Slash risk of developing chronic disease 30%

A massive new sleep study confirms what I’ve been telling my patients for decades... [Click here](1770d7/ct0_0/1/ms?sid=TV2%3AZF1tBt1js) to view this message in your browser | [Click here](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3AZF1tBt1js) to stop receiving our messages [] [] Al Sears, MD 11905 Southern Blvd. Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 [] December 3, 2022 [] Reader, A massive new sleep study confirms what I’ve been telling my patients for decades... Restless nights aren’t just inconvenient – they can be deadly. The research, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, compared the sleep duration of more than 7,000 men and women to their overall health. Over a 25-year period, researchers examined the link between hours slept and the likelihood of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. They concluded that getting less than five hours of sleep per night increased the risk of developing at least two chronic diseases by a whopping 30%. Participants at age 50 who reported getting five hours of sleep or less per night were 20% more likely to be diagnosed with one of these conditions – compared to those who slept for up to seven hours. The same group was 40% more likely to develop multiple chronic diseases over 25 years – a condition scientists call multimorbidity.1 The study authors went on to recommend striving for 7 to 8 hours a night, warning that sleeping for too long or too little could result in a variety of problems down the line. While I won’t argue against that number, I sympathize with my patients when they tell me: “Easier said than done!” Sleep disorders are rampant in our society. Dr. Severine Sabia, the lead author of the study I just talked about, points out that multimorbidity is on the rise in high-income countries, with more than half of older adults in these regions now living with at least two chronic diseases. And according to the Sleep Foundation, 35% of all adults in the U.S. fail to get the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night.2 Ignore Big Pharma’s intervention Naturally, Big Pharma has wasted no time taking advantage of the situation. In a national survey, 18% of participants reported taking sleep medications every night. A staggering 41% admitted to using the drugs for a year or longer.3 The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports more than 500,000 people in the U.S. alone are using one of the top brand names regularly. And the side effects can’t be ignored… Just about every sleep medication on the planet causes users to feel dizzy, groggy, and less aware the next day. Other common side effects include muscle aches, constipation, and dry mouth. According to Pennsylvania State University researchers, sleeping pills are particularly dangerous for seniors. According to the study, seniors using sleep medication are more prone to broken bones and brain injuries.4 In a 2015 study published by the American Journal of Public Health, researchers found that people taking prescription sleeping pills are just as likely to be in a car crash as those who are legally drunk.5 As usual, Big Pharma missed the mark – and thousands continue to suffer as a result. But once again, the real solution involves returning to nature… In recent years, many Americans have turned to CBD – an extract from the cannabis plant that doesn’t produce any mind-altering effects. And it works... The Center for Applied Health Sciences reported that adults who took CBD experienced a 22% improvement in sleep quality and a 21% improvement in sleep quantity.6 In another study, researchers found that patients who took CBD for one month had 67% improved sleep.7 Try these OTHER cannabinoids for a good night’s sleep CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid that promotes sleep. Here are three more you can try tonight: - CBN: Also known as cannabinol, CBN is made from decomposed THC – the psychoactive compound in marijuana. However, CBN doesn’t produce any mind-altering effects and has also been found to be the most sedative cannabis compound to date. 8 Studies on CBN are still in their early stages, but researchers are already very optimistic about CBN as a sleeping aid. If you choose this cannabinoid, I recommend taking 10 mg orally 30 minutes before bedtime. - CBG: CBG, or cannabigerol, is considered the precursor to other cannabinoids including CBD, THC, and CBC. Just like CBD and CBN, this nonintoxicating cannabinoid interacts with many of the same receptors in the body. In a 2021 survey study, researchers recruited 127 people to report on their experience with CBG. An incredible 73% reported that CBG helped them sleep better than conventional medicines did.9 Take between 10 mg and 20 mg an hour before bed to allow your body to relax. - CBC: CBC, also known as cannabichromene, is the third-most abundant cannabinoid after CBD and THC – and a byproduct of CBG. At the molecular level, it’s very closely related to CBD. In addition to helping to reduce pain and inflammation, research suggests there is plenty of promise for CBC as a sleep aid. In animal studies, CBC beat out THC and CBN in improving depression scores, with researchers concluding that CBC sports a unique antidepressant mechanism.10 And just like the other compounds on this list, no amount of CBC will get you high. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS --------------------------------------------------------------- References: 1. Sabia S, et al. “Association of sleep duration at age 50, 60, and 70 years with risk of multimorbidity in the UK: 25-year follow-up of the Whitehall II cohort study.” PLoS Medicine. 2022;19(10):e1004109 2. Suni, Eric. “Sleep Statistics.” Sleep Foundation, 8 Feb. 2021, www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/sleep-facts-statistics. 3. Carr, Teresa. “The Problem with Sleeping Pills.” Consumer Reports, 12 Dec. 2018, www.consumerreports.org/drugs/the-problem-with-sleeping-pills/. 4. Swayne, Matt. “Older Adults with Insomnia May Fall Even More When on Prescription Sleep Meds | Penn State University.” Www.psu.edu, 10 Oct. 2017, www.psu.edu/news/research/story/older-adults-insomnia-may-fall-even-more-when-prescription-sleep-meds/. Accessed 15 Nov. 2022. 5. Hansen R, et al. “Sedative hypnotic medication use and the risk of motor vehicle crash.” Am J of Public Health. 2015;105(8):64-69 6. CV Sciences, Inc. (2019, June 17). “Effects of a CBD-containing supercritical fluid extract of hemp on markers of optimal wellness, stress resilience, and recovery in healthy subjects.” 7. Shannon S, et al. “Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series.” Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. 8. Livingston, Mercey. “CBN Explained: How This Cannabinoid Can Lead to Better Sleep.” CNET, 17 July 2017, www.cnet.com/health/sleep/cbn-explained-heres-what-to-know-about-the-cannabinoid-sleep-aid/. 9. Russo E, et al. “Survey of patients employing cannabigerol predominant cannabis preparations: Perceived medical effects, adverse events, and withdrawal symptoms.” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2022;7(5) 10. El-Alfy A, et al. “Antidepressant-like effect of THC and other cannabinoids isolated from cannabis sativa L.” Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2010;95(4):434-442 alsearsmd@send.alsearsmd.com [Preferences | Unsubscribe](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3AZF1tBt1js) 11905 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411, United States