CBD Use

The months from November looms with dreary winter; gloomy grey skies cast a shadow on everything that falls beneath it. While some rejoice over making snow angels in the fresh snow, others sink slump in their couch in a depressed mood. The low feeling may be more common than you think; as a matter of fact as much as 10 million Americans are affected by this condition while almost 20% of the American population is affected by a milder form. The condition in question is called Seasonal affective disorder or SAD.

What Exactly Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

It is a form of depressive disorder that follows a seasonal pattern very closely. The climate and the weather play a key role in shaping the person’s mood and how cheery they become. But the condition is more prominent for the seasons of autumn and the wake of winter. This is more pronounced for someone who has battled depression episodes before.

The human body has its own circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is the natural internal process that our body follows; the same way the earth rotates around its axis and gives you 24 hours in a day that repeats without fail. The circadian rhythm regulates the sleep-wake cycle that is repeated in 24 hours. The seasonal affective disorder is caused by the changing of seasons and sunlight in the span of the day that alters the body’s innate biological clock, the circadian rhythm. When this happens, your body undergoes changes in the hormonal levels which in turn cause a shift in moods and behavior. Various hormones known to invoke happiness and fulfillment such as serotonin and melatonin are impacted, leading to the symptoms shown in seasonal affective disorder.

Symptoms Of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The symptoms are as follows:

• Low energy and lethargy
• Fluctuating bodyweight – loss or gain
• Not motivated to do anything
• Feelings of unworthiness
• Terrible moods all day long
• Difficulty in falling asleep-insomnia
• Appetite changes
• Socially withdrawn

Can CBD Help With Seasonal Affective Disorder?

CBD has become a powerhouse of the pharma industry. A single herbal alternative is paving way for a whole new industry to flourish and grow, but not without reason. The plethora of health benefits that CBD offers to users is the sole reason for the sudden rise in its popularity. Of the many CBD health benefits, one that shines bright is the ability of cannabidiol or CBD to curb and control anxiety. What this means is that you will have a winning chance against seasonal affective disorder with the help of CBD.

Cannabidiol: the Miracle we need

Cannabidiol or CBD is a Phytocannabinoid substance that is extracted from hemp or cannabis plants. The plants have several other substances in it which are similar to CBD, called cannabinoids. The cannabinoids include chromenes, flavonoids, terpenes, and the more famous THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol.

CBD is purely a therapeutic substance and helps relax the various systems of the body without making the user intoxicated, unlike THC. CBD does not produce any of the effects of psychosis,  meaning you can consume CBD without the fear of getting ‘high’.

There is a lot of research that has gone behind trying to decode how CBD interacts with the body. A vague picture has been formed though: the human body consists of a unique system that is responsible for the smooth functioning of activities related to appetite, mood, and sleep; this system is called the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The CBD interacts with 2 main receptors or action sites on the ECS, which are CB1 and CB2 which cause a variety of effects which are as follows:

• CBD Helps In Lifting Depression And Anxiety

CBD has been proven to act as an effective medication to control anxiety. A study that was conducted in lab rats showed a 99% beneficial result. Serotonin which is regarded as the feel-good neurotransmitter, is associated with mood and sleep patterns; this neurotransmitter has close to 14 receptors. CBD binds to the receptor 5-HT1A, which plays a key role in anxiety disorders. CBD has been able to relax and calm the nerves especially during panic attacks; helping reduce the frequency and intensity of the attacks.

• CBD Helps Maintain Healthy Sleep Patterns

One of the key symptoms that worsen depression is the unhealthy sleep patterns or insomnia. Sleep is essential for healthy brain activity and is necessary to ensure that hormonal changes resulting in depression are reduced. CBD has a positive influence on serotonin which in turn has a close link to emotional wellbeing and happiness. Long-term use of CBD will do you wonders in ensuring that the problem of seasonal affective disorder is all but a distant memory.

With more positive emotion being felt by the user, CBD use will ensure that you get a fighting chance in reclaiming your life.