We have all experienced that overwhelmingly terrible feeling of lying in bed, gazing at the clock as it ticks into the early hours incapable of settling your mind and getting that well deserved eight hours of sleep. Conversely, all of us have also experienced the cacophonic sound of that morning alarm, driving you out of bed when it feels like you barely had enough rest. These two undesirable experiences rarely occur for some, however, for others, it can be a very serious problem that can cause serious medical conditions.
If you use cannabis, you are aware of its relationship with sleep. Some individuals say that it helps them have peaceful nights; others say it makes waking up the following day a real challenge. But who is right here? Does weed help you sleep? We take a look at key facts about the relationship between Cannabis and sleep that should help you answer some valuable questions.
CBD and THC are not the same
There are varied kinds of strains. Some will get you high (low-CBD, high-THC), some will not (low-THC, high-CBD), and others will maintain your high at a constant level (equal or near-equal parts CBD and THC). It is important to note that most sleep studies refer to high-THC strains because CBD strains are extremely hard (almost impossible) to find in various areas in the United States.
Therefore, what is the outcome of high-CBD strains on sleep? A study conducted in 2006 examined the effects of CBD on animal models in lights-off and lights-on environments and discovered that this non-intoxicating marijuana compound increased attentiveness in a lights-on environment and no noticeable effects were documented in a lights-off environment. The study concluded that CBD may, in fact, hold therapeutic promise for persons with lethargy or excessive daytime sleep from sleepless nights, thus, it is beneficial to use CBD oil for sleep.
Indica Strains Cut above Medical Tablets
Indica strains are better sleep aids compared to medical tablets. A large fraction of the population attests that indica strains cause heavier, sleepy effects whereas sativas are more energizing, even uplifting. Even though DNA and chemical testing have not yet revealed exactly why indicas are better sleep aids, some individuals hypothesize that the terpene content causes this effect – that is, the fragrant compounds that make up the special effect fingerprint of each strain. Alternatively stated, indicas might contain more of the sedating, calming terpenes than sativas.
Deep Sleep – You are taking Aged Cannabis
Aged cannabis makes you sleepier; which is why sleep specialists recommend marijuana for sleep. As THC degrades over time, it is broken down into a sedating chemical identified as CBN or cannabinol. This marijuana compound is five times more calming than THC, although it takes time to form. Rev. Dr. Kymron deCesare, Chief Research Officer at Steep Hill Labs expounds on this process.
“As d9-THC degrades through oxidatively and/or isomerization, only a tiny fraction of it is converted into CBN. Consequently, CNB is somewhat hard to collect in large quantities for usage. From experience, if I take marijuana that is about twenty percent THCA, wrap it in plastic, and allow it to sit in the garage for three years; it results in a three to five percent production of CBN. Yes, I utilize ‘old marijuana to create sedative medicinal.”
Only with Cannabis You Can Fall Asleep Fast
Due to its ability to relax physically and quell stress, marijuana can quicken the sleeping process. This is especially true for individuals using cannabis for insomnia, multiple sclerosis, pain, PTSD, or other conditions that cause sleeplessness as marijuana alleviates many bothersome conditions. It is worth knowing that marijuana-infused edibles take longer for the effects to manifest compared to inhalation methods, but their effects extend over longer periods and can help you sleep longer.
Hangover with Cannabis
If you are smoking weed to sleep, you should know that nighttime cannabis use can cause a “hangover.” Cannabis use can result in mild “hangovers.” This does not mean that you will not be bent over a toilet while your head pounds in pain, but you may feel a little dehydrated, foggy, congested, lethargic, or dry-eyed. You may have never gone through this phenomenon. Others have had terrible hangovers from inhaling pesticide-riddled or low-grade marijuana. The optimal way to escape a terrible morning is to purchase clean and tested cannabis, eat healthy foods, refrain from overindulging, and drink a lot of water. Nurse a cannabis hangover the same way you would an alcohol hangover – exercise, vitamins, water, et cetera.
Shallow Breathing
Sleep apnea, a sleep condition that causes recurrent obstructions of breath, with lapses that can go on for a few seconds and extend up to several minutes. Sleep apnea causes a person to awaken several times during the night and results in a myriad of horrible effects like fatigue, inattention, mood disturbance, daytime sleepiness, increased vulnerability to accidents, headaches, and various other health issues.
Preclinical studies confirm that marijuana may improve sleep apnea. A study conducted in 2013 measured the effectiveness of an exogenous cannabinoid known as dronabinol (a THC “mimic”) and saw improvements in fifteen out of seventeen study participants after twenty-one days of treatment. This study confirmed that you can use THC for sleep apnea. Another study conducted in 2002 confirmed THC’s capacity to reinstate respiratory stability by altering serotonin signaling.
Trouble Sleeping Used Cannabis Early in Life
Consuming cannabis at a tender age may result in sleep problems. Consuming cannabis – especially before the age of fifteen – may result in sleeping issues throughout adulthood, as stated in a 2014 study that derived survey data from 1,811 participants who are cannabis users. The main word here is “may” – the 2014 study did not successfully determine if marijuana caused worsened sleep or if insomniacs are more inclined to use marijuana for its sedative effects.
Conclusion for Cannabis for Sleeping: Amazing Facts
Through this article, we hope that we have answered some valuable questions like “why does weed make you sleepy?” and “what is the relationship between cannabis and sleep?” If you are set on exploring cannabis for sleep, here is some advice: Be dubious of testimonials or any manufacturer or retailer claims. Experiment with various products or strains, patiently and methodically, until (hopefully) you find something that successfully works for your body and sleep needs. Begin with a low dosage and gradually move up to find the best dosage that suits you without risking adverse effects. Ideally, this all should be done with input from a doctor who is aware of your sleep issues, and only intermittently or short-term to avoid building up a dependence or tolerance.