CBD or cannabidiol has become increasingly popular in recent years, with people using CBD oils, edibles, and topicals to help with things like pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. More recently, CBD pillows have hit the market, claiming to help improve sleep through the night. But do CBD pillows really work?
How Do CBD Pillows Work?
CBD pillows are infused with CBD oil or microencapsulated CBD particles. As you sleep, the CBD is slowly released through friction with the pillow. The CBD gets absorbed through your skin and hair follicles, entering your bloodstream.
From there, the CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, which regulates functions like sleep, pain, immune response, and more. CBD binds to receptors in this system and influences how they respond, potentially promoting calming and sleepy effects.
What’s So Special About CBD Pillows?
Unlike CBD oils or gummies taken before bed, CBD pillows provide a slow release of CBD throughout the night. This means you get a steady microdose that keeps working as you sleep.
The direct absorption through the skin also allows the CBD to bypass your digestive system and liver, so more CBD enters your bloodstream. CBD pillows also avoid the taste issue some people have with CBD oils.
Do CBD Pillows Improve Sleep?
Limited research has been done specifically on CBD pillows. However, studies show CBD in general may help with sleep issues like:
- Falling asleep faster
- Staying asleep through the night
- Reducing REM sleep disorder symptoms
- Alleviating insomnia
- Improving sleep in people with chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions
- By influencing the endocannabinoid system, CBD is thought to reduce anxiety, ease pain, and make it easier to fall and stay asleep. More research is still needed, but initial studies are promising.
Other Potential Benefits of CBD Pillows
In addition to improving sleep, CBD pillows may offer other benefits, including:
- Relief from neck, back, shoulder, and joint pain
- Reduced acne and eczema symptoms
- Calming effects to start and end the day relaxed
- The prolonged CBD exposure may help manage chronic pain and skin conditions.
What to Look for in CBD Pillows
Since the CBD pillow market is unregulated, it’s important to vet products carefully. Here’s what to look for:
- Third party lab testing to confirm CBD levels and purity
- CBD sourced from organic hemp
- Clear information on CBD doses per pillow
- Quality materials like memory foam and breathable covers
- Manufacturer guarantees and warranties
- Top brands like Malouf provide all of the above to ensure the quality and effectiveness of their CBD pillows.
FAQ
How long do CBD pillows last?
Most quality CBD pillows will retain their CBD potency for 6-12 months before needing to be replaced.
Are CBD pillows safe?
When using reputable brands that follow proper manufacturing processes, CBD pillows are considered safe, non-toxic, and non-habit forming. As with any supplement, check with your doctor before use if you have medical concerns.
Will CBD pillows make me fail a drug test?
No, CBD pillows will not cause you to fail a drug test. There is not enough THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, to be detected in a test.
How often should I replace my CBD pillow?
Plan to replace your CBD pillow every 6-12 months for optimal effectiveness. Look for signs it is losing support and not releasing CBD.
Can CBD pillows go in the washer and dryer?
Most CBD pillows have removable and washable covers, but CBD-infused pillows themselves should not be machine washed or dried, as this can destroy the CBD inside.
