A team of researchers found a surprising connection between poor sleep scores and higher food weight and sugar consumption. 

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) illuminated the importance of a good night’s sleep for women and future research on the link between sleep’s impact on heart health.

The study’s authors showcased, “Poor sleep quality was associated with greater food intake and lower‐quality diet, which can increase cardiovascular disease risk.”

Four hundred and ninety-five women participated in the study, varying in ages from 20 to 76-years-old. Researchers used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) which measures quality of sleep in older adults and the Insomnia Severity Index, a multiple-question guide to the effect of insomnia to look at sleep patterns in study participants. Marrying sleep data with each participant’s quality of diet, the team found a surprising connection between poor sleep scores and higher weight and sugar consumption. 

CBD and sleep: Is there a connection? 

Long studied for its effects on sleep quality and anxiety, a January 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal focused on the calming effect of CBD on the mind and body, without an issue of safety. The study’s authors cited, “CBD displays promise as a tool for reducing anxiety in clinical populations, but given the open-label and nonrandomized nature of this large case series.” 

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Often better tolerated than other medicines for anxiety or depression, the researchers’ findings, “supported existing scientific evidence,” that CBD can have a positive effect on sleep and anxiety, possibly paving a path to reducing insomnia and depression tied to poor lack of sleep. 

The American Sleep Association touts CBD’s benefits for sleep as well. “Overall, there is scientific research that supports the theory that there are CBD health benefits. While more research needs to be done, the use of CBD can potentially decrease your symptoms of insomnia and help you get more quality sleep.” 

Americans as a whole are starting to add CBD oil to their nightly regimens. An August 2019 Gallup poll found that of the 14% of Americans that use CBD oil, 11% claim it’s to help with sleep-related issues.  With the cannabidiol market expected to rise to 17.3 million dollars by 2026, analysts are betting that American’s are seeking a solution to better sleep and lower anxiety.

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A, “trillion-dollar healthcare problem,” lack of sleep is affecting the United States economy in surprising ways. From a lack of productivity, related health issues and mental health challenges, sleep not only matters to an individual’s health, but society as a whole.