Research supporting the role of cannabis for sleep as an aid is increasingly yielding positive results. It can help to alleviate sleeplessness and to relieve insomnia related to anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
As the use of marijuana in the United States and internationally. Has seen a dramatic increase in the past decade and is gradually becoming legalised. These positive research findings are largely attributed to the sedative effects of two marijuana plant cannabinoids, THC and CBD. Effective sleep disorder treatment with cannabis needs the right approach with the right products.
What is Sleep Disorder?
Insomnia is a condition that makes it difficult for an individual to fall asleep and/or stay asleep. Especially when one has the opportunity and time to get the needed sleep required. Sleeplessness exists as a symptom as well as a clinical disorder.
Insomnia can drain not only your energy and mood, but your wellbeing, work function and quality of life as well. Short-term (acute) sleeplessness may occur for some days or weeks. It is normally caused by stress or trauma. But some people suffer from (chronic) long-term insomnia lasting one month and more. Insomnia may be the main problem, of other medical problems or drugs which may be associated with the condition.
Choosing the Right Strain
Not all marijuana strains are effective in helping you sleep. Because of their calming effects, only indica strains are recommended. The most effective indicas are the “purple” variety because of their specific terpene profiles, which are considered particularly effective.
Many of these terpenes present in cannabis have shown sedative effects. Terpenes are small molecules which are found in all the plant species. In cannabis they provide the aroma and fruit or earthy flavours when ignited. They also provide therapeutically aid helping in reducing anxiety, pain and inflammation.
Cannabis for sleep effects differ considerably according to the patient, strain, dosage and environment. However, the mechanisms are still the same. You will need to experiment with some Indica strains that have mid range THC 10 to 20%.
Look for a strain with an even mixture of THC and CBD with a slightly higher THC level.
When and how to dose
For most patients, low to medium doses of THC are appropriate. Avoid strains that have a high THC dose, as they might interfere with rest and induce a cerebral high.
Before trying to sleep you should wait 60-90 minutes after your ingestion. This will allow the neurological effects to be reduced and the sedative qualities to be attained.
Using a small dose of THC cannabis for sleep if anxiety is causing you insomnia. Using a high THC dose may make your anxiety worse. If you are sensitive to THC, then you may want to try a higher strain with CBD.
The THC in cannabis for sleep will produce sedative effects within about an hour after use. Remember to use mid range THC levels which are the most effective in treating sleeping disorders.
CBD-rich strains are not known to be generally sedative. But the anti-anxiety properties of CBD may benefit patients who have sleep disorders which are linked to anxiety.
Edibles have a much longer effect and will help you sleep longer. Although inhaling cannabis for sleep produces faster effects.
Using edible cannabis for sleep is prescribed for patients. Who regularly wake up during the night and need a longer-lasting alternative for rest. We recommend using edibles only after you have experimented with them considerable. As edibles take longer to take effect and inexperience users can sometimes overmedicate.
To learn more about edibles read one of our articles titled “Cannabis Edibles Facts To Know”
