There’s nothing like waking up refreshed after a good night’s sleep. People who have trouble sleeping are no strangers to long nights spent staring at the ceiling. Losing sleep leads to a number of different issues, but the good news is that many people have used cannabis for sleep— from helping them fall asleep to help staying asleep— and it could help you, too.
So forget about counting sheep. We’re here to help you regain that essential slumber time with a bit of help from cannabis.
Can Cannabis Help You Sleep Better?
You’ve probably heard how cannabis can help improve sleep. While often used recreationally or medicinally, cannabis can also help you get some much-needed rest! Certain strains of cannabis are indeed recommended for chronic insomnia.
So before reaching for the sleeping pills, consider a more natural solution to getting some shut-eye. Let’s look at how and why cannabis can lead to significantly better quality sleep and rest.
Why You’re Losing Sleep
Here’s something to think about the next time you’re awake at 3 am: If better sleep is your goal, try to identify the lifestyle or environmental factors limiting your nighttime schedule.
Here are some significant reasons for poor quality sleep:
- Stress and Mental Health Conditions
- Diet
- Too Much Screen Time
- Physical Pain and other Health Conditions
Cannabis has a wide range of health and wellness benefits. It’s well-known that cannabis can be used for pain relief, but did you know it can also help people dealing with loss of appetite, diet issues, and anxiety.
Incorporating cannabis into your nightly routine can help you get the restful, quality sleep you need to function during the day.
Cannabis and Sleep: The Effects
Are you interested in the complex science behind cannabis’s sleep-helping properties? The secret lies in the plant itself— the cannabinoids and terpenes, to be precise! Produced in those tiny white hairs known as trichomes, these chemical compounds are responsible for cannabis’ unique aromas, tastes, and effects.
Effects of Terpenes on Sleep
The marijuana plant contains over two-hundred terpenes, many of which are known to aid with sleep. If you’re on the hunt for a good snooze, look for strains containing higher levels of terpenes, such as:
- Myrcene – Has therapeutic effects. It smells earthy and musky, similar to cloves with a bit of funkiness like lemongrass or ripe mango. Find it in strains like Granddaddy Purple and OG Kush.
- Limonene – Can provide relief of anxiety and stress. Smells very citrusy, so think oranges and limes. Find it in strains like Wedding Cake and Do-si-dos.
- Linalool – Promotes effects of calm and relaxation. It’s commonly used in perfume for its lavender smell. Find it in strains like Do-si-Dos and Kosher Kush.
Effects of CBD and THC on Sleep
Different strains of cannabis will have levels of CBD and THC. The ratio and amount of CBD and THC (plus the terpenes!) determines the strain’s effects. Depending on your specific needs and goals, you may gravitate more towards certain strains based on the CBD and THC content.
CBD products with very low levels of THC can also be a positive solution for issues related to sleep, relaxing, reducing anxiety, and rest.
- Entourage Effect – While CBD can be useful on its own, many users seek out the “Entourage Effect,” which refers to CBD acting in combination with other cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. Some experts believe that this synergistic effect is how you can get the maximum benefits from cannabis. To get the benefits of the entourage effect, go for “full-spectrum” products
Here are a few ways CBD and THC are used to treat the issues keeping you awake:
Cannabis for Pain Relief
CBD is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with pain, while THC has soothing, sedative properties— that can also help with pain.
You can seek out strains specially designed to help treat pain and illnesses. For instance, you might take THC for a throbbing headache, while CBD is way more useful for a twisted ankle or a bad sunburn!
Cannabis for Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Having too much on your plate or excessive thoughts running through your mind at lights-out can be a big reason you’re missing out on those valuable Zzz’s.
Anxiety and depression can severely impact your shut-eye, as anxiety is a common cause of lack of sleep. To put it simply, too much stress or untreated anxiety (mild or severe) are not good ingredients for a good night’s sleep.
As one of cannabis’ best-known effects is its relaxing high, cannabis can help calm your anxiety before you go to bed and help you get the restful night that you need.
Cannabis for Healthy Diet
Did you know that your eating habits can contribute to your sleep cycles and overall quality of sleep?
Eating meals at irregular times during the day, not eating enough calories, or eating too late at night can all add to your sleep problems. For example, a midnight snack means your muscles have to work through the night to digest it, not only making it harder to fall asleep but also less restful when you actually do.
Cannabis is often used to help chemo patients increase appetite while on medications, but it can also help you get your appetite on a regular, healthy schedule.
Cannabis and Sleep: Indica vs Sativa
If you’re new to cannabis products, one of the first things you need to know is the difference between indica strains, sativa strains, and hybrids.
If you are already familiar with these different types of strains, you may be wondering which is better for helping with sleep.
Indica: “Body High”
Indica strains are famous for their “full-body” high. Indicas will help you feel relaxed and calm. Many people choose indica-dominant strains to help them get into an evening relaxation and get ready for bedtime after a long day. These strains are well-loved for their sedative effects and are sometimes referred to as “in-da-couch”.
Sativa: “Head High”
On the other hand, sativa dominant strains will elicit more of a “head high.” This means that these strains are more likely to affect euphoria levels and cause high-energy, invigorating effects. While sativa strains aren’t the go-to for helping with lack of sleep, they may help you balance out your day-time energy to slow down come nightfall.
Hybrid Strains
Most strains of cannabis today are hybrids, a blend of sativa and indica strains. Generally speaking, sativa-dominant strains are recommended for daytime use, while indica-dominant strains are better for bedtime. However, a balance of both can be helpful for sleep-related effects. Combining the uplifting and calming effects may be the balance you need.
Indicas vs. Insomnia
Because of its relaxing effects and full-body, calming high, indica-dominant strains are often more popular for treating insomnia and sleep issues.
Finding the perfect balance can involve some trial and error, but it’s important that you find the correct dose that works for you.
The Best Cannabis Strains for Deeper Sleep
Now that we know how cannabis can help us get better sleep, let’s look at some of the top cannabis strains for a deeper sleep for the next time you’re shopping. The following sleep-inducing indica strains are a safe and easy choice for most people dealing with sleep issues.
1. Purple Kush
Purple Kush is the perfect option for getting quality sleep and reducing symptoms of insomnia. Suppose you can’t source the original Purple Kush. Budmail has a Purple Bubba strain, an indica-dominant hybrid of Purple Kush and the classic Bubba Kush. Purple Bubba is excellent for nighttime and will offer you waves of soothing relaxation, sending you straight to dreamland.
2. OG Kush
OG Kush is a classic strain and popular for anxiety and pain relief. OG Kush is a favourite for many users because of its consistent quality. Once you know your dose, you can confidently use OG Kush to help with sleep, pain, anxiety, and many other application
3. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a classic, popular strain that’s easy to come by. It’s a hybrid of Thai Sativa and Afghani Indica, making it a good balance between feelings of euphoria and relaxing calmness. Northern Lights will help alleviate your stress and anxiety – leading to a more restful sleep.
4. Pre 98 Bubba
Pre-98 Bubba is a popular strain for evening use. This indica flower will drape you in a calming blanket of relaxation, letting you feel those “in the couch” effects. Pre-98 Bubba can help with anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, muscle cramps, headaches, and depression – resulting in better sleep.
5. Chemo Kush
Chemo Kush is a cannabis strain popular for appetite increasing. Although thought of as being strictly for medicinal use, Chemo Kush can be used to help you get the right amount of calories to keep your body functioning smoothly. To break it down: regular appetite = healthier diet = better sleep!
Final Thoughts on Cannabis and Sleep
A lack of sleep can cause many more problems than just bags under your eyes. Chronic fatigue leads to other ailments such as depression, muscle pain, weight gain, and accident-related injuries. That doesn’t sound like a cycle you want to be on!
Instead, focus on getting better, quality sleep. Cannabis can be an intentional tool to help you improve your quality of sleep. Indica-dominant strains of cannabis are especially helpful in helping you relax, reset, and get the rest you need to function and thrive during the day.
For more information on the many uses and applications for cannabis, check out the Budmail blog and shop containing a wide range of cannabis products.
Sources Cited
Mayo Clinic: Insomnia.
Way of Leaf: Best Cannabis Strains for an Awesome night sleep.
Medical News Today: What to know about terpenes.
