Can THC Help You Sleep?
Sleep is an essential state of mind and body required to maintain mental and physical health. Many people use a marijuana sleep aid to help with the sleep process. Whether you have insomnia or another sleep disorder, you may find cannabis an effective choice.
Clinical trials reveal that marijuana may improve sleep in people with certain conditions, including PTSD, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. It may help you get into sleep mode faster and enjoy a good night’s rest. You do not have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night, unlike when you get drunk with too much alcohol.
The effects of cannabis, including its potential benefits for sleep, can vary from person to person. Some individuals report that using cannabis, specifically strains with higher levels of the cannabinoid compound called cannabidiol (CBD), may help them relax and fall asleep more easily. CBD is known for its calming properties and may promote a sense of relaxation.
The research into marijuana as a sleep aid is still ongoing, but preliminary results and firsthand user experience show a positive correlation between insomnia and marijuana. Researchers are still unsure of the long-term effect of cannabis on quality sleep. Hence, it is crucial to learn about weed’s known benefits and risks before using it as a solution.
Marijuana and Insomnia
The cannabis plant produces more than 400 compounds. More than 100 of these compounds are classified as cannabinoids. These potent substances interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system and may increase hormones responsible for sleep. The science behind this phenomenon is not well understood, but hopefully, scientific research will shed light on this matter in the future.
There are two prominent cannabinoids in cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). On the one hand, THC acts as a relaxing sedative at lower doses and may have a stimulating effect in higher doses. CBD, on the other hand, stimulates alertness at lower doses and promotes sleep and relaxation at higher doses. When combined, both these compounds may enhance relaxation and sleepiness depending on the timing and dose.
There is also another lesser-known cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN) that may enhance the sleep effects of THC and CBD. CBN is a derivative of THC. It is commonly found in aged cannabis because it forms when THC is degraded by heat and exposure to light and oxygen. There is little scientific literature that backs up the sleep effects of CBN, but some users report getting sleepy after consuming aged cannabis.
CBN may work better when combined with CBD. Both of these compounds may enhance each other’s relaxing and sedating effect. If you are suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders, give cannabis a try and see how your body reacts to the potent cannabinoids.
The Effects of Sleeping While High
What happens when you go to sleep while high? When you fall asleep after consuming marijuana, its active compounds may affect your sleep stages depending on several factors, including the specific strain of cannabis, the THC and CBD content, dosage, and your individual response to the drug.
Sleep Architecture: Short-term use of cannabis may enhance your deep sleep cycle. This sleep stage is crucial because it allows the mind and body to recuperate. When you have a good amount of deep sleep, you wake up feeling refreshed and invigorated. However, cannabis use has been found to affect sleep architecture. Specifically, THC may lessen your REM sleep, the time when your mind enters into dream mode.
A decreased REM sleep may not be as bad to some people experiencing PTSD because it means less time with nightmares. Nevertheless, the dream state is essential because it helps cement new memories and allows people to process emotions. If you want to dream more, you must stop consuming high amounts of THC and focus more on CBD or CBN.
Sleep Quality: While cannabis may help with falling asleep faster, it can have mixed effects on sleep quality. Some studies suggest that cannabis use can lead to fragmented sleep, with more frequent awakenings during the night. This may result in less restorative sleep and a feeling of grogginess the next day.
It’s important to note that individual responses to cannabis can vary. While some people may find it helpful for sleep, others may experience adverse effects, such as increased anxiety, paranoia, or difficulty falling asleep without cannabis.
Marijuana vs. Natural Sleep Aids
Marijuana is legal in a select few states and countries. Hence, the research on its contents is limited. When comparing marijuana (cannabis) to natural sleep aids, it’s important to consider several factors, including effectiveness, safety, potential side effects, and individual preferences.
Some medications are made from CBD, but these are targeted to treat certain forms of epilepsy, not sleep. This means that most of the sleep effects of weed are based on anecdotal evidence. Nonetheless, some people turn to cannabis for sleep to avoid using opioids and other potent drugs.
Sleep medications may lead to abuse, physical dependence, and tolerance. Natural sleep aids, like melatonin, can reduce insomnia, but they may not work with many people. Therefore, if you find it hard to sleep with sleep medications or natural sleep aids, you might want to try marijuana as an alternative and see how it affects your insomnia and sleep quality.
Ultimately, the choice between marijuana and natural sleep aids may come down to personal preference. Some individuals may prefer a natural approach and opt for sleep aids like herbal supplements or relaxation techniques. Others may find marijuana helpful for their sleep concerns. It’s important to consider individual needs, health conditions, and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach.
It’s worth noting that combining natural sleep aids with other healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques, can often provide significant benefits for sleep without the need for medications or substances.
Things to Remember Before Using Marijuana for Sleep
If you are considering using marijuana as a sleep aid, it’s important to keep the following things in mind:
Legal and regulatory status: Understand the legal status of marijuana in your jurisdiction. Laws regarding marijuana can vary widely between countries, states, or regions. Make sure you are aware of the regulations and abide by them.
Consult with a healthcare professional: Before using marijuana as a sleep aid, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. They can provide personalized advice and help assess potential risks and interactions.
Understand the potential risks and side effects: Be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with marijuana use. This includes cognitive effects, respiratory health risks (if smoked), potential for dependence and withdrawal, and potential interactions with other medications or substances.
Start with low doses: If you decide to use marijuana, start with a low dose and monitor your response. Everyone reacts differently to marijuana, and starting with a small amount can help you gauge its effects on your sleep and overall well-being.
Choose the right strain and cannabinoid balance: Different strains of marijuana contain varying levels of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Strains with higher CBD content may have more calming and relaxing effects, while strains with higher THC content may have more sedative properties. Experimenting with different strains and cannabinoid profiles can help you find the one that works best for you.
Consider the method of consumption: Marijuana can be consumed in various forms, including smoking, vaping, edibles, or tinctures. Each method has its own onset time, duration, and potential risks. Be informed about the different consumption methods and choose the one that aligns with your preferences and health considerations.
Establish a bedtime routine: Incorporate healthy sleep habits into your routine, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques. These habits can complement the potential effects of marijuana and contribute to better sleep.
Be mindful of tolerance and dependence: Regular and long-term use of marijuana can lead to tolerance, meaning you may require higher doses to achieve the same effects. Dependence can also develop, which may affect your ability to sleep without marijuana. It’s important to be mindful of these factors and avoid excessive or prolonged use.
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Is Indica or Sativa Better for Sleep?
When considering whether Indica or Sativa strains of cannabis are better for sleep, we must remind you that it’s important to understand that the effects of cannabis can vary depending on individual responses and the specific characteristics of each strain.
Indica Strains: Indica strains are often associated with relaxation, sedation, and body effects. They tend to have higher levels of the terpene myrcene, which is believed to contribute to their calming properties. Indica strains are commonly thought to be more suitable for promoting sleep and relaxation, as they may have a more pronounced sedative effect.
Sativa Strains: Sativa strains are typically associated with uplifting, energizing, and cerebral effects. They tend to have higher levels of the terpene limonene, which is believed to contribute to their uplifting properties. Sativa strains may not be as well-suited for sleep as Indica strains, as their energizing effects may interfere with falling asleep or achieving a deep, restful sleep.
Hybrid Strains: Hybrid strains are a mix of Indica and Sativa genetics, and their effects can vary depending on the specific strain and its cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Some hybrid strains may be more balanced, offering a combination of relaxation and mental stimulation. It’s worth noting that many strains on the market today are hybrids, so it’s important to research and consider the specific characteristics of each strain.
It’s important to remember that the effects of cannabis can differ among individuals, and what works for one person may not work the same for another. Additionally, the THC and CBD content, as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes, play a role in determining the effects of a particular strain. Consulting with a knowledgeable budtender at a trusted dispensary or a healthcare professional who specializes in cannabis can help guide you in selecting a strain that may be more suitable for your sleep needs.
Using Weed for Sleeping
If you plan to take marijuana for sleep, always be guided by a professional’s advice. While your doctor should be your primary authority, it is important to understand what options are available for you.
How to Consume THC for Sleeping
You can consume marijuana for sleeping in any number of ways, including smoking, vaping, consuming it, or placing it under the tongue as a sublingual liquid. There are benefits and disadvantages to each method. If you are concerned about your respiratory health, you should avoid smoking or vaping. To keep your marijuana consumption as discreet as possible, you might consider sublingual or oral administration.
Marijuana has a different bioavailability based on how you consume it. Inhalation makes marijuana more bioavailable because the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream directly. Ingestion makes it less bioavailable because a significant amount of cannabinoids are lost during digestion. In addition, inhalation has a more immediate effect compared to ingestion. However, if you want a faster onset of effects without risking your respiratory health, take marijuana sublingually using tinctures or oils.
Related Topic: Best Pre-rolls to Help You Sleep
Important Notes to Consider
Keep in mind that not all sleep medications work for every person. The same is true with marijuana use. Some people may benefit from the relaxing and sedative effect of marijuana, but others may not be as lucky. Take note that cannabis may reduce anxiety and stress, but too much THC may also increase anxiety and paranoia.
If you have a low tolerance for THC, you must choose relaxing strains containing moderate or low amounts of THC. If you are highly sensitive to it, you may benefit better from high CBD strains instead.
Please remember that there is a scant amount of scientific data on the sleep effects of marijuana. It may have various medical effects, and it must still undergo scientific verification. Today, the information we know comes primarily from anecdotal evidence. Hence, we must seek medical advice before attempting to use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Do not rely on marijuana as a long-term solution for insomnia. We do not yet have a solid scientific basis for recommending it for long-term use. However, it may be helpful to use as a short-term remedy. Still, you may have to practice good sleep habits and support them with a healthy lifestyle conducive to healthy sleep.
Is Marijuana Right for You?
If you suffer from insomnia or any other sleep disorder, you may have tried various solutions already. Choosing marijuana as a remedy for better sleep is your personal decision. Nonetheless, we recommend you make this decision with your healthcare provider.
While there are potential benefits to consuming marijuana, there are also potential risks and side effects to consider. Some may be too sensitive to THC and experience more adverse effects than benefits. Therefore, it is essential to test it out first. Experiment with the strain, dosage, timing, and form of consumption.
In addition, make sure that marijuana is legal in your area before consuming it. If you reside in a place where marijuana is illegal, talk to your doctor to find more meaningful ways to help you sleep better.
Bottom Line
There is not enough scientific evidence that marijuana aids in sleep. Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence provide a positive correlation between weed consumption and better sleep. However, we do not know the long-term effects of marijuana on rest. If you wish to consume cannabis for medical use, it is best to speak to your doctor first.
From The Earth Missouri Store Locations
From The Earth has five, fully-licensed medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries in Missouri. We are open to helping you learn more about cannabis and allowing you to experience its many potential benefits. Check us out if you are looking for a trusted recreational dispensary near Kansas City, Missouri.
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