There’s encouraging news for those suffering from lack of or poor-quality sleep, and it may be as many as one third[1] of American adults. Researchers are exploring the benefits of cannabidiol or CBD for a good night’s sleep. CBD is one of the over 60 cannabinoids or naturally occurring chemicals found in industrial hemp and marijuana that interact with natural receptors in the brain and body to regulate sleep, appetite, mood, immune function, and pain, as well as many more functions.
Some research on CBD and sleep indicates that CBD may interact with specific receptors in the endocannabinoid system to potentially affect the sleep/wake cycle. Furthermore, by reducing the symptoms of pain and anxiety, CBD may also contribute to a more restful sleep.
One study on CBD and sleep involved 72 adults suffering from anxiety and poor sleep. Participants completed anxiety and sleep assessments as the study got underway and again after the first monthly follow-up. The group was given 25mg of CBD in capsule form. At the first monthly assessment after the start of CBD treatment, 79.2% and 66.7% of all patients experienced an improvement in anxiety and sleep, respectively.
Two months after the start of CBD treatment, 78.1% and 56.1% of patients reported improvement in anxiety and sleep, respectively, compared with the prior month. Researchers concluded that on average, anxiety and sleep improved for most patients, though the results demonstrated a more sustained response to anxiety than for sleeping over time.[2]
Take CBD for insomnia due to eczema
The news about CBD and its effect on sleep may be particularly welcome for those suffering from eczema, the chronic non-contagious inflammatory skin condition that brings on inflamed, itchy, red, and discolored skin and even blisters. That National Eczema Association (NEA) reports that some 31.6 million people in the United States have some form of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), contact dermatitis, or seborrheic dermatitis.[3]
A study of nearly 35,000 adults found that sleep disturbance is common among eczema sufferers because of the constant pain and itch. Lack of sleep contributed to daytime fatigue, irritability, disturbed cognition, and decreased motor performance, all of which profoundly affect the quality of life. [4]
Feelings of anxiety and depression over the skin’s physical appearance also are common among eczema sufferers and that too can contribute to lack of and poor-quality sleep. An NEA survey of 545 adults with AD found that 30% of adults say they have been diagnosed with depression. This percentage is much higher than that of the general U.S. population with depression, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates to be 7.6%.[5]
A range of CBD products
Today, eczema sufferers can choose from an array of CBD products to help control the itch and provide relief from pain and sleep disturbance. Among Lab+Blends offerings are:
- Lab+Blends True Control Eczema Relief Cream relieves skin itchiness, redness, dryness, and irritation caused by eczema to restore a clear, healthy appearance. True Control Eczema Relief Cream combines groundbreaking CBD to support the reduction of inflammation with 2% skin-protecting Colloidal Oatmeal, as well as Ceramide NG, an essential lipid naturally found within the skin.
- Lab+Blends Dream Drops Nighttime Sleep Aid was formulated to be taken before bedtime each night to help ease problems related to falling and staying asleep. Those who take Melatonin supplements to aid sleep will be happy to know that, in addition to CBD, this non-habit-forming sleep aid features Melatonin, as well as Vitamin B6.
- Lab+Blends CBD Total Wellness Drops give a complete sense of well-being and overall balance. CBD supports the reduction in stress, decreases discomfort, and increases total body wellness.