Don’t Get SAD, Get CBD! – Using CBD For Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD or seasonal affective disorder is not just a play on words; it is a subtype of depression first coined in 1984. It is marked at the beginning of fall and follows through to the end of winter. During summer, the cycle ends, and it disappears in most people.
Some of its symptoms include low energy levels, insomnia, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, low libido and a low threshold for irritability.
Short winter days and long nights have adverse consequences to the human body. This is because light has a significant impact on the circadian clock. Below are factors causing SAD and how it can be managed effectively using natural compounds such as CBD from Sunday Scaries.
What Causes SAD?
Circadian rhythm controlled by a part referred to as the hypothalamus in the mid-section of the brain. This system regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
UV rays from natural sunlight signal the body to synthesize Vitamin D to set this rhythm. Light absence is linked to the disruption of this system.
The hypothalamus is also linked to other body parts involved in hormone release, body temperature regulation and many other homeostatic functions. When it fails to work, melatonin release, aiding sleep, from the pineal gland becomes dysregulated hence the feelings of fatigue in SAD.
It also interferes with serotonin production involved in the regulation of sleep, appetite and mood changes. When all this happens, coupled with stress at work, it becomes a recipe for disaster.
SAD becomes related to suicidal thoughts and an increase in substance abuse. For that reason, it becomes imperative to seek a therapist or a group of people you can talk to. Other remedies include eating healthy food, a decent amount of exercise, Vitamin D supplements, fish oil, using light therapy and most recently, CBD.
The Why’s and How’s of CBD Use
CBD is got from a cannabis plant referred to as hemp with THC levels of 0.3%. It is one of the two major compounds found in cannabis. The other one is THC, and unlike it, CBD is not psychoactive and therefore does not cause that ‘high feeling’.
Many research studies have backed CBD on its use to curb anxiety disorders, aid sleep, depression, and pain management. Anxiety in SAD is the leading cause of insomnia. CBD for Seasonal Affective Disorder works through the endocannabinoid system, which has been shown to improve mood and alleviate anxiety.
It achieves this by preventing the breakdown of a compound referred to as anandamide. Thus it acts on cannabinoid receptors for a long time. An increase in endocannabinoids in the brain, therefore, improves sleep quality through its tremendous calming effects.
Therefore, ingestion of CBD helps to propagate these effects even further by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids in the body. It, therefore, increases the time with which the relief from SAD is felt.
CBD For Exercise
Involving yourself in moderate to high-intensity workouts for 45 – 60 minutes increases dopamine, serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. This cocktail of neurotransmitters dramatically influences one’s mood for the better.
The use of CBD only gives this a boost by favouring the effects of endocannabinoids. This natural compound potentiates a harmonious relationship that creates a solid system to manage SAD very effectively.
Besides the effects on mood, CBD also reduces inflammation and promotes fast recovery. With this enhanced performance, you will be getting the best of both worlds.
Use of CBD When Eating
Winter season creates the temptation of indulging in foods that are not good for your health. Fast food, sugar, all those. However, that is not a good way to hibernate. You will end up with some extra pounds at the end of winter, filled with regret.
Also, dysregulated endocannabinoids cause inflammatory bowel syndrome. Using CBD will provide relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties. An impact on the serotonin neurotransmitter will also help regulate your appetite to bounds you can easily control.
Ways to Ingest CBD
Cannabidiol like green doctor CBD oil can be consumed in various forms. They include; capsules, isolates, gummies, tinctures and oils you can add to your food.
Your preference depends on how quick you want a particular response. For example, when you feel like the world is weighing down on you, a few drops of CBD oil sublingually will have its effects kick in in about 20 – 30 minutes. It is also a plus given that you can easily do it anywhere and without the intoxicated feeling. So, you will still be productive.
Conclusion
Pharmaceutical antidepressants are effective in SAD but come with a price. The long list of adverse side effects associated with them doesn’t stop there. You are likely also to alter your genetic makeup for the worse.
Therefore, combining CBD with exercise, healthy food and supplements such as Vitamin D, light therapy and fish oil is very effective and as natural as can be.
It will help solve your insomnia and the deep, dark valley of mood changes while awaiting sunny days. Remember that CBD still needs more research; however, it still provides an avenue to experiment safely. Please do so, responsibly.
