Cannabis For Insomnia And Sleep- Everything You Need To Know

Can Medical marijuana help with insomnia?

Medical cannabis has become a game-changer for most people battling insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Unfortunately, we are living in an age of immense stress, anxiety, and depression thanks to financial worries, medical conditions, tight deadlines, relationship issues, and more.

One of the most common causes of lack of sleep includes stress and anxiety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in every three adults in the United States does not get enough sleep on a regular basis.

Current research suggests that cannabis can potentially improve sleep quality by alleviating sleep disturbances like sleep apnea.

In fact, approximately 70% of young adults who consume cannabis products casually have reported that it helps them sleep better.

Additionally, a significant number of long-term marijuana users (with a consumption history of 10 or more years) do so to promote a good night’s sleep.

While research into the use of marijuana as an effective sleep aid continues, let’s dive into everything you need to know about cannabis for insomnia.

The Science Of Cannabis For Insomnia And Sleep

There are numerous strains of cannabis, each of which produces unique benefits.

For instance, while Indica strains are popularly known for providing soothing, relaxing, and sedating effects, Sativa strains promote happiness and excitement.

Cannabis plants produce more than 80 different cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most abundant.

Cannabinoids are primarily responsible for the effects cannabis produces on our minds and body.

thc vs cbd

So if you are having trouble sleeping, you want to consume cannabis products with higher amounts of THC than CBD.

A 2008 study looking at the effects of different drugs, including cannabis for insomnia, concluded that consuming cannabis strains with higher THC amounts may effectively reduce the amount of REM sleep.

Rapid eye movement, aka REM, is a stage of sleep where the eyes move around more rapidly, accompanied by a propensity to dream vividly.

Reducing the amount of REM sleep, therefore, means reducing the amount of dreams a sleeper gets.

They deliver these effects by binding with the CB2 and CB1 receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system.

cbd and sleep

CBD has been studied widely, and preliminary research suggests that it can relieve numerous health conditions.

It is non-intoxicating, meaning that it cannot give you the high associated with smoking marijuana.

THC AND SLEEP

On the other hand, THC is psychoactive, and it’s the ingredient primarily responsible for getting you high when you smoke marijuana.

THC also provides potential health benefits, for instance, promoting better sleep.

So if you are having trouble sleeping, you want to consume cannabis products with higher amounts of THC than CBD.

rem sleep

Rapid eye movement, aka REM, is a stage of sleep where the eyes move around more rapidly, accompanied by a propensity to dream vividly.

Reducing the amount of REM sleep, therefore, means reducing the amount of dreams a sleeper gets.

And for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, it may reduce nightmares significantly.

Theoretically speaking, if you reduce the amount of time spent dreaming, you will spend more time in deep sleep.

Deep sleep is the stage of sleep thought to be the most restful, helping you feel refreshed and restored when you wake up in the morning.

So, Can Cannabis Help You Sleep?

An earlier study suggests that marijuana use can help people with certain underlying conditions such as chronic pain and multiple sclerosis fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and enjoy a good night’s rest.

Another study examining the differences in sleep quality among marijuana users and non-users found that many people use cannabis to self-treat symptoms like anxiety, pain, and insomnia.

effectiveness

And though the results gathered were inconclusive about the effectiveness of cannabis for insomnia and sleep, another study on people with insomnia found that marijuana use provided relief from acute insomnia symptoms.

Medical professionals suggest that the effectiveness of cannabis for insomnia may depend on the doses of THC/CBD taken and the timing.

For instance, CBD appeared to promote alertness when consumed at lower doses, while higher doses seemed to promote sleepiness.

Cannabinoids can also be an effective treatment for chronic conditions that affect normal sleep patterns.

A good example is THC that has shown the ability to treat obstructive sleep apnea, reduce PTSD-induced nightmares and improve sleep quality for those living with chronic pain.

On the flip side, CBD has shown potential in reducing symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness.

When using cannabis for insomnia and sleep, it’s important to note that different types of cannabis plants possess different cannabinoid contents, which may determine the effects experienced.

Marijuana plants typically produce high amounts of THC than CBD, while hemp plants produce higher CBD levels than THC.

Does Cannabis Affect Sleep Quality?

So far, it’s clear, as backed up by research, that cannabis can be used as a natural treatment option to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

But does cannabis alter your sleep architecture?

Sleep architecture generally refers to the normal structural organization of sleep, including the two sleep stages, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and REM sleep.

So, Yes. Marijuana can alter your sleep architecture.

Research suggests that short-term marijuana consumption may increase the time a consumer spends in deep sleep.

On the other hand, THC appears to reduce the amount of time you spend in REM sleep.

Marijuana and ptsd

In a recent study, women with severe PTSD symptoms and difficulty sleeping were more likely to consume marijuana to improve sleep and help them cope than those with less severe PTSD symptoms.

In another study, synthetic cannabis showed promise for treating PTSD-related nightmares, and in some cases, it stopped them completely.

Studies suggest marijuana use can help people with certain underlying conditions such as chronic pain and multiple sclerosis fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and enjoy a good night's rest.
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Indica Vs. Sativa Vs. Hybrid strains: Which Is Best For Insomnia And Sleep

Choosing the best medical marijuana strains for the treatment of insomnia and other sleep issues is important.

strains

There are three main strains of cannabis, including Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. Each of these strains provides different effects as follows:

1. Sativa Strains: Anecdotal evidence shows that Sativa strains are highly stimulating, making you feel happy, euphoric, and excited. Its users often report an energy boost.

2. Indica Strains: Indica strains are generally associated with soothing and relaxing effects. Its calming and relaxing properties may help users fall asleep easily.

3. Hybrid Strains: Hybrid strains are a mix of Indica and Sativa strains. They are often bred to offer specific effects, particular to a user’s needs.

Indicas relaxing effects make it the best cannabis strain for sleep.

But if you are looking to avoid nightmares, you may prefer to consume Sativa strains.

On the other hand, Hybrids can produce effects that either lean more towards Sativa or Indica, based on their cannabinoid content.

So it’s best if you consult the budtender at the dispensary to recommend the right strain for your needs.

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Theoretically speaking, the effects of Sativa vs. Indica strains are often based on anecdotal reports.

However, experts argue that this distinction between the effects of different strains may be misleading.

That’s because many factors than strain alone determine the medicinal and recreational effects of marijuana.

Things To Consider Before Using Cannabis For Insomnia And Sleep

Cannabis has shown significant improvements for people with common sleep disorders.

However, patients looking to manage symptoms of insomnia are advised to consult their doctors first before replacing prescription medications with cannabis.

Once your physician has approved the use of cannabis for insomnia or lack of sleep, it’s important to consider the healthiest consumption method.

It is a known fact that smoking of any kind can cause severe health risks like cancer, stroke, and lung diseases.

Therefore, this consumption method should be approached with great caution.

legal medical use

Additionally, the recreational and medical use of marijuana is still illegal in many states and countries.

In most places, a state-licensed physician must diagnose you with a qualifying condition like cancer, glaucoma, or seizures to qualify for a medical marijuana card.

long term health

Long-term use of cannabis as a natural sleep aid is not recommended as there are serious and long-term health consequences associated with interrupted REM sleep.

Therefore, you should consider talking to your physician about your sleep cycles.

Breastfeeding mothers are strongly advised to abstain from cannabis or any cannabis-containing products to reduce potential risks to the infant.

Prolonged use of marijuana has also been found to reduce the volume of gray matter in the brain.

Gray matter is the part of our brain responsible for controlling our muscles, memory, speech, hearing, seeing, self-control, decision making, and more.

Cannabis may have even more profound and long-lasting effects on teenagers’ brains, and they are cautioned against it.

Note that more research into the medical benefits of cannabis and its possible side effects is still required.

The Risks And Side Effects Of Using Cannabis For Insomnia And Sleep

Although cannabis may provide good results for sleeplessness and chronic insomnia disorder, health experts warn that using sleeping pills or even cannabis can cause side effects.

long term use

Prolonged consumption of marijuana on a daily basis has the following potential side effects on sleep:

- Overall reduced sleep
- Reduced amount of deep sleep
- Increased sleep latency
- Middle of the night awakenings

Studies conclude that people who consume long-term cannabis for insomnia may develop a tolerance to its sedative effects, meaning that you’ll need to consume higher doses to get the same results. Consuming high THC amounts at night can also cause negative effects during the day, like sleepiness.

The Best Time To Consume Cannabis For Insomnia And Sleep

consuming cannabis

The best time to consume cannabis for insomnia largely depends on your consumption method.

Smoking and vaporizing marijuana produce near-instant effects.

Comparably, ingesting marijuana, for instance, edibles, take up to 30-60 minutes or more to feel the effects.

timing

And although our physiology and endocannabinoid systems are different, it’s a good idea to ingest edibles at least 60 minutes before bedtime.

Taking cannabis tinctures or oils sublingually (placing a few oil drops under your tongue and holding them there for 30 seconds before swallowing) should provide effects within 15 minutes.

The Ideal Cannabis Dosage For A Good Night’s Sleep

dosage for sleep

The only way to find your ideal amount of cannabis for insomnia or other sleep problems is by experimenting with different doses.

You want to experiment during the weekend or on your day off to avoid any issues at work.

In addition, experts recommend that you begin with small doses, for instance, a few puffs or a single gummy bear, as consuming too much can result in grogginess the following morning.

Take note of how you feel after every dose until you find the right cannabis amount that provides your desired effects.

Conclusion

Cannabis for insomnia and sleep has provided positive results.

However, experts recommend that even natural sleep aids like marijuana should only be used short-term to avoid possible long-term effects like frequent awakenings.

People who have trouble sleeping should practice healthy sleeping habits like limiting caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake.