Ask any Brit how they are and the chances are they will respond saying they’re tired! In fact, according to UK sleep statistics 2021*, 1 in 3 people in the UK regularly complain of a bad night’s sleep.
Results also show that only 6% of us get a full 8 hours sleep and 1 in 3 Britons suffer from insomnia resulting in a staggering 200,000 lost work days a year. 35-44 year-olds are the ones who struggle the most to get a good night’s sleep with only 20.71% achieving the dream of eight hours shut-eye.
Why do we need sleep?
Sleep is an essential function that allows your body to recharge and repair. Sleep leaves you feeling refreshed and alert when you wake up. If you have good sleep and good sleep habits it helps your body to remain healthy. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly which can impact on our ability to concentrate, think clearly and process memories.
What can affect our sleep for the better or worse?
There are a number of things that can impact our sleep. Since our sleep is influenced by different neurotransmitter signals in the brain, foods and medicine that change the balance of these signals affect whether we feel alert or drowsy and how well we sleep.
Experts agree there are several things we can do to help ourselves sleep better including having a regular night time routine. Our brain quickly recognises a habit and a “wind down” routine before bed is a good habit to form! It’s also important to go “tech-free” at least one hour before going to sleep and to avoid caffeine or alcohol – all things we probably know but how many of us actually help ourselves by doing them!?
“Quality sleep is essential for a healthy mind and body,” says Dr Marion Sloan, a GP from Sheffield. “Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to get a good night’s sleep but there are things we can do to give ourselves the best chance of sleeping well and properly recharging.”
CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the many compounds that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. Scientists have found that CBD can be used as a supplement to support health in a safe way and can help you maintain wellness by finding the right balance in diet, exercise and lifestyle for you.
Columbia Care Platinum launched a “Sleep Challenge” on 13th March 2022 to coincide with the start of National Sleep Week and I was invited to take part.
The “Sleep Challenge” involves keeping a “sleep diary” for 7-14 days while trying some of their recommendations for getting a better night’s sleep and documenting the results. You can download your own sleep diary at www.bettercbd.co.uk/sleepdiary
They sent me a box of goodies to try which included a face mask, Columbia Care Platinum Broad Spectrum SoftGel Capsules and Peppermint CBD Oil,
Does CBD affect sleep quality?
“CBD is not a sleeping pill,” says Rosemary Mazanet, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Columbia Care. “It is not a tactical tool to be used if you are wound up and can’t sleep. CBD modulates the homeostasis in the body providing relaxation and therefore sleep,” says Rosemary, “While some people might have an immediate improvement in sleep, CBD needs to be part of your regime, people feel that after a week it definitely has an effect.”
With three products to choose from, Columbia Care Platinum Broad Spectrum Unflavoured CBD Oil (10%) Columbia Care Platinum Broad Spectrum Peppermint CBD Oil (10%) Columbia Care Platinum Broad Spectrum SoftGel Capsules (10%), taking CBD has never been better!
Results
I know I have bad sleep habits, often watching TV until past 11pm to make the most of child-free time. My issue seems to be waking up at 4am and then not being able to get back to sleep.
Since using the sleep diary, I have been eating earlier in the evening and going to bed at a more reasonable time. It hasn’t stopped the 4am wake-ups sadly, but I do feel a little more refreshed at the moment.
How well do you sleep?
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