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My Discovery of The Endocannabinoid System

Understanding how CBD improved my sleep.

By David HartshornePublished about a year ago 6 min read
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My Discovery of The Endocannabinoid System
Photo by Anshu A on Unsplash

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It has become a popular natural remedy for many common ailments, including insomnia and difficulty sleeping.

In this article, I will share my personal experience with using CBD to improve my sleep and overall well-being.

Before trying CBD, I had struggled with insomnia for years. I tried everything from sleep aids and medications to warm milk and chamomile tea, but nothing seemed to work. I was always tired and irritable during the day, and my lack of sleep was starting to take a toll on my physical and mental health.

One day, a friend recommended that I try CBD. I was hesitant at first, as I had never tried it before and didn't know much about it. However, I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.

I started by taking a small dose of CBD oil before bedtime. Within a few days, I noticed a significant improvement in my sleep quality. I was falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer, and I felt more refreshed and energized in the morning.

Not only did CBD help me sleep better, but it also improved my overall mood and well-being. I found that I was less anxious and more relaxed during the day, and my irritability and mood swings were greatly reduced. I even noticed an improvement in my concentration and focus at work.

I continued to take CBD regularly, and after a few weeks, my sleep problems were almost completely gone. I was sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed and energized. I couldn't believe how much of a difference it had made in my life.

In conclusion, CBD has been a game-changer for my sleep and overall well-being. It has helped me finally get the restful, restorative sleep that I had been missing for so long. If you are struggling with insomnia or other sleep issues, I would highly recommend giving CBD a try.

So, we have an Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a physiological system that is present in most vertebrates, including humans. It is named after the cannabis plant, which produces compounds known as cannabinoids. The ECS is involved in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including appetite, mood, pain, and memory.

The ECS is made up of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are molecules that are produced by the body and bind to cannabinoid receptors, which are found throughout the body. These receptors are found in the brain, organs, tissues, and immune cells. The binding of endocannabinoids to their receptors triggers a response in the cells, which can lead to a variety of physiological effects.

There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system. The binding of endocannabinoids to these receptors can have different effects depending on the location of the receptor. For example, the binding of endocannabinoids to CB1 receptors in the brain can affect mood and appetite, while the binding of endocannabinoids to CB2 receptors in the immune system can affect inflammation and pain.

Enzymes are also an important part of the ECS. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids after they have been used. This helps to regulate the levels of endocannabinoids in the body and prevent overactivity of the ECS.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of signaling molecules and receptors that is present in all mammals. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. The ECS is involved in a wide variety of physiological processes, including appetite, mood, memory, and pain sensation.

The ECS is named after the cannabis plant, which contains compounds called cannabinoids that interact with the system. However, the body produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which are similar in structure to the ones found in cannabis. The most well-known endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body, including in the brain, organs, immune cells, and connective tissue. There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more prevalent in immune cells and the peripheral nervous system.

When the body is functioning properly, endocannabinoids are produced on-demand to help regulate various physiological processes. For example, if the body senses that it is running low on energy, endocannabinoids may be produced to stimulate appetite. Or if the body is experiencing chronic pain, endocannabinoids may be released to help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.

However, when the ECS is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of health problems. For instance, a deficiency in endocannabinoids has been linked to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and migraines. On the other hand, excessive endocannabinoid activity has been associated with obesity and addiction.

Researchers are still working to understand the full extent of the ECS and its effects on the body. However, it is clear that the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Some treatments for conditions related to the ECS, such as chronic pain or epilepsy, have even included the use of cannabis-based medications.

Overall, I am glad I found it! What I later discovered was that there were other forms of CBD, which I shall explain below;

Full Spectrum CBD

Full spectrum CBD is a type of CBD that contains all of the compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This means that full spectrum CBD contains a small amount of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces a "high" feeling.

CBD isolate

In contrast, CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD that has been isolated from the other compounds in the cannabis plant. This means that it does not contain any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids, and it also does not contain any THC.

CBD was not the only factor in my recovery!

While it played a huge role in my sleep, I'd also addressed my random eating habits and finally cut out the junk food!

Getting a good night's sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with insomnia or other sleep problems that can make it difficult to get the rest we need. In this article, I will share the foods that I have chosen to eat to help me get a better night's sleep.

One of the key foods in my sleep-promoting diet is chamomile tea. Chamomile has long been used as a natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep problems. It contains compounds called flavonoids that have a calming effect on the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Another important food in my sleep-promoting diet is oatmeal. Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that can help to regulate blood sugar levels and provide a slow, steady supply of energy. It also contains a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

In addition to chamomile tea and oatmeal, I also make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in my diet. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for good sleep. For example, bananas are rich in potassium, which can help to regulate the nervous system, and leafy green vegetables are high in calcium, which has been shown to promote relaxation.

Finally, I make sure to include foods that are high in tryptophan in my diet. Tryptophan is an amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating sleep. Foods that are high in tryptophan include turkey, chicken, eggs, and cheese.

In conclusion, getting a good night's sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. By choosing the right foods, we can support our body's natural processes and promote relaxation and restful sleep. Foods like chamomile tea, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, and tryptophan-rich foods are all great choices for a sleep-promoting diet.

self help
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About the Creator

David Hartshorne

With 18+ years in e-commerce and digital marketing, I specialise in developing brand identities and driving business growth. I'm dedicated to leveraging my skills to help organisations succeed in diverse industries.

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