It is common knowledge that sleep is imperative for maintaining your health and well-being, yet many people struggle to get a well-deserved night’s rest. According to research, 50-70 million adults in the US deal with a sleep disorder, with 40 million experiencing insomnia annually. Different factors can lead to insomnia, including an irregular sleep schedule, mental health issues like depression and anxiety, medications, stress or physical illnesses. However, insomnia is also associated with unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as using electronic devices or eating heavy meals before bedtime.
With so many individuals experiencing sleep issues, the interest in using cannabis as a sleep aid has only been increasing. Those in the medical marijuana community see it as an efficient treatment for several sleeping disorders due to its potential to restore the natural sleep cycle. If you deal with a sleep disorder or have difficulty falling asleep after a stressful day, you may want to consider cannabis. However, just as with any other sleep aid, cannabis may be more effective when used short term.
How does cannabis help you sleep better?
Cannabis can help you fall asleep faster and prevents frequent nocturnal awakenings by inducing a calm state. However, its benefits depend on the type of cannabis product you use, as there are differences in how cannabinoids affect the body. THC has sedative effects but can also stimulate some people, especially when taken in higher doses. In this case, it may take longer to fall asleep. CBD, on the other hand, promotes alertness when taking a lower dose, while a higher dose can induce sleep. Both cannabinoids may benefit those dealing with chronic conditions that impact sleep quality. For instance, synthetic THC forms can potentially reduce PTSD-related nightmares and treat obstructive sleep apnea, while CBD may lower symptoms associated with REM sleep behaviour disorder.
Which type of cannabis works best for sleep?
There are different cannabis species, among which the common ones are sativa, indica, or hybrids, a combination of the other two. While indica promotes sleep and relaxation, sativa is more stimulating, producing feelings of euphoria. As a result, indica is seen as a better option for sleep, although those who want to prevent nightmares may choose sativa instead.
How can you use cannabis to get a good night’s sleep?
If you want to use cannabis for sleep, it’s best to consult your care provider, who will provide recommendations depending on your medical history and personal needs. However, it can be helpful to learn the different options available.
There are many different ways to ingest cannabis, and many people prefer smoking it. But vaping devices are a great alternative for those who don’t enjoy smoking. You can also add cannabis to your diet or place it under the tongue by using a sublingual tincture. If you want to get full control of the quality of your cannabis, we recommend choosing between regular seeds, autoflowering cannabis seeds and feminised seeds, and growing your own plant. Doing so allows you to take care of the entire process from the beginning to the end, knowing precisely what you ingest, which will give you peace of mind. All the types of seeds are different, so you want to research them and pick the best option for you. For example, regular seeds allow you to produce your own strains, as they can breed. In contrast, feminised seeds only produce female plants, making them a more suitable alternative for beginner growers.
However, whether you choose autoflowering seeds, feminised or regular ones, it’s important to learn about the growing process, such as how much water your plant will need and when it will harvest to get a satisfying result. When choosing cannabis for sleep, it’s essential to remember that each form has its benefits and drawbacks, and you should choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Cannabis forms have different bioavailability, which refers to the level of active THC that gets into your bloodstream. Inhaled cannabis has high bioavailability because THC gets into your system directly while taking cannabis as edibles decreases the amount of THC due to the digestive process.
When exactly should you take cannabis for bedtime?
Cannabis effects may take less or more time to kick in depending on the form you choose, so timing your intake is crucial. Those who smoke cannabis feel the effects right away, but it’s not the same with edibles, as they first have to get through the digestive process before they can have an effect. Experts recommend ingesting cannabis at least an hour before going to sleep, but people have different physiology, so you may need to experiment and find the dosage, timing and format that are suitable for you.
The potential of cannabis for other health conditions
Besides promoting good sleep, cannabis products may also be beneficial in the treatment of other health issues, such as epilepsy, unintentional weight loss and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, research suggests that cannabis can be just as effective as opioids in relieving chronic pain, making them a good alternative for those who want to avoid the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids. While research supporting the effectiveness of cannabis for medical conditions is still ongoing, the FDA has already approved some drugs containing cannabinoids for some health issues.
Improving your sleep hygiene to wake up refreshed
Besides using cannabis, there are other ways to get better sleep. Your habits matter greatly and will play a role in whether you will sleep soundly or toss and turn all night. Simple things like avoiding blue light from electronic devices, making your bedroom cool and dark, and cutting off exercise and caffeine at the right time will help you improve your sleep in the long run. If these changes don’t result in a better night’s rest, there may be an underlying issue you need to address, such as stress, or a mental health disorder, so make sure to seek professional help if needed.
Takeaway
Cannabis is linked to sleep improvements and may help you deal with the issues that keep you awake at night. However, if you have trouble sleeping, you should also incorporate healthy habits that promote a good night’s rest.
