Researchers say that cannabis helps an individual sleep better. Are you having sleep-related issues like insomnia or sleep apnea? Well, cannabis can be at your rescue. Many doctors provide medical cannabis to people with sleep troubles. If you face any kind of sleep issues, then consult your marijuana doctor beforehand. Suppose you are in California, a Riverside Medical Marijuana Evaluations will be necessary to have access to medical marijuana.
We would do anything to get a good night’s sleep after a tiring and stressful day. Sleep controls how we function during day time. It helps us function at the highest of our emotional, physical, and mental levels. It is difficult to maintain a busy and sedentary lifestyle.
However, ailments like insomnia, excessive daytime sleeping, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy lets an individual turn to a pharmacy or over-the-counter drug. And it is clear that these medicines have serious side effects which might give rise to other issues. For this reason, people find other ways to induce natural sleep, and cannabis is one of them!
For some people, cannabis is the answer to sleep. They go hand-in-hand and it can make you feel drowsy with sedative effects. The next question that arises is which of the two cannabinoids- CBD and THC, helps in better sleep. Let us explore more about how each can affect sleep.
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CBD for Sleep
Cannabis is legalized in over 50 states and hence people are finding new and creative uses of it. It is not only the consumers but also the doctors have started recommending medical marijuana for several ailments.
As we know that cannabis contains CBD and THC compounds. The question is which of these cannabinoids help in inducing sleep. Does CBD offer sleep?
CBD acts as a sleep aid, but it does not work alone. There are other factors apart from CBD contributing to a night of better sleep. High CBD strains have myrcene, a terpene that has a sedating effect on the consumer. However, no confirmed studies have been found, but it finds its evidence in animal literacy. Hops are given by herbalists to help with sleep. And hops have high levels of myrcene.
Therefore, it is hard to conclude whether it is CBD or myrcene or both! Also, it is clear to notice that people smoke CBD, not for myrcene or its effects. The CBD dominant cannabis strain does not necessarily contain myrcene.
THC for Sleep
THC is another cannabinoid found in cannabis and it has a sedative effect and hence reduces the time taken to fall asleep. Some researchers conclude that the entourage effect and the harmonized interaction between two compounds (CBD & THC) carry over to sleep.
However, THC does not directly induce sleep. Neither does CBD. THC has properties to help with other factors that can give a good night’s sleep. It sedates you and makes you feel comfortable while you remain still. THC is often used in low doses for excellent results.
THC is popular to bring a relaxing and calming effect on the consumer. There are specific strains that help in better sleep or say induce sleep. For instance, Indica strains of cannabis are best to put you to sleep, while Sativa strains make more alert and energetic.
CBD and REM Sleep
Sleep Cycle is in two phases- Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM). NREM sleep is for ninety minutes and leads to REM sleep, where brain activity increases, and then dreams occur. REM sleep is the time when you dream before you wake up. In REM sleep, limbs get sort of paralyzed and you cannot act out on dreams. Researchers say that all our impactful memories and thoughts are processed during this sleep phase.
When CBD is consumed in low doses, it keeps the consumer awake and does not disturb the sleep cycle. Some say that CBD inhibits the last stage of the REM sleep cycle and it is an important stage of sleep. High doses of CBD have high sedating effects. CBD consumed at doses from 75 g to 300 g has helped people to flail. Some studies say that CBD curbs the effects of THC. After all this, CBD is believed and proven to be helpful in insomniacs.
Is CBD for sleep?
Each individual has a distinct reaction to the cannabinoids. Therefore, the effect of CBD and THC is highly individualized. Some patients have adverse reactions to THC and are overly sensitive. They have impairment the morning after and hence myrcene rich CBD dominant cannabis strains are the best option.
CBD is beneficial for people with sleep disturbances. It is a therapeutic tool for your body’s endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a system of neurotransmitters in animals and humans. It is made of endocannabinoid molecules that bind with the cannabinoids of cannabis. As a result, it provides the respective effects on the body.
The ECS system has cell receptors and enzyme proteins, which together help in communicating between the brain and the body. These cannabinoid receptors are present all throughout the body, especially concentrated in the spinal cord and brain. As it is widely spread in our body, it controls a variety of functions of our body like sleep, appetite, learning, etc.
So, you see, CBD is well suited for you to deal with your sleep issues without any adverse risks or side effects. Worry not! CBD is not harmful in high doses. It is extraordinarily safe. A study has been carried out where the participants were subjected to varying doses of CBD, but it turned out that safe. However, it is important that you consult your physician before you indulge with CBD dominant drugs (in high or low doses).
As more and more research is conducted, CBD will benefit the patients with ailments like obstructive sleep apnea, chronic pains, anxiety, and fibromyalgia.
Conclusion
CBD induces sleep. It needs more research and well-defined conclusions. However, there are certain strains of cannabis altogether that helps in improving your sleep. It can be CBD dominant or THC dominant. On the contrary, we also see that myrcene, a terpene found in CBD dominant strains of cannabis, is also effective in inducing sleep. So, we can see that CBD inducing sleep is still a debatable topic.
Your sleep problems could be for a variety of reasons. Therefore, it is best to find the root cause of it and work upon it rather than switching to cannabis for sleep. A doctor is the best judge to decide whether you shall be recommended cannabis or not! Also, some people try to combine cannabis and sleep aids for a better good night’s sleep. For instance, cannabis is paired with melatonin for good sleep. So consult with your doctor before you leap down to any path.