Sleep is essential, but many people struggle with getting enough. It’s no surprise that in the quest for a good night’s sleep, some are turning to cannabis, which is known for its relaxing effects. While the idea of using cannabis to improve sleep is raising some eyebrows, its use in this context is gaining traction.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the effects of cannabis on your sleep, why cannabis can be beneficial for catching z’s, and how to effectively use cannabis to improve your sleep.
Cannabis & Its Effects on Sleep
Cannabis interacts with the body in complex ways, primarily through its effects on the brain. The plant’s key compounds, cannabinoids, the most popular being THC and CBD, interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS controls biological functions such as pain, hunger, mood, and, you guessed it, sleep.
THC, known for its psychoactive properties, tends to induce sleepiness and can significantly decrease the time it takes to fall asleep. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and can influence sleep by alleviating conditions that interfere with rest, such as anxiety and pain. Other minor cannabinoids like CBN are also being studied for their potential to support restful sleep.
It’s important to note that cannabis’s effects can vary widely from person to person depending on the dosage and the consumer’s biology.
Benefits of Cannabis for Sleep
Exploring the potential benefits of cannabis for sleep is a treasure trove of advantages that can help everyone, from night owls to pain sufferers. Here are a handful of the ways that cannabis can help you stop counting sheep and get some sleep:
- Quicker Zzz’s: Many find that cannabis shortens the time it takes to fall asleep. This makes it a go-to for those who spend too much time laying awake and waiting to finally doze off.
- Comfort for Chronic Pain: With cannabis’s pain-relieving prowess, both THC and CBD can ease the discomfort that often keeps people awake. By dialing down the pain, cannabis not only helps consumers fall asleep faster but also improves the quality of their sleep.
- Smoothing Out Sleep Cycles: For those whose sleep schedules are all over the place, cannabis can help get their internal clocks ticking properly again. This is especially helpful for those who sleep irregularly, like shift workers or globe-trotters battling jet lag.
How To Use Cannabis For Sleep
Now that we know how cannabis affects your sleep, let’s talk about how to use cannabis properly to get the maximum benefits without overdoing it. Here are some tips to keep in mind while incorporating cannabis into your nighttime routine.
- Pick the Right Strain: Not all cannabis is created equal when it comes to sleep. Indica strains, known for their “body high,” can be more relaxing and help you nod off faster than their sativa counterparts. In fact, some sativa strains are energizing, which will give you the opposite effect of what you’re looking for. Look for strains high in CBD if you want the calming effects without too much of a psychoactive buzz.
- Dosage Dos and Don’ts: Start low and go slow. This is the golden rule for any new cannabis product. Begin with a small dose to see how your body reacts, especially if you’re experimenting with THC-rich strains. It’s easier to add more than to manage an overwhelming effect.
- Choosing Your Consumption Method: Smoking and vaping offer quick relief, but the effects might not last through the night. Edibles and tinctures take longer to kick in but typically provide a longer duration of sleep-inducing effects. Consider what’s more important for you: speed or staying power.
- Keep a Sleep Diary: When you’re first starting out and finding what works for you, keep a sleep diary. Note what you took, how much, and how it affected your sleep quality. This can help you zero in on your ideal dosage.
- Mind Your Tolerance: Cannabis tolerance can build up quickly. If you find yourself needing more to achieve that same effect, it might be time to take a tolerance break. This helps reset your body’s response to cannabis.
The most important thing to remember is that finding the best cannabis use for sleep is a personal journey. What works for one might not work for another, so tuning into your body’s responses and adjusting accordingly is key. If you’re unsure where to start, talk with a healthcare professional to get more guidance.
Stem Haverhill Cannabis Dispensary: Your Guide to Natural Wellness
Navigating cannabis use can be tricky, especially for those who are just starting out. At Stem Haverhill, we want to make meeting your wellness goals as easy as possible. That’s why we offer Stem Wayfinder. Make a personal appointment with one of our friendly, informed budtenders, who will introduce you to the Stem experience.
Discover the plant, ask questions, browse our selection, and get expert advice on products tailored to your preferences and needs. Think of it as your own personal tour guide in the world of cannabis.
If you’re ready to dive right in and get the sleep you deserve, check out our menu here! We offer products of all potencies and consumption methods to end your day in a relaxing way and start every day feeling refreshed and ready to go.
*The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.*