Can You Use Cannabis to Restore Your Natural Sleep Cycle?

Getting enough sleep has become phenomenal for many adults and aged people. Sleep is as crucial as diet and exercise as it maintains mental and physical health. However, American Sleep Association indicates that 50 – 70 million US adults experience sleep disorders. So, if getting shut-eye is difficult for you, you are not alone. But have you ever heard about cannabis, as some people report that cannabis restores the natural sleep cycle?

With so many people experiencing sleep disorders, there is a rise in cannabis cure. Also, Medical Marijuana Community refers to the use of cannabis as an effective treatment for insomnia.

“Marijuana is an effective sleep aid because it restores a person’s natural sleep cycle, which so often falls out of sync with our schedules in today’s modern lifestyle.” Dr. Matt Roman

Whether you are experiencing insomnia or sleep difficulty due to a stressful day, cannabis might be perfect for you. The analgesic properties of marijuana and the therapeutic effects of its cannabinoids provide pain relief, reduce anxiety, and soothe stressed-out mind and body.

The Science of Sleep & Cannabis:

Cannabis refers to short and narrow-leafed plants known as Cannabis Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Generally, it contains hundreds of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids.

Some of the most popular cannabinoids are CBD and THC. Aside from cannabinoids, manufacturers have produced different cannabis strains – energizing, calming, sedatives, and more. These strains contain varying concentrations of cannabinoids – CBD & THC.

• Cannabidiol – CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid means it does not cause euphoria or paranoia among users.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol – THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that causes mind-high and head-high effects associated with marijuana.

A study investigates the marijuana strains with high THC content found that they reduce the amount of REM sleep you get. Also, it reduces the nightmare and dreams associated with PTSD symptoms. It indicates that if you spend less time dreaming, you will spend more time in deep sleep. However, REM is essential for healthy cognitive and immune functions that may be impaired by the intake of high THC strains.

Things to Consider Before You Try Marijuana:

Smoking is a health risk, whether it is caffeine or cannabis. Also, marijuana use is illegal in various states of the United States. Before taking any sleep medication, be sure to talk to your doctor. There may be a long-term health consequence with interrupted REM, as much of the immune repair in deep sleep.

Similar to other smoking, smoke marijuana responsibly. Cannabis smoking is hazardous for the lungs if you have asthma or other respiratory condition. Moreover, the long-term use of marijuana can impart long-lasting effects on the brain. That is why marijuana use is prohibited under 25 years of age, as it affects learning.

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid:

If you talk to your doctor and he recommends marijuana use for insomnia, it’s time to choose the best cannabis strain. Choosing a cannabis strain to restore the natural sleep cycle is like a tea blend. You can choose white, black, or hybrid.

Here are the most common types of cannabis strains you will encounter in the market.

• Indica – soothing and relaxing cannabis strain
• Sativa – exciting, happy, and energized strain
• Hybrid – blend of Indica & Sativa

If you cannot differentiate these strains, you can ask people at a dispensary to help you find what you are looking for. Moreover, all marijuana strains have varying concentrations of cannabinoids, but for better sleep, most doctors recommend Indica Strain.

Related – What are the Best CBD Solutions for Better Sleep?

How to Take Marijuana for a Better Night Sleep?

Most people prefer the traditional way to take marijuana as smoking. It involves a pipe or joint. Well, if you don’t want to enjoy cannabis smoking, you can opt for THC-rich tinctures. Vaping and tinctures are common ways to induce better sleep.

Now you may wonder to know how much marijuana to use. Typically, it will take some time to experiment with the ideal dosage for you. However, you can start with a relatively low dose to experience its effects and gradually increase with time. Do not overdose, as it results in grogginess. Take note of how you feel after you smoke. Feeling high can vary from feeling slight euphoria to a slowed sense of time to enhanced sensations such as cottonmouth.

Another crucial thing to consider is the timing of intake. Sometimes the effects of cannabis smoking last for 8 – 12 hours. However, everyone cannot experience the same therapeutic effects for the same duration. Some healthcare providers recommend taking cannabis before an hour to bedtime, as cannabis works for 3 – 4 hours to fall asleep.

The Takeaway:

If you have decided to take cannabis to restore the natural sleep cycle, check your state laws to possess and use cannabis. Marijuana is not different from other sleep aid supplements. If you have poor cardiovascular health, refrain from smoking cannabis. Smoking cannabis reduces anxiety and depression, but some people find it anxious or paranoid.

However, you can find various cannabis strains that do not heighten your anxiety. Well, more research is necessary to prove the effectiveness of cannabis as a sleep aid. Right now, anecdotal evidence suggests that it work effectively with fewer side effects.

Promote quality sleep by practicing good sleep hygiene and other behaviors!