Clinical Studies

For about 60% of women going through perimenopause, sleep problems are more than just feeling tired. These issues often come from hormonal changes, higher cortisol levels, and changes in the endocannabinoid system. When estrogen drops, it becomes harder for the brain to wind down, which can cause night sweats, restless thoughts, and waking up in the middle of the night.

At Opal & Joy, we value being open about the science behind our products. Here, you’ll find research that supports the ingredients we use. Our Rest and Relax products (our Restorative Sleep System) are designed to help with perimenopausal sleep problems in three proven ways:

• Hormonal and Cortisol Regulation: We use adaptogens such as Ashwagandha and Red Reishi to help reduce cortisol spikes that can make it hard to sleep at night.
• Neurotransmitter Support: Passionflower and Relora® help boost GABA, which calms the mind and helps you fall asleep faster.
• Sleep Architecture Optimization: Studies show that CBD, CBN, and Linalool can help balance your sleep cycle and increase the time you spend in REM and deep sleep, which are often affected by hormonal changes.

Clinical Studies

Take a look at the studies below to see how our ingredients offer a melatonin-free, non-habit-forming way to help you sleep better during midlife and beyond.

Ashwagandha

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabinol (CBN)

Linalool (lavender terpene)

Passionflower

Reishi

Relora

Botanical Ingredient Overview

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

• The Science: An ancient Ayurvedic adaptogen that modulates the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. Clinical trials show it significantly reduces serum cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
• The Benefit: By lowering the "stress signal," Ashwagandha helps the body transition from a state of alertness to a state of rest, effectively treating the "tired but wired" feeling.
• Key Study Stat: Users reported a 72% improvement in restorative sleep quality over 6 weeks.

2. CBD (Cannabidiol)

• The Science: A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to maintain homeostasis (balance) across various physical and mental functions.
• The Benefit: Supports a calm nervous system and reduces the physical discomforts that can lead to nighttime tossing and turning.
• Key Study Stat: 66.7% of patients reported improved sleep scores within the first 30 days of use.

3. CBN (Cannabinol)

• The Science: Often called the "sleepy cannabinoid," CBN is a minor cannabinoid that is gaining massive attention in sleep science for its potent sedative-like properties.
• The Benefit: Specifically formulated for nighttime use to help achieve deeper, more consistent sleep cycles (NREM and REM).
• Key Study Stat: New research from the University of Sydney (2024) shows CBN isolate directly increases the duration of restorative sleep.

4. Linalool (Lavender Terpene)

• The Science: The primary aromatic terpene found in Lavender. When inhaled or ingested, it acts as a mild sedative by modulating neurotransmitter release in the central nervous system.
• The Benefit: Enhances the "Slow Wave" sleep phase, which is critical for memory consolidation and cognitive recovery.
• Key Study Stat: Increases the percentage of Deep Sleep (Slow Wave Sleep) as measured by objective polysomnography.

5. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

• The Science: A gentle nervine that increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA reduces the activity of certain brain cells, resulting in a feeling of relaxation.
• The Benefit: Specifically targets nighttime anxiety and racing thoughts, making it easier to "switch off" the brain at bedtime.
• Key Study Stat: Proven to be as effective as standard pharmaceutical anxiolytics in reducing preoperative anxiety without the heavy side effects.

6. Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

• The Science: Known as the "Mushroom of Immortality," Reishi contains triterpenes that support the GABAergic system. Unlike sedatives that force sleep, Reishi supports the body's natural circadian rhythm.
• The Benefit: Promotes sleep maintenance, helping you stay asleep longer and reach the deeper, non-REM stages of sleep where physical repair occurs.
• Key Study Stat: Significant increases in Total Sleep Time (TST) were observed within just 3 days of consistent use.

7. Relora® (Magnolia & Phellodendron)

• The Science: A proprietary blend of two bark extracts that work synergistically to manage stress-related symptoms. It is specifically studied for its ability to balance evening hormone levels.
• The Benefit: Dramatically reduces Sleep Onset Latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and supports a balanced mood the following day.
• Key Study Stat: Participants fell asleep an average of 28 minutes faster than those taking a placebo.