Leaving restless legs syndrome (RLS) untreated is not a good decision as it can cause problems to your quality of life. This condition can affect your quality of sleep and hence indirectly affects your overall health. Depression and anxiety are also caused by sleep deprivation due to RLS. Currently, medications are available for RLS symptoms and they are effective, but using them for long periods can cause severe side effects.
Some studies suggest that CBD can manage RLS symptoms and help you to improve your life quality. CBD is a natural substance and it is a non-toxic, non-addictive, and non-psychoactive compound.
In this article, we are looking at whether it is beneficial to consume CBD for restless leg syndrome. First, let us look at what RLS is.
About Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
RLS is a neurological condition that causes an unwanted sensation in your legs. A person with RLS feels like his legs are being electrified. Painful itching, throbbing, and pulling are also felt in the legs by RLS patients. The sensation is accompanied by a strong urge to move the legs.
These uncomfortable feelings usually start in the late afternoon or early evening but get increasingly worse at night when you’re sleeping or resting. Additionally, the symptoms frequently wake you up and keep you from falling back to sleep.
Effects Of CBD For Managing RLS
The major cannabinoid receptors of the ECS are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD has a high affinity toward the CB2 receptors. Even though CBD does not attach to CB1 receptors directly, the action of CBD on serotonin, adenosine, vanilloid, and PPARy receptors indirectly activates the CB1 receptors. The interaction of CB2 receptors can help the body to reduce inflammation.
CBD For Pain Management
A type of itching or commonly described as electric pain is one of the most insufferable symptoms of RLS. This occurs at night and thereby interferes with your sleep. The analgesic effects of CBD are very beneficial for managing pain sensations caused by RLS. This is mainly achieved through the interaction of CBD on adenosine, vanilloid, and PPARy receptors. CBD binds to these receptors and prevents the cells from secreting compounds that cause pain. CBD also makes the cells reabsorb the chemicals that induce pain, hence reducing the overall pain of the patient.
In addition to the analgesic properties of CBD, it can also help with inflammation, stress, depression, and anxiety, and can aid in ensuring quality sleep.