Sleep is different for everyone: some people enjoy a whole night of sleep, others have interrupted sleep, and for others, falling asleep is a major issue. If you fall under the second or third category, cannabis might be the solution you are looking for.
Sleep deprivation is a serious condition that can result in several health-related issues, including and not limited to;
- Short and long-term memory problems
- Drowsiness during the day
- Inhibiting focus and concentration
- Trigger and elevation in blood pressure
- Weakens an individual’s immune system
There are numerous sleeping aids, pharmaceutical and natural, that thousands of people have turned to to facilitate better sleep patterns. One of these is cannabis, which offers a natural, safe, and non-addictive alternative in treating insomnia and other sleep-related conditions.
How does cannabis help?
Indicas are known to have a sedative effect on their consumers; hence they are best suited for anyone looking for some shut-eye. This is because they contain high CBD levels, a cannabinoid known for offering its users a myriad of therapeutic benefits. CBD causes drowsiness or sleepiness due to its calming and relaxing effects.
On the other hand, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been known to reduce Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep duration. This helps increase the amount of time we spend while in a deep sleep (the 4th stage of sleep). This is helpful for people who have PTSD, which is a condition associated with nightmares.
According to a 2018 study, cannabis significantly improves sleep-related conditions like insomnia in varying degrees depending on a strain’s compound profile. The researchers found that, on average, cannabis did reduce symptoms by 4.5 points on a scale ranging from zero to ten. Additionally, the study indicated that the higher the CBD content, the greater the recorded improvement.
Cannabis plants contain hundreds of compounds, each with its own role. For example, terpenes are responsible for giving the plant its aromatic properties. The lemony, skunky, sweet, tropical, and earthy tones result from different dominating terpenes. In addition, the terpenes are also associated with a number of therapeutic benefits like stress-relieving, anti-inflammation, and anti-bacterial. Terpenes like terpinolene, myrcene, and caryophyllene have also shown some properties that may aid with sleep.
Which strain is best for sleep?
From the information above, it is hard to conclude that Indicas or Sativas or Hybrids are the best for sleep-related issues. However, a combination of low to moderate THC, CBD and the terpenes mentioned above (terpinolene, myrcene, and caryophyllene) is likely to produce the best results.
Let us look at some of the strains with these qualities from Canada Cannabis Dispensary:
- Romulan Grapefruit
- Zkittlez
- Berry Breath ‘Quads Small’ (AAAA)
- Black Tuna
- Blue Dream
- Gangster Kush
- Ice Cream Cake
- Northern Lights
Take caution!
When taking weed for insomnia or any sleep-related condition, ensure that you practice moderation. Taking an excess may cause anxiety, paranoia, and dizziness. Allow for the effects to set in before taking another dose. You can increase the dosage only if you haven’t achieved your desired effects.
In addition to taking cannabis to aid in better sleep patterns, you can try the following tips;
- Practice a regular sleep schedule whereby you have a specific time that you go to bed each day.
- Create a conducive environment for sleeping by ensuring the room remains dark, noise-free, and well ventilated.
- Take your meals 2 hours before going to bed to allow for digestion to take place.
- Ensure that you engage in physical exercise to keep yourself active.
- Always avoid consuming caffeine close to your bedtime.
Take away
For centuries, many people have sought the sleep-facilitating properties of cannabis to help them with their sleep-associated issues. It is an effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs and presents zero to mild side effects. Always start with the lowest dose as you gradually increase until you achieve your ideal effects.
Canada Cannabis Dispensary offers a wide range of products that help in fighting insomnia and other sleep-associated conditions. Visit our online shop and get treated to the best deals and unbeatable prices.
