Have you ever had one of those nights where no matter how many sheep you count sleep never comes? Here’s a fun fact for you, 2/3 of all American’s suffer from Insomnia at one point in their lives. Of all the benefits boasted by marijuana, it’s ability to combat Insomnia may be one of the most popular. A great indica can help calm even the most anxious of minds, and send them straight to snoozeville.
Even those who don’t use marijuana regularly know that it has a reputation for bringing users into a sleepy state of mind, but there is so much more to it than that. Did you know that strain type makes a difference? Or that sufferers from sleep apnea are finding that their breathing is regulated after consumption? Check out our tips to help you effectively use marijuana to treat insomnia.
- Strain matters
Different marijuana strains bring different bodily effects. Indica strains are usually a better sleep aid because they produce a heavier, more relaxing high than sativa, which is known for its energetic qualities. The difference in their genetic makeup and terpenes attribute to this, but there is currently no chemical explanation that indicates what makes indica a better sleep aid. Theories point to the terpenes, which as basically a strains genetic fingerprint. Indica most likely houses more sedative terpenes than it’s relative sativa.
- Dried out marijuana makes you sleepier
This is not a drill. Fresh bud may be better in most situations, but when it comes to sleeping, bring on the old weed. This is because THC in older marijuana has degraded somewhat causing it to convert into the Cannabis compound known as Cannabidiol (CBN), which is more sedating than THC. We all have those old baggies we keep on reserve for when the marijuana river runs dry, and instead of avoiding it because it’s quality has lessened it can be used as an effective sleep aid. Can you say life hack?
- Marijuana helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep
This isn’t surprising, given the couch like coma we have all encountered at one time or another. One study showed that the use of marijuana decreased the time it takes insomniacs to fall asleep by an hour on average. It is also an effective way to rid the body of bothersome chronic pain symptoms, which leads to an easier transition into sleep and less restlessness. Many cases of insomnia are linked to pain making it hard to fall or stay asleep. Marijuana use before bed also improves the quality of sleep, leading to less disruption over the course of the night.
- Marijuana helps ease symptoms of sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing is interrupted while they sleep. Someone who suffers from sleep apnea can stop breathing completely for seconds or minutes at a time. The fear and stress of this condition can be linked to insomnia issues. THC has been shown to stabilize and calm this kind of sleep-related breathing. In a 2013 study, patients found their nighttime breathing was regulated with marijuana being used in a dose-dependent manner. Although the research is still in its early phases, the preliminary results are promising.
- How you consume it makes a difference
With so many different ways to consume marijuana, it can be easy to lose sight of which method will work best to help you sleep. For example, because eating edibles takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for effects to kick in, planning ahead to eat them at least an hour before bedtime will make a difference. The edible high lasts for several hours, making them a great option for helping you stay asleep. Smoking marijuana will bring the effects on immediately, which means that sleep would come quicker. Trying out different consumption methods will help you find your perfect way to get those Z’s.
- It may take a little experimenting
As we all know, no strain of marijuana is alike and each has its own properties and characteristics. It is important to figure out which works best for you. As with the popular sleep medications out there, each one has a different effect on different people. Finding the right levels between THC and CBD is essential. Some great strains to combat insomnia are Girl Scout Cookie, White Widow, Grape Ape, and Hawaiian Purple Kush. Doing your researching and trying out different strains will ultimately pay off and you will find what works best for your body. It’s not the worst research project you could take on!
References:
https://www.civilized.life/articles/is-indica-or-sativa-better-for-sleeping/
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/insomnia-symptoms-and-causes#1
http://weedreader.com/cannabis-sleep-aid/
https://www.leafscience.com/2017/10/13/marijuana-sleep/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00001/full
Marina the Freelance killer content creator, cannabis activist and lover of all things caffeinated. The voice behind The Virtually Creative, and that friend who laughs at all her own jokes.