The importance of sleep for good immune function

Could a seed to shelf CBD oil be nature’s answer to quality snooze time?  Dr Tim Bond and pharmacist, Sultan Dajani

#1. Sleep -  immune health essential Sleep is vital for good health. And losing sleep could adversely affect the immune system increasing susceptibility to viral infections like influenza, including the common cold. Without sufficient sleep, the body makes fewer immune cells, such as T cells, and also cytokines, a type of protein that fights infection and inflammation contributing to an immune response.[1]The body both produces and releases cytokines during sleep so skimping on sleep makes the body produce fewer cytokines.

#2. Immune wellness and the world of T cells Research comparing the effects of 24-hour wakefulness versus sleep also shows that when sleep occurs, T cells are better distributed to the lymph nodes, which are an important part of the immune system.[2] T cells in healthy volunteers who sleep have been shown to have higher levels of integrin activation than in the T cells of those who were awake.[3] When cells in the body recognize a virally infected cell, they activate integrins, a sticky type of protein, that then allows them to attach to and kill infected cells Lack of sleep can induce a pro-inflammatory state in the body which is linked to poor immune function. In fact, sleep and the circadian cycle (sleep-wake cycle) are strong regulators of the immune system through two-way communication between the nervous system with its neurotransmitters, hormones and cytokines, and the immune system. Many immune functions display prominent rhythms in synchrony with the sleep-wake cycle and impact on the body’s long term immunological memory. As a result, it is vital that we get at least 7 hours of good quality sleep at night. Sleep hygiene is important (avoiding use of screens (phones, tablets), alcohol and caffeinated drinks in the hours before bed; getting up and going to bed at the same each day and so on).

#3. CBD science and the link to good slumber Anyone who has problems sleeping should consider taking a CBD supplement like DragonflyCBD. Taking a few drops of DragonflyCBD as part of a daily regime helps better quality sleep. The World Health Organization has recognised that CBD, such as DragonflyCBD Oil may have the potential to help with sleep issues.[4] Evidence of benefit in sleep is related to CBD having a calming effect in the central nervous system,[5] mediated by CBD’s interaction with the CBD 1 and 2 receptors, amongst others. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 70 healthy people found that CBD reduced the time to fall asleep and improved sleep efficiency.

#4. Sleep, stress and the anxiety circle Emerging research is demonstrating the benefit of CBD oil easing stress and anxiety. And a lack of sleep can cause stress - and stress can cause sleep problems -so a never-ending problem for so many people across the UK. In a clinical trial involving 72 adult patients, CBD oil reduced anxiety scores and sleep scores within the first month. Acute administration of CBD has been shown to reduce resting blood pressure and the blood pressure increase to stress in humans, associated with increased heart rate.[7] A double blind placebo-controlled study in 24 people with social anxiety disorder found that treatment with CBD before simulated public speaking significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance.[8] Dragonfly CBD is a high quality, seed to shelf CBD oil product which has passed tests of quality and safety by the Centre for Medical Cannabis (CMC)[9] - related to CBD content,  labelling, contaminants, batch number identity and use-by-date on every pack. This provides assurance for consumers of high integrity, quality and safety.

#5. DragonflyCBD® - FROM SEED TO SHELF DragonflyCBD® is a food supplement and is available over the counter (OTC). It is made with quality graded ingredients according to good manufacturing practice. CBD is commonly taken for sleep problems, stress, anxiety, chronic pain, arthritis, joint pain, and tension headaches. DragonflyCBD® is a cannnabidiol-based product derived from Cannabis Sativa L plants. It is different from cannabis as it is free from THC, which causes a ‘high’ as a result of binding with the CB1 receptors. Whilst both THC and CBD bind with the CB2 receptors, CBD, unlike THC, does not bind with the CB1 receptors and so does not produce a high. DragonflyCBD® is available over the counter as a food supplement.   It was the first cannabis-derived product to be sold in a number of respected retailers, including Boots, Tesco & Sainsbury’s. CBD is being researched for a range of health challenges, from anxiety and depression, to sleep issues and pain.  Evidence from pre-clinical and clinical trials has demonstrated an antianxiety effect for CBD, and research shows that CBD can influence sleep.4  CBD may also reduce the physiological response to stress and there is evidence that CBD reduces inflammation and pain.

DragonflyCBD - New Flavours Launched The DragonflyCBD® portfolio also includes a limited-edition range of four new flavoured variants:

• Orange

• Mint

• Anise

• Cinnamon

The new DragonflyCBD® Flavoured Range of Oils are available via dragonflycbd.com and join the existing DragonflyCBD® range, which is currently also available in via retail – Boots, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, plus the company’s e-commerce platform – www.dragonflycbd.com. The four new limited editions DragonflyCBD® Flavoured Range of Oils are formulated with 500mg narrow-spectrum CBD extract per 10ml bottle. With a lighter taste and consistency, the new flavoured oils from DragonflyCBD® are an ideal base for taking on the punchy natural flavourings used in this range.