Currently available medications for sleep disorders include H1-antagonists, benzodiazepines, and hypnotics. These drugs can cause adverse side effects, including daytime sedation, cognitive impairment, and weight gain.
This naturalistic study examined patients managing insomnia using medicinal cannabis products. Medicinal cannabis may help to improve sleep by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.
THC
THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and may upregulate adenosine pathways that promote sleepiness. However, THC can have a stimulating effect at higher doses. This means that if an individual takes too much THC before bed, it could lead to restlessness or even nightmares.
Determining the best cannabis for sleep involves considering various strains and their specific properties, as certain types may offer potential benefits in aiding relaxation and promoting better sleep quality.
CBD can also be beneficial for insomnia by binding to adenosine receptors and suppressing the brain’s arousal system. It is recommended that individuals who use cannabis to treat insomnia start with a CBD-based product, and if that doesn’t provide sufficient relief, then try adding some THC in a tincture form or bud.
A recent short-term study found that the THC: CBD medicinal cannabis oil was well tolerated and significantly improved sleep quality as measured by midnight melatonin levels and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) after two weeks of consumption.
CBD
CBD is a well-known stress and pain reliever and may aid sleep by decreasing cortisol levels, a hormone that promotes wakefulness. It also appears to help lower anxiety levels, which are a common cause of insomnia.
CBD interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors, including those that control the body’s sleep/wake cycle. It may promote better sleep by reducing the activity in a part of the brain called the amygdala, which can be overactive in people with anxiety.
Many CBD products contain other ingredients that can help sleep, like melatonin and lavender. When choosing a product to try, look for the COA (Certificate of Analysis), which certifies that the product has undergone third-party testing to ensure its potency and purity. Also, ensure that your product is gluten-free and meets vegan standards.
Indica
Many people with trouble sleeping find that an indica strain helps them relax and fall asleep. Indicas often contain terpenes that induce sleep, like myrcene, limonene, linalool, and caryophyllene. Indicas have lower amounts of THC than most other strains, making them ideal if you are new to cannabis or have anxiety with high-THC products.
An Indica renowned for its muscle-relaxing and sleep-inducing effects. It is also an excellent option for those who are experienced with THC and are looking to ease into sleep. It contains moderate levels of THC and less than 1% CBD.
Sativa
When it comes to finding the right cannabis strain for sleep, it can be a matter of trial and error. Different people respond to marijuana differently, and some songs may not help sleep at all, or they might cause a feeling of energy instead.
Cannabis can help regulate a sleep-wake cycle by suppressing arousal and increasing the levels of the natural sleep-inducing compound adenosine. It can also reduce the symptoms of conditions that keep people awake at night, such as anxiety disorders or chronic pain.
Some say they often see patients discontinue or reduce their reliance on prescription medications for insomnia and other conditions, including antidepressants and benzodiazepines, when they start using medical marijuana. They recommend experimenting with different strains and journaling how each makes you feel.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains can inherit traits from their parents and combine the effects of both Sativa and Indica. These strains tend to offer a balanced sedation and uplifting experience and are perfect for new cannabis consumers or those who have difficulty deciding on one particular type of strain.
Sativa-dominant hybrids can be energizing and help to increase creativity and focus. Sativa plants are taller and have narrower leaves than Indica strains. It is an excellent nighttime strain for insomnia, as it produces a lazy, heavy body sensation and embodies all of the typical Indica strain effects with an added euphoric, Sativa-like kick.