to find a way to manage your stress now before it causes more severe health problems in the future. 

    Can CBD help manage my stress?

    CBD is the main non-psychoactive compound in cannabis. It works with your body’s endocannabinoid (ECS) system to provide health benefits by promoting balance among your systems. Many people report experiencing a sense of calm and relaxation after taking CBD. This allows some to experience better sleep and a more tranquil mindset.

    All in all, CBD may be an effective and natural option to consider in addition to other lifestyle changes. A few other ways to manage your stress include:

    • Getting regular exercise
    • Eating a healthy diet
    • Making time for enjoyable hobbies
    • Getting more restful sleep
    • Talking with a trusted person about your day
    • Setting attainable goals
    • Organizing a realistic to-do list
    Researchers studying cannabis plants to learn more about CBD for stress.

    Current Research on CBD and Stress

    A few studies have been done on how CBD affects anxiety. Keep in mind that stress and anxiety are two different conditions and they have different effects on the body, but they are similar in some ways, including the long-term effects they may cause. Because of this, it may be helpful to look into some of the research done on CBD and anxiety to get a decent idea about how CBD may affect stress. 

    One study used CBD as a treatment for patients with sleep disorders and anxiety. The results were that on average, anxiety and sleep improved for most patients. The study also noted that a lot of the patients appreciated trying a natural remedy as they wanted to avoid using prescription medication. 

    So far, the results of recent research studies are looking very promising! Lots of research points to the fact that CBD can help the body manage stress and occasional anxiety by directly affecting the brain and serotonin receptors, and inspiring a feeling of calm and relaxation. 

    How much CBD should I take?

    Before you start using CBD, you should talk with your doctor. Although CBD isn’t known to have many serious side effects, CBD may negatively interact with certain medications. This makes it very important to talk with your primary healthcare provider to make sure that you aren’t taking any drugs that don’t pair well with CBD.

    After you’ve gotten the all-clear from your doctor, next you need to determine how much CBD to take. The exact dosage of CBD you should take varies based on a few different factors. Your weight, the concentration of the CBD, the type of product, and the way your body personally processes CBD will all affect the amount you need.

    Because of this, it’s best to start with the smallest amount advised on the product (usually one dropperful of oil, one gummy, etc.) and then increase the dosage slightly until you achieve your desired effects. Also, note that you may need to take CBD consistently over a few weeks or longer to get the best results. Although taking a dose of CBD when you’re starting to feel stressed out may help you to relax, taking CBD daily is most effective. 

    Keep in mind that CBD can affect everyone differently. While some people need very little CBD to experience the benefits, others may need a slightly larger dose. Also, while most do not experience any side effects, there are a few side effects to be aware of. A few of the most common side effects include:

    • Drowsiness
    • Changes in appetite/weight
    • Diarrhea
    • Interactions with certain medications

    Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s advised that you do not take CBD. 

    Taking CBD for stress relief. CBD oil tincture.

    So, is taking CBD a good idea?

    Dealing with stress, whether it is chronic or occasional stress, can be very difficult. If you find yourself stressed out often, you may also be experiencing sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and/or muscle tension. 

    If stress is affecting your life, it’s best to speak with your doctor to see if CBD is a good option to explore. Of course, CBD is most effective when taken in addition to regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting more sleep. Making those changes to your lifestyle can make a huge difference in the stress you experience. If you do want to give CBD a try, check out our high-quality CBD products.

  • Need A Better Night’s Sleep?

    Need A Better Night’s Sleep?

    Try CBD with Melatonin

    Do you find yourself lying in bed, wide awake, longing to fall asleep? Maybe your mind is racing, thinking about all of the things you need to accomplish the following day. Or perhaps you’re replaying a stressful situation over and over in your head… 

    Does your body ache, making it difficult to drift off to sleep? Or maybe you just have kids, so a restful night’s sleep is honestly not even a thing anymore. 

    Both CBD and melatonin may be able to help with all of that!

    Well, they can’t keep your kids from waking you up over and over again. (How many glasses of water do they need? And how many monsters do you have to check for under the bed?) But they may be able to help you fall asleep faster and get better quality sleep.

    Interested? Keep reading to learn all about how CBD and melatonin work, and why taking a CBD and melatonin supplement may help you sleep better!

    What is CBD?

    Cannabidiol, often called CBD, is a cannabinoid found in hemp plants. 

    To keep it simple, a cannabinoid is a natural compound in hemp.

    Cannabinoids interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. The ECS regulates body processes like mood, appetite, pain response, and sleep quality. When CBD interacts with receptors in this system, it helps your body to naturally balance everything.

    Although CBD is a cousin to THC (the main psychoactive component in marijuana) CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects. You don’t have to worry about experiencing any type of head “high” from using CBD. 

    Research shows that CBD may also help by treating different conditions and symptoms. CBD naturally induces feelings of sleepiness and calmness. This makes it a great option for potentially helping insomnia and other sleep issues.

    How CBD Helps You Sleep

    CBD’s effect on sleep is a hot topic in the research world. One clinical study published in 2019 researched whether CBD could help improve sleep and reduce anxiety levels. In just the first month, 79% of patients reported decreased anxiety, and 67% reported better sleep.

    Another study found that CBD can have a direct effect on the sleep-wake cycle. The study showed that it often increases the amount of sleep people get after taking it.

    Ulitmately, the science behind CBD’s effect on sleep is still being researched. Many scientists believe that there are several factors that cause CBD to improve sleep. These factors include both CBD’s interaction with serotonin receptors and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain and CBD’s ability to reduce pain and anxiety.

    Serotonin levels

    CBD works with serotonin and GABA receptors to help people feel more relaxed and calmer. Serotonin is responsible for controlling mood and anxiety levels. This earns it the nickname the “hormone of happiness.” The GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to calm any excessive activity in the brain and promotes relaxation. 

    For example, studies have shown that CBD may help by naturally increasing the effectiveness of serotonin receptors in your body. This may allow you to process and utilize serotonin more efficiently, which may reduce anxiety and improve mood. 

    Anxiety relief

    Some sleeping disorders such as insomnia are often (although not always) caused by anxiety or anxious thoughts. CBD may also have anti-anxiety effects. Its calming effects may help people fall asleep faster instead of staying up late due to racing thoughts. The anti-anxiety part of CBD is one of the biggest reasons why it helps many insomniacs.

    Pain relief

    Chronic pain is another factor that causes many people to have sleep problems. It can be very difficult to sleep if you are suffering from constant pain. CBD’s ability to soothe pain could be another reason why it helps improve sleep.

    What is melatonin?

    Have you ever heard of melatonin?

    Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by your brain that aids in your body’s process to fall asleep. It’s produced in response to darkness and it helps the timing of your internal clock – also called your circadian rhythm. Everyone naturally produces melatonin, but some people produce less than others. 

    Taking a melatonin supplement may help you to fall asleep if you don’t naturally make enough on your own. 

    How Melatonin Helps You Sleep

    Melatonin has been studied a lot for its effect on sleep. This 2013 study performed on shift workers found that melatonin acts on receptors in the hypothalamus area of the brain. The hypothalmus is where your main circadian regulator is found. Melatonin works to resynchronize a disordered circadian rhythm, which helps you get better sleep.

    If your circadian rhythm is disordered, you are not going to sleep well. Because melatonin can restore balance to your body’s circadian rhythm, it can help you to naturally experience better sleep.

    Can CBD and melatonin treat insomnia?

    Insomnia is a sleep disorder that consists of difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. If you suffer from insomnia, you know that getting a full night’s rest is very difficult to come by. You may also experience symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, moodiness, and decreased performance at school or work as a result of your insomnia.

    Some people have chronic insomnia, which means that they have disrupted sleep at least three nights a week and it has been going on for at least three months. Others have acute insomnia, which is brief and usually happens thanks to stress.

    Regardless of how often you experience sleeping issues, it can be very difficult to deal with. Sleep is essential to your physical and emotional health and well-being. If you are unable to get enough quality rest each night, you may end up suffering from additional health problems.

    Although there is no shortage of different sleeping pills on the market, many of them have side effects that need to be considered. If you are interested in a more natural method to help you fall asleep and stay asleep longer, you may want to consider CBD and melatonin. 

    How do CBD and melatonin work together?

    While CBD can be very effective in helping you get some sleep on its own, when it’s paired with melatonin, it can be even more efficient!

    CBD works with your ECS to both reduce anxiety levels and potentially ease the pain as well. Plus, it can help you experience an overall sense of calmness and relaxation. The anxiety relief, pain reduction, and relaxed feeling may help you fall asleep faster and sleep better throughout the night. 

    Melatonin helps to regulate your circadian rhythm, which can help you to drift off to sleep with ease. Consider trying a supplement with both CBD and melatonin if you’re dealing with sleep issues. 

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    Best CBD and Melatonin Products

    If you’re looking for a high-quality CBD and melatonin product, these CBD Melatonin Softgels are a fantastic option. Each soft gel contains phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract and melatonin. They absorb quickly, are completely THC-free, and have been tested by an independent third-party lab for quality and efficacy. 

    These soft gels can help you achieve a restful night’s sleep when taken regularly. They’re a great all-natural option for helping you to unwind and drift off to sleep easier.

    Another great product that can help you relax before bed are these Premium CBD Bath Bombs with Lavender. There’s nothing more relaxing than a warm bath infused with calming CBD and lavender ess ential oils. 

    Do you struggle with insomnia? Or you simply find it difficult to unwind after a particularly stressful day? Either way, you may want to consider trying a combination of both melatonin and CBD. They may work together to help you drift off faster so you can feel well-rested in the morning!