Many people take CBD oil as a natural way to increase their energy and stay focused. But how exactly does it work?
Here are the top 6 ways that CBD oil improves energy and focus — plus, how to get the most benefit from each dose.
6 ways CBD oil can improve energy and focus
In the last few years, CBD has become increasingly popular as an aid to mental wellbeing and productivity. And it's not just anecdotal.
More and more scientific research supports the idea that CBD oil is good for your energy and focus. Here's how it works …
1. CBD oil can increase your serotonin levels
You've probably heard of serotonin as the "happy chemical". It's a crucial neurotransmitter — a chemical found in the brain — that helps manage your mood, energy, and sleep patterns.
Research from Innsbruck Medical University found that CBD oil can play an important role in how much serotonin our brains produce. Our brains make serotonin from other ingredients, such as the amino acid trytophan. CBD leads to more tryptophan in the brain … which means that your body can make more serotonin.
So, even though you might think of CBD as something that promotes calmness and rest, it can also help to boost your mood, energy levels, and alertness by producing more serotonin.
2. CBD oil can improve sleep quality
3 in every 10 people have trouble sleeping, according to the Sleep Foundation. That results in tiredness, fatigue, low energy, and struggling to focus during the day.
Preliminary data shows that CBD may improve sleep quality and help solve those issues. And in 2022, a review of research so far found that CBD could help relieve insomnia.
There is a wide range of CBD sleep products now available. Find out which one is best for you.
3. CBD oil can improve your hormonal balance
If you had a good night's rest but you're still feeling tired, then the cause could be a hormonal problem.
Your body has internal systems which help to regulate your sleep, hunger levels, energy levels, and so on. One of those systems is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It's linked to your immune system, appetite, pain levels — and most importantly, mood and memory.
Without endocannabinoids, this sytem doesn't work properly and your mood and focus can suffer. CBD oil adds endocannabinoids back in and supports the ECS to work properly.
4. CBD oil can decrease stress and symptoms of anxiety
Other major causes of tiredness during the day are anxiety and stress. These emotions don't just prevent you from sleeping — they can also cause real mental and physical exhaustion in the long term.
Hemp oil, which contains the cannabiniods CBD and CBG, can help manage feelings of stress. CBD and CBG work together to slow down the breakdown of 2-AG, andandamide, and GABA, which are amino acids that regulate stress in the brain.
Their combined effect could help you handle stress better so that you stay calm, focused, and well-rested.
5. CBD oil may help regenerate brain cells and protect your memory
Many people report feeling like they remember less and focus more poorly as they get older. Feeling stressed or anxious can also affect your memory and brain function.
But there are signs that CBD oil could help protect your brain over time.
Research has shown that cannabinoids can support brain growth, the replacement of lost brain cells, and even regenerating damaged nerve cells — reversing any loss of memory or concentration. They can also reduce symptoms of disorders such as ADHD, which affect your ability to focus.
6. CBD oil can help reduce pain
Pain makes us tired and stops us from concentrating. If you've ever experienced chronic pain, you'll know that this effect can last for weeks, months, or even years, causing knock-on problems at work and in your personal life.
However, research clearly shows that CBD for pain relief is effective. As well as being a painkiller, CBD can reduce inflammation in the body — battling chronic pain at the source and helping prevent a range of illnesses.
How quickly will CBD oil improve my energy and focus?
CBD oil doesn't work the same way as a cup of coffee or a can of energy drink. You won't get an immediate lift in energy or mood. However, you'll also be protected from the slump that people often feel after getting a brief caffeine boost.
Instead, CBD works in the long term. If you take a consistent dose regularly, then you'll start to feel more energized and productive over time.
How much CBD oil should I take for energy and focus?
There is no perfect dose that will improve energy and focus for every single person. The amount that you need to take will depend on your body, your lifestyle, any medical conditions, how recently you ate, and which CBD oil product you choose.
CBD oil should always come with a label that describes the concentration and suggests a recommended dosage. As a general rule, it's a good idea to start with a small dose and build up slowly if necessary.
What time of day should I take CBD oil for energy and focus?
The answer to this question is different for everyone. The best time of day to take CBD oil depends on what you're taking it for, your daily routine, your individual body chemistry, and when you eat.
Some people who take CBD for focus find it works best if they take it in the morning, while others like to take CBD in the evening to help them relax. You'll need to experiment to find out what time of day works best for you.
Summary
If you're feeling anxious or low on energy, CBD oil can help by increasing serotonin and other key neurotransmitters, supporting better sleep, and protecting your brain from pain, inflammation, and the effects of stress.
FAQs
Does CBD reduce brain fog?
Some people have found that taking CBD oil reduces brain fog. However, we're still waiting for scientific research to confirm their experience on a bigger scale.
Can CBD help with ADHD focus?
Early research suggests that CBD oil can improve focus and impulse control for people who have ADHD. Many people with ADHD choose to take CBD oil, although it's not yet an official medical recommendation.
Does CBD oil help tiredness?
Some people say that CBD oil helps them to feel more awake and gives them more energy. We're still waiting for more definitive research, but we do know that CBD oil seems to work without the sedative effects of cannabis.
How quickly do you feel the benefits of CBD oil?
Everybody is different, so there's no quick and easy answer to this question. Depending on your body, lifestyle, dosage, and choice of CBD products, you might feel an effect within minutes.
