We all need a good night’s sleep

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to make you feel your best, but if you’re like a third of all Americans, you are not getting enough. 

The Center for Disease Control estimates that one in three adults aren’t getting the sleep they need, which is at least seven or more hours a night. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that more than 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, and a survey published in Consumer Reports last year reports that 80 percent of Americans are struggling with sleep at least once a week.

Sound like someone you know? We can relate! 

Sleep is so essential to overall health and well-being. We need it for our mind, body and spirit. While we sleep, our bodies rest and repair themselves, and not getting enough sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases. These include heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, obesity, and depression. 

Lack of sleep can also interfere with a person’s ability to function, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  According to the ADAA, It can lead to anxiety disorders, accidents at work, and make it hard for people to do their jobs. 

So, we all get it, we know many of us aren’t getting enough sleep.  But if we don’t want to take sleeping pills, and suffer the side effects that come with them, what can we do?  

One option is to try CBD. There are many CBD sleep aids on the market but we felt CBD alone did not help us. After much research and trials we combined CBD with other natural botanicals like Melatonin, Myrcene, Terpineol, and Terpinolene.  Our physician formulated Wisdom Essentials DREAM tincture contains a carefully calibrated combination of all of these to assist people drift off to a peaceful night’s sleep. We developed this tincture to help improve our own sleep patterns and made sure it worked and we feel confident it will work for you. 

CBD and Sleep

Let’s start with CBD. According to the American Sleep Association, the human Endocannabinoid System, which is an important system that helps regulate the body’s physiological processes, also regulates a person’s circadian rhythm.  Research suggests that CBD may interact with receptors in the Endocannabinoid System to affect the sleep/wake cycle.  

Reduces Pain and Anxiety

CBD has been known to assist with pain and anxiety, conditions which, if untreated, often contribute to twisting and turning in bed, and lack of sleep. So it stands to reason that reducing pain and anxiety, a major cause of insomnia, may result in a better night’s sleep.

More and more research is being conducted on the positive effects of CBD, Melatonin and other compounds in treating sleep disorders and improving sleep – in a natural, healthy way.

Research on CBD

According to a report published last year in the Permanente Journal, CBD may help those who suffer from anxiety, thus aiding sleep.  In an experiment with 72 adults who experienced anxiety or poor sleep,  79 percent who took CBD experienced reduced anxiety, and 66.7 percent experienced improved sleep. 

Another study published in the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed found that CBD may improve complex sleep disorders associated with Parkinson’s Disease, improving the symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD).

A survey by Consumer Reports found that a majority of those who take CBD to help them sleep said that it works.

Effects of Melatonin 

Melatonin has long been used as a natural sleep aid to treat insomnia, shift work sleep disorder, and children’s sleep problems. Known as the “hormone of darkness,” it’s a natural hormone released by the brain when it gets dark and governs a person’s internal clock, signaling that it’s time to go to sleep. 

A study published by the PLOS One scientific journal examined the efficiency of Melatonin in improving sleep. It found that taking Melatonin reduced the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, increased the amount of time a person remains asleep, and improved overall sleep quality.

An article published by the National Institute of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health further reports that Melatonin may help with jet lag.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that it’s important to take the proper dosage of Melatonin. Too much can actually disrupt sleep.  It recommends that typically, adults should take between two-tenths of a milligram and five milligrams an hour before bedtime.

Fragrant Terpenes that Aid Sleep

Terpenes are fragrant oils secreted by plants, including hemp, to attract pollinators and repel pests, and are often used in aromatherapy. Terpenes are used in many of  Wisdom Essentials formulas including the DREAM tincture.. They include Myrcene, Terpineol, Terpinolene, and Mandarin. 

Myrcene promotes sleep and relaxation. Found in fragrant fruits and other plants, it is also known to ease muscle tension and help with depression. Terpineol has similar therapeutic, relaxing effects, and reduces anxiety. It’s also considered an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. Terpinolene is another fragrant terpene that has a sedative effect. Finally, Mandarin oil is also commonly used to help people drift off into dreamland. It has a mild citrus scent and a calming and relaxing effect.

Common Sense Guidelines  

What else can you do to improve sleep? The CDC recommends going to bed at the same time every night,  keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, and at a comfortable temperature, and removing TVs and other electronic devices from the bedroom. It also helps to avoid heavy meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.  And get some exercise during the day so you’re tired when you crawl into bed.