As the pace of research into cannabis and cannabinoids continues to speed up, the public has been learning more and more about not just THC but also CBD, CBN, and many of the plant's other psychotropic and therapeutic compounds. The fact that researchers have a better understanding now than ever of the plant's most potentially useful components doesn't mean that the public perception of them is always accurate, though. Most people assume that cannabidiol (CBD) is a sedative compound, for example, while in reality, it's just as effective for increasing energy and focus. This makes CBD a perfect product for people who want to increase their energy levels in healthy, natural ways.

How CBD Can Be Both Relaxing and Wakefulness-Promoting

Want to Learn More about how this fascinating plant-derived compound can both promote relaxation and stimulate wakefulness? Researchers believe that it comes down to CBD's impact on two different neurotransmitter pathways.

1. The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for maintaining a state of homeostasis within the body, which includes modulating sleep and wakefulness. CBD can help regulate the ECS by modulating the reuptake of endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide. If a person's levels fall too low, taking CBD supplements can help to restore them to normal, but the same goes for high levels of neurotransmitters. Just as the ECS helps to regulate the body's sleep-wake cycles, CBD helps to regulate the ECS.

2. Dopamine Pathways

Dopamine is considered by many to be a molecule associated with pleasure. However, it's more accurate to think of it as the molecule of motivation. Increased levels of dopamine in the brain have been shown to increase motivation, wakefulness, and focus, and CBD supplementation may help to modulate dopamine release. As with the ECS, if the brain and body's dopaminergic pathways are overactive, CBD could calm them. If they are underactive, it could induce greater levels of endogenous dopamine production.

How to Take CBD for Wakefulness

People who want to take CBD for wakefulness need to take the supplement in the morning. Most take it alongside coffee to fuel productivity. However, using CBD to directly promote energy and concentration is only part of the equation.

CBD and Sleep

As has already been mentioned, CBD can promote better sleep in addition to boosting energy depending on how and when people take it and what else is going on in their bodies and lives. CBD taken in larger quantities at night can help to combat anxiety-induced sleeplessness by increasing GABA levels in the brain to prime the body for rest, and getting better sleep at night promotes higher levels of wakefulness during the day.

CBD and Pain

Chronic pain tends to cause fatigue, particularly if it's caused by inflammation. CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory that has been shown to have some pain-relieving properties, particularly when taken as a full-spectrum extract. Alleviating pain and inflammation can help to boost people's energy levels by reducing the fatigue and brain fog associated with the chronic forms of these symptoms.

Make It a Habit

Don't be surprised if taking a small dose of CBD one morning isn't enough to boost energy throughout the day. Instead, make it a habit to include 10-20 MG of CBD oil or a comparable supplement alongside that morning cup of coffee. Eventually, the ECS and dopamine-regulating effects will begin to take hold. For maximum impact, take larger, 40-50 MG doses of CBD at night for better sleep, as well.