In these hectic times, more and more people are looking for natural ways to improve their focus. Whether you are studying for an important exam, working on a demanding project or simply want to increase your productivity, a clear mind is essential. A remarkable number of people today are using CBD to support their concentration. But what does the science say about it?
Why CBD for concentration?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural substance from the hemp plant that has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Unlike THC, CBD does not make you high and does not interfere with your daily functioning. In fact, recent research shows that CBD “does not significantly affect daily functioning”: a reassuring finding for those who want to use it while working or studying.
The interest in CBD as a concentration aid is not without reason. A large-scale user survey shows that anxiety, stress and sleep problems are the main reasons people use CBD. And these are exactly the factors that interfere most with your concentration.
How CBD works in your brain
To understand how CBD can affect your focus, we must first look at the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This particular system in your body regulates numerous functions: from your mood and sleep to memory and stress response. The ECS is made up of receptors, enzymes and proprietary cannabinoids that your body produces itself.
CBD interacts with this system in a unique way. Contrary to what many people think, CBD does not bind directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead, it affects how these receptors transmit signals and allows your own endocannabinoids to stay active longer. In this way, CBD helps your body stay better balanced: an essential requirement for optimal brain function.
Stress: the biggest enemy of focus
When you are stressed, your brain works on a higher gear, so to speak. You are in a constant state of readiness. And that makes it harder to concentrate on the things you need to do. Fortunately, scientific research shows promising results for CBD for stress.
A comprehensive review of multiple studies shows that CBD can be effective in reducing stress reactions. In one
Anxiety, closely related to stress, can also be a huge barrier to concentration. Research from the University of Colorado showed that CBD products are effective in reducing anxiety without the adverse side effects that THC-rich products can have.
The role of sleep in concentration
We cannot stress it enough: good sleep is fundamental to focus and concentration. When you sleep poorly at night, you notice it directly in your performance the next day. Your reaction time slows down, you make more mistakes and absorbing new information becomes more difficult.
A review of 34 studies shows CBD shows promise for improving sleep problems. Many users report better sleep since taking CBD, which indirectly contributes to better focus during the day. Want to know more about this? Then read our article on sleeping better with CBD.
CBD and memory: surprising findings
One of the most fascinating discoveries about CBD and brain function comes from research from University College in London. Researchers found that a single dose of 600 mg of CBD increased blood flow to the hippocampus. And that’s the brain area crucial for memory and learning!
This increased blood supply means that your brain is better supplied with oxygen and nutrients, which is essential for optimal cognitive performance. Although more research is needed, these findings point to an interesting mechanism by which CBD could support your concentration.
How do you use CBD for extra focus?
CBD works differently than caffeine. It does not increase your focus directly, but addresses the underlying causes: stress, sleep problems and an imbalance in your body. Start with a
You can choose from different forms: CBD oil for sublingual use or convenient capsules to take with you to work or study. Note: CBD is not a medicine and does not work the same for everyone, but it can – as should be obvious by now – be very helpful in creating better conditions for focus.
Quality makes the difference
At Dutch Balance you will only find number one quality products, tested by independent laboratories. We offer free shipping from €25 and ordered before 17:00 = shipped today. Questions about which product suits you? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to help.
