Can marijuana help you sleep better?
Probably. Sixty-five percent of medical cannabis users report using the drug as a sleep aid. Any consumer is aware there are thousands of strains; but, with each offering different benefits and drawbacks, they are all not the same.
Some cannabis varieties are better suited to help with alertness while others offer better sleep effects. Usually, stains with higher THC levels will have more of a sedative effect, helping in one’s sleep efforts. This, however, is not always the case as cannabis can affect each person differently.
Using Cannabis to Sleep Better
Difficulty sleeping at night is very common. A recent survey found 68% of Americans struggle with sleep at least once a week. For 27% of the 4,023 adults participating in the consumer report, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is an almost nightly occurrence.
Research studies indicate cannabis is often used to relieve difficulties with sleep. Many users turn to cannabis for relief from conditions and symptoms that may make sleep difficult, including anxiety and pain.
Like alcohol, cannabis typically helps users get to sleep easier. Similarly, it can decrease the quality of sleep. Research indicates THC can decrease REM sleep, even at low doses. A consumer’s total sleep time may not be affected, but deep sleep may be reduced.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain for Sleep
THC can be calming at low doses but may cause anxiety for new or occasional users. For this reason, some consumers can have an adverse effect to the cannabis compound. The generally sedative effects of THC can be too much for new users but, for this reason, is assumed to be more reliable for sleep than CBD. As well, CBD may increase alertness if the consumer is exposed to light. Despite this, the compound can offer mild sedative effects without the high of THC. Alone CBD may not be enough but, in combination with THC, it can be a better option.
A strain with 1:1 THC and CBD, or close to it, may offer light sedation, relieve anxiety, and offer sleep improvement, especially if you’re finding it difficult to sleep due to pain.
Supporting Healthy Sleep With Marijuana
Although cannabis can be a helpful sleep aid, the choices are important to consider. You’ll need to choose the right strains, and practice healthy sleep habits so you can sleep better with or without support from cannabis.
- Improve your sleep health. If you’re not sleeping well, it could be due to habits in your lifestyle. Staying up late, following an erratic sleep schedule, what you consume before bed can have a negative effect on your ability to sleep well! Stick to a regular sleep schedule and follow a consistent bedtime routine. Make each night relaxing just before bed, avoiding pitfalls such as screen time late at night, caffeine late in the day, or alcohol just before bed.
- Create a healthy sleep environment. Make sure your bedroom is well suited for sleep. A healthy sleep environment should be dark, quiet, cool, and comfortable. Choose your mattress and bedding carefully, including supportive pillows.
- Ask for help choosing the right strain. Budtenders are knowledgeable about the strains they offer and what they can deliver as far as effects. Always indicate if you’re new to cannabis or prone to anxiety.
Cannabis can be a part of your healthy sleep habits. Choose the right strain and make the most of healthy sleep habits to get the rest you need at night.
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