Since ancient times, various cultures have used marijuana as an aid for physical and mental ailments. This is due to its relaxing, analgesic, anti-stress, and creative properties, among many others, likewise, in spiritual or recreational practices.
Today, we can use the plant for the same purposes. But always in the context of today’s world. For example, there is research suggesting that it can restore the natural sleep cycle. This is a solution if you are disturbed by the hectic lifestyle you lead. A large part of the population uses this tactic.
On the other hand, some studies indicate that it lengthens the time spent in deep sleep. At the same time, it shortens the time spent in REM sleep. Here is everything you need to know about marijuana for sleep.
How Can Marijuana Work as Sleep Aid?
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds of the cannabis plant responsible for its wide variety of effects. In addition to them are the terpenes. These are responsible for the smell and taste of plants in general. They also have therapeutic properties. Each cannabis strain will have a unique cannabinoid and terpene profile. Therefore, it will produce a different range of effects.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, on the one hand, is gaining increasing popularity for its relaxing effects. In addition to its lack of psychoactive effects. This means that it does not “hit” like THC. But it does relieve anxiety and pain and can help you sleep. In addition, some studies suggest that it may reduce daytime sleepiness.
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the most famous cannabinoid. It is the one that provides the psychoactive effect (i.e., it “gets you high”). But that’s not all it does. It also works as a sedative, as an analgesic, and for pain and nausea relief.
CBN or cannabinol, meanwhile, has been shown to have sedative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This cannabinoid is not as famous as THC or CBD. But research shows that it also has anticonvulsant properties. It is also antibacterial and can stimulate appetite, among other benefits. We can usually find it in older cannabis.
The Research Behind the Marijuana and Sleep
Marijuana can boast of being a plant with a wide variety of compounds. However, two of them stand out: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Several investigations have shown that they have a considerable effect on sleep. In particular, THC causes us to fall asleep more quickly. As for CBD, this oil stimulates our sleep hours to be much calmer and more relaxed. This makes us feel more rested the next day.
The consumption of marijuana lengthens the deep sleep phase, and at the same time, shortens the REM phase. During the REM phase, brain activity is very similar to the one we have when we are awake. This means that our brain does not stop. So, it does its thing causing us to have dreams. It may seem like a shame to go a night without dreaming. But keep in mind that during REM sleep, nightmares also occur.
As this phase is shorter, it helps to reduce the probability of having a wrong time during the night. You will have more options to rest better. This is especially useful for people with anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. They tend to have a lot of trouble sleeping.
Earlier, you saw the benefits of these two compounds. According to studies, depending on the amount of THC, the consequences can be very different. It can happen that the effect we are looking for turns against us, from increased anxiety to a prolonged effect on sleep. That can make us feel sleepy throughout the morning of the next day.
As for CBD, despite its relaxing effect, it seems that rather than promoting sleep, it stimulates wakefulness. This means that it will keep you awake. Which is not what you are looking for when consuming marijuana before going to sleep.
The possibility of using marijuana for sleep is not an existing idea. Research on its effects on sleep began as early as the 1970s. However, these studies were eventually abandoned. Based on its benefits, it could be an excellent alternative to drugs. But the administrations must allow science to study this plant. So that all that marijuana has to offer can come to light.
What Does the Study Say on Marijuana and Sleep?
Marijuana for sleep is being investigated in many areas. One of them is in medicine. Many patients cannot ingest the oxygen that physicians give during operations. Therefore, cannabis research is growing. Here is a little bit of it.
Researchers are already looking for cannabis solutions for this pathology. If the clinical trials are successful, these patients will have to change the mask. Change it for a natural drug based on cannabis. This is important because sleep apnea can lead to a loss of productivity at work, in addition to the possibility of suffering traffic accidents due to lack of attention.
Beyond this, consuming it before bedtime not only helps to combat insomnia. But also, to provide relief for patients affected by painful diseases. During the sleep phase, those suffering from diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Or fibromyalgia, cancer, or arthritis also notice improvements and have less difficulty sleeping.
Also, to enjoy the necessary hours of rest. In fact, according to recent research, drugs containing cannabis improve the quality of sleep. It occurs between 40 and 50% among patients who consume it. As we can see, marijuana has beneficial effects on an essential part of a human being’s daily life: his rest. Since it could generate results contrary to expected, those who do it out of habit and not out of necessity will hardly notice the difference. However, some experts recommend that, if consumed for sleeping, it is not advisable to take more cannabis.
Things to Consider When Try Marijuana
Imagine you decide to use marijuana for sleep. There are several things to keep in mind before you start. The first thing you need to do is consult with a physician or med. This is to determine if marijuana is the right therapy for you, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Or if you are carrying a pregnancy to term or breastfeeding.
Many different strains can help you, and many factors to consider. So, getting advice from a professional (as well as doing your research) is the wisest course of action.
While REM sleep minimizes, the deep sleep stage increases. That is when you get the most rest and begin the restoration process. But you may prefer to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC. For example, if you use a strain with higher THC levels. In which case, this option may not be suitable for you. That’s is why we recommend talking to professionals and getting information from reliable sources.
On the other hand, marijuana can be helpful as an alternative or complementary therapy. But specialists don’t recommend depending on it in the long term. Besides, it should not be the only habit you associate with being able to sleep.
You should accompany its consumption with other habits related to sleep, like changing your habits before going to sleep, meditating, or exercising. Another habit can be to take care of the space you sleep in and the food you eat. All these factors also play an essential role in sleep. You should not neglect them.
In addition, you have to consider the wide variety of administration methods and find the right one. The most popular is smoking, but you may want to avoid this to take care of your lungs. If this is your case, you can try vaping, eating, using tinctures or oil. There is a whole world to explore.
Finally, there is the issue of dosage. Everybody responds differently to cannabis. You will need to take advice on this and go through a period of trial and error. You also need to consider when you consume it. Eventually, you will be able to find the optimal dose of marijuana to help you sleep.
How to Take Marijuana for A Good Sleep?
Sleep is not for the old; people who retire or win the lottery don’t have to work. Only, for most adults in the world, it is one of the hardest things to get. It is a necessity we cannot do without. Let alone do it well.
Imagine you are going to start using marijuana to improve your sleep hygiene. You should start by trying a low dose of your marijuana sleep strain. Then gradually work your way up until you find your proper dosage.
It is common for some people to smoke a joint before bedtime. However, as a medicinal form against insomnia, it can be taken in oil. Or as an infusion of marijuana or cannabis tea. You should take it about an hour before going to sleep since it takes a little longer to take effect than when we smoke, although it is long-lasting.
Which Types of Marijuana Strains Good for Sleep?
When it comes to choosing which marijuana for sleep, there is an immense range of possibilities. They will all serve the purpose. Generally, it is the Indica strains that serve this purpose best. They tend to relax both the body and the mind. But it will surprise you to learn that some hybrids and Sativa also serve this purpose.
There are from some softer, that will make you want to head to bed slowly. Others are more potent and will knock you out in moments. You will see some of these possibilities. From regular or feminized seeds to auto-flowering. So that you find the cultivation option that best suits your needs.
- Purple Kush
- Tahoe OG Kush
- The Dreamy Strain
- Critical Kush
- Northern Lights
Others Health Benefits of Medical Marijuana
It was considered an illegal substance for decades. Now, marijuana is being re-evaluated culturally and legally by many countries. Scientific research and the increase in the number of countries that have legalized it have helped. The wide range of information dissemination has contributed to the widespread medical use of cannabis.
The first benefit of the plant in the human body is found in pain control. One of the first (current) uses given to the plant was for the control of intense pain in some cancer patients. Then it began to be tested in patients with multiple sclerosis and other severe injuries.
It has long been claimed that the most common cannabinoids have neuroprotective properties. Even meager amounts of THC can help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms because Alzheimer’s links to inflammation of the immune system. CBD also plays a role in its treatment. Among other benefits of cannabis is also to reduce loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. These are produced by chemotherapy. As well as to treat pain and spasticity in people with HIV / AIDS.
Side Effects of Medical Marijuana
The terms “marijuana” or “cannabis” describe a virtually infinite variety of different strains. As well as genetics and phenotypes of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Therefore, it should be noted that side effects vary depending on the type of cannabis consumed. That said, an outline of the side effect profile of cannabis can be outlined.
- Impaired short-term memory
- Loose coordination
- Impaired judgment
- In high doses, panic attacks, paranoia, and psychosis.
- Euphoria
- Sedation
- Appetite stimulation
- Dry mouth
Interaction of CBD Potential Benefits
On the other hand, CBD has been shown to possess analgesic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Today it is beginning to be used as a new avenue of medicine against chronic pain. But its potential in other diseases, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, is also being studied.
Some studies suggest that CBD can reduce pain after surgery. In addition, some drugs combine CBD and THC to improve pain. In people with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has even been used as a treatment for migraines, with success.
For its part, CBD has been showing cognitive improvements for years. Especially in cases of anxiety, depression, and social phobia. However, it should be noted that scientific evidence is scarce, and further study is needed.
Conclusion
Many people take marijuana for sleep. Marijuana has a compound called THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). In addition to having other effects, it also helps us fall asleep faster. It is ideal for people who have sleep problems. Either because they have a hard time falling asleep once they get into bed. Also, so that their body and mind can rest properly.
Or directly, they cannot do it naturally. Also, it is necessary to know that smoking is not mandatory. Since marijuana can be consumed in more forms, such as oils or infusions, so for anyone who does not smoke, you can find another way to do it. To help combat the sleep disorder.
