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Are you struggling to get a good night's sleep due to pain or inflammation? You're not alone. In fact, research¹ suggests that 50-80% of people with chronic pain struggle with sleep problems, with most exhibiting symptoms of insomnia. Finding a solution can be tough, so we’ll let you in on a sneaky secret - CBD topicals may help you unlock that evasive good night’s sleep.
What's keeping you from a good night's sleep?
Struggling to fall asleep can be attributed to several causes, like anxiety, pain, inflammation, and poor sleep hygiene.
Let’s start with sleep hygiene², or how you get ready for rest. By making minimal adjustments to your bedtime routine you can greatly improve the quality of sleep. Small details like room temperature, minimizing screen time and jumping into comfy PJs greatly impact how well you sleep and wake up in the morning. Sometimes, even with a perfect sleep routine, you might still have trouble sleeping if you're feeling anxious or if you're in a lot of pain.
For example, one study³ found that 80% of people with arthritis struggle with sleeping on a nightly basis. What's worse is that many over-the-counter pain relievers and NSAIDs may put additional stress on the body, which might keep you from getting the rest you need. For example, opioids⁴ may make you feel sleepy, but higher doses can slow your breathing and heart rate, which can be dangerous and addictive.
Many people with chronic pain may turn to prescription sleep aids for help, but may still struggle with their perceptions of pain and getting the rest they need. Further, long-term use of sleeping pills may contribute to anxiety, making it difficult to sleep all over again for a different reason.⁵ For these reasons, many people have turned to cannabis to help get better sleep.
One study found that taking CBD and THC together may improve sleep by reducing inflammation, a key element associated with chronic pain.⁶ THC may also offer sedative effects and alter your pain perception, especially at bedtime. However, the study also found that ingesting CBD and THC can worsen sleep in the long run if you become dependent on them.
CBD Topicals Vs. Other Forms of CBD for Sleep
So what are you supposed to do if you need a more natural way to find pain relief before bed? Research suggests that CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, may help manage these issues, in a slightly unconventional way.
Research has pointed to the role that CBD plays in helping with inflammation, mood, and sleeping and waking cycles since it works with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), to promote homeostasis in the body.⁷⁻⁸ The ECS controls things like your immune system function, body temperature, and circadian rhythm to help your body function at its best, most balanced wavelength.
Studies point to how CBD’s effect on bodily inflammatory responses and pain relief might lead to more quality sleep. Evidence also suggests that it may help you level out your mood, especially great if anxiety keeps you up at night.⁹
And while consuming CBD may provide general relief for anxiety and inflammation, topicals offer targeted relief for pain and inflammation at specific sites.
CBD efficacy varies depending on delivery method, because they are absorbed through different pathways. When CBD is taken orally, it passes through the digestive system, where it's metabolized in the liver before it enters the bloodstream. As a result, it can take longer for the effects of digested CBD to be felt, typically taking between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
In contrast, CBD topicals work by being applied directly to the skin. The lotion, balm, cream, or gel interacts with the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints, which can lead to localized relief. CBD topicals do not enter the bloodstream or have a systemic effect on the body, so they don't cause psychoactive effects. It is worth noting, however, that full spectrum CBD topicals contain small amounts of THC, and can still show up on a drug test. If your employer prohibits and tests for THC, you may want to steer clear of full spectrum CBD topicals. For those without such limitations, full spectrum CBD topicals may provide much needed relief against muscle soreness that may keep you up at night. CBD topicals also can offer longer-lasting effects than edibles or tinctures, making them ideal for people who want comfort throughout the night.
Using CBD Topicals at Bedtime
With all this at play, topicals may be the most effective form of CBD for dealing with pain that keeps you up at night. Whether you're an athlete or just recovering from an injury, CBD may help you find the rest and relief you need to feel your best.
Put simply, muscle pain can prevent sleep, and sleep is also essential for full muscle recovery.¹⁰ Our CBD Muscle Gel, Bruise & Injury Cream, and our Relief and Recovery Balm Stick can be effective in targeting sore, achy muscles, easing tension, leading to a more restful night's sleep that will allow you to repair your muscles and get those gains. These products are ideal for athletes or casual exercisers who need to rest and recover when the day is through.
Sleep disturbances can also lead to various effects, such as dry skin, stiffness, and soreness when you wake up.¹¹ CBD-infused lotions and creams can offer a soothing effect that may help ease these discomforts and promote relaxation, allowing for a better night's rest and ultimately, a better start to your day. Our Repair Lotion is an excellent option for combating pain and inflammation in muscles or joints while also nourishing your skin.
For an extra CBD step in your sleep prep, try our Relax and Unwind Balm made with soothing and calming scents like lavender and chamomile. CBD topicals are specially formulated with other functional ingredients that may offer additional skin-nourishing benefits, making them an ideal product to incorporate into your daily wellness routine. With pleasant aromatherapy fragrances or fragrance-free options for sensitive skin, you can find CBD that works as hard as you do at Lazarus Naturals.
At the end of the day, incorporating CBD topicals like Lazarus Naturals' products into your bedtime routine may help improve sleep quality by addressing pain, inflammation, and other sleep challenges. By exploring various topical options, you can find a solution that works best for your specific needs and enjoy the benefits of a healthy night's sleep without running the risk of building a tolerance to CBD like you would with ingestible CBD options.
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Sources:
²https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene
⁶ https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/assets/user-content/documents/s11920-017-0775-9.pdf
⁷ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
⁸ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
⁹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
¹⁰ https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/the-importance-of-sleep.html
¹¹ https://www.thehealthy.com/beauty/face-body-care/whats-happening-to-skin-during-sleep/
I recently started using the Lazarus Naturals Cannabinoid Lemon Mango Sleep Gummies. For 5 nights in a row I fell asleep but only stayed asleep for 3-4 hours. I was hopeful this product would help, but the limited sleep time is disappointing.