Evidence Suggest CBD May Offer Relief 

Nearly 10% of Americans endure restless nights filled with leg movements, both voluntary and involuntary. These people suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. While there are numerous treatments available for RLS, many therapies are less than effective. Now however, there is compelling evidence that cannabidiol (CBD) supplements can provide substantial relief of RLS symptoms, allowing sufferers to get a good night’s sleep.

What is RLS?

Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition characterized by two main groups of symptoms. First, patients often feel a strong urge to move their legs when falling asleep. This constant shifting and repositioning can prevent them – and their partners – from achieving restful sleep. Many RLS sufferers continue to move their legs after falling asleep. Involuntary jerks and twitches can continue throughout the night.

The causes of RLS are not completely understood, but doctors know that low iron levels can contribute to the problem. Decreased iron levels often occur in combination with muscle tension and/or nerve irritation, leading to the characteristic muscle spasms.

How Can CBD Help RLS?

As outlined by Dr. Ginevra Liptan, CBD is an effective natural treatment for RLS. CBD has been shown to relax muscles, particularly large muscles like those in the legs. CBD also soothes irritated nerves and has long been known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. While CBD may not resolve the root cause of RLS, there is little doubt that CBD can have a profoundly positive effect on the symptoms of RLS. 

Dr. Liptan points out that CBD can be used orally or topically for the treatment of RLS symptoms. In other words, you can place the CBD under your tongue with a dropper or rub the oil on the skin of your legs. However, in a small study of six patients with RLS, the patients took CBD under their tongues, and all six had complete elimination of their symptoms. So, at this point, the evidence suggests you may experience greater benefit from oral ingesting CBD than from topical application.

Research into CBD continues, including the potential of CBD as an RLS treatment. An Israeli company has proposed studies to further test CBD and other cannabis products as possible therapies for RLC. This is encouraging news.

As Dr. Liptan states, CBD is now legal in all 50 states as long as the CBD product contains no or little THC, as is the case with MARK3 Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil. This change in legal status will continue to promote CBD research, and scientists will hopefully continue to find new and useful applications for this supplement, in addition to relief for patients suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome.