What is Restless Leg Syndrome, and Should You Take CBD For It?

Willis Ekbom Disease, more commonly known as restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that’s considered chronic, and can be extremely disruptive, especially to a person’s sleep.  It’s notoriously difficult to treat, and considered incurable, despite the fact that it affects a reported ten percent of the population.

Interestingly, those seeking out some type of relief are starting to turn to cannabidiol (CBD), and even have reported that it’s offering the help they were looking for.  Let’s explore CBD’s properties more deeply to understand why this is the case, after taking a close look at the condition itself.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless leg syndrome is a condition that affects the nerves in the legs, causing a feeling of restlessness that leads to a compulsive need to keep the legs moving.  Symptoms seem to become worse when a person is laying down or sitting for a long period of time, which is why the condition is known to interfere with sleep, in particular.  The condition is rarely painful, although due to the constant use of the muscles, it can cause spasms. 

More women than men are affected by restless leg syndrome, and while there are children who have it, it most commonly occurs in adulthood.  It can be a lifelong condition.

What makes things more complicated is that the exact cause is unknown, in terms of why some people develop it.  RLS might be genetically rooted, and ultimately it’s a dysfunction of the nervous system.

Diagnosing and Treating Restless Leg Syndrome

There is currently no concrete diagnostic method for restless leg syndrome.  A doctor will likely use testing to rule out other potential problems like injury to the legs or neurological disorders that are easier to diagnose.  To be diagnosed with RLS, you need to experience a persistent feeling of restlessness in the legs, and also find yourself shaking or jerking the legs as a compulsive response.

While there is no treatment or cure for RLS, some patients have found relief with muscle relaxers that relax the nerves enough so that a person can fall asleep at night.

What Can CBD Do for RLS Sufferers?

Cannabidiol is the non-intoxicating, nontoxic, and all-natural dominant compound found in hemp.  It’s a cannabinoid, which means that it’s a compound that attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the body to regulate adjacent processes.  CB receptors exist in all systems of the body, belonging to the endocannabinoid system which aims to keep us in homeostasis. 

In fact, a study that was conducted shows promise when it comes to addressing RLS with CBD.  The data found that cannabidiol can balance dopamine in the brain, and that this may play a big role in addressing the condition, suggesting that faulty dopamine receptors may have something to do with the condition’s development.  In another study, patients with RLS were administered CBD and experienced positive results, experiencing lessened symptoms.

And, the fact that CBD can have a balancing effect on neurotransmitters tells us something else, which is that the cannabinoid may be able to improve sleep which can be difficult when RLS symptoms are at their worst. 

Furthermore, scientists are unanimous in saying that cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and provides an array of therapeutic virtues that can soothe pain and effectively reduce stress.  Due to CBD’s anti-anxiety properties, it permits for a lighter, blissful, and more serene mind.  That's why RLS sufferers who take CBD before going to bed are at last able to find sleep, rest, and have an awesome day ahead.

Using CBD for Restless Leg Syndrome

Before using cannabidiol for restless leg syndrome, we strongly recommend speaking with your doctor.  This is especially important if you’re on any medications, since CBD may suppress the CYP3A4 enzyme that breaks down many commonly prescribed drugs, including some muscle relaxer medications.  Essentially, your physician can better identify whether or not CBD would be useful to you, and from there, offer personalized guidance when it comes to taking this cannabinoid to achieve the top results. 

Now, CBD is most effective when it’s taken daily, and taking it at nighttime is particularly helpful if that’s when your symptoms are at their worst.  Nectar Wellness carries all sorts of CBD-infused products such as Supercharged™ CBD Oil, Supercharged™ CBD Gummies, and even Supercharged™ CBD Cream.

CBD Might Have Real Promise, and That’s Something RLS Sufferers Can Look Forward To

Cannabis researchers are finding out a lot of phenomenal information about how cannabidiol might be able to help people struggling with restless leg syndrome, and this is particularly good news because of how difficult it is to treat the condition otherwise.  Since CBD is so gentle, you can give it a try since you’ve nothing to lose.  Remember, CBD is not a medicine, and it does not cure any disease.  You should once again have a discussion with your physician first before using CBD.