From people stressed out from the activities in daily life to the general population, fatigue is an ailment that affects many people. In one study performed by the CDC, about 15 percent of women and 10 percent of women polled stated that they had felt either very tired or exhausted within the prior three months. Could CBD, cannabidiol, be a potential aid to help people with chronic fatigue? 

What is considered fatigue?

To better understand how CBD hemp oil could be a potential agent to help with fatigue, you must first understand what it is that truly constitutes fatigue. The general consensus in the medical community is that fatigue hinders the ability to live a normal life, and it is usually a long-term issue. Sleepiness may come and go as you get bored or don't sleep well on certain nights, but fatigue may: 

• Linger on for days, weeks, or even months at a time 
• Cause you to feel physically and emotionally weaker than usual 
• Make it hard to get out of bed in the morning 

What is CBD?

CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in hemp. Known for its proposed therapeutic benefits and non-psychoactive nature, CBD has gained much interest in recent years as a potential aid for an array of ailments. CBD is known to interact with the body's natural endocannabinoid system in several ways that may be beneficial for the human body. 

The Link Between CBD and Fighting Fatigue 

It may sound like an odd connection: a hemp property that deters fatigue, but the link between CBD and fighting fatigue has been scientifically tested. Studies published in the journal of Behavioral Neuroscience in 2008 stated that: 

"...this cannabinoid is a wake-inducing compound that presumably activates neurons in LH and DRN."

The neurons mentioned were lateral hypothalamus (LH) or dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN), both of which are located in the areas of the brain tasked with keeping you awake and alert. When given in smaller doses during periods of the awake cycle of the day, CBD was found to enhance wakefulness for study participants. 

Another important thing to note is taking CBD oil may have a positive effect on symptoms related to anxiety. This can potentially lower stress levels and help you combat emotional feelings that may be generating more than your fair share of fatigue throughout the day.

But, wouldn't CBD make you sleepy?

The answer here is actually no, which may come as a surprise since CBD is often used to improve sleep quality and has been examined for an aid for insomnia. It turns out, signaling the endocannabinoid system in the human body may help to regulate the stability of sleep. For some, CBD may lead your body into a relaxed state in which it can fall asleep easier and then sleep in a more stable way through the night. 

Final Thoughts: Fatigue and CBD 

If you consistently struggle to find the energy to get you through the day, some people have found success with a small and consistent dose of CBD hemp oil over the long-term.