What You Need to Know About Cannabis and Sleep

Cannabis aids insomnia, and other sleep issues

For centuries, the cannabis plant has been used as a sleep aid. Modern scientific research has confirmed what humans have known and felt since ancient times: Cannabis can relax and induce sedation. In Particular, cannabis makes it easier to fall asleep. A recent study showed that cannabis reduces the time required to fall asleep. This was true for both people with sleep issues and those who are able to fall asleep easily. Cannabis use was associated with a 30 minute shorter time to fall asleep for people who have difficulty sleeping. A group of people were also included in the study who fell asleep easily. This group of people who were strong sleepers found that cannabis was able to help them fall asleep faster by 15 minutes.These findings are consistent with others that have shown cannabis use can reduce the time required to fall asleep and prolong deep, slow-wave sleep. THC, one of the primary active ingredients in cannabis, appears to reduce the time spent in REM sleep.

Cannabis has many natural chemicals that can affect sleep

There are many natural compounds in cannabis having an effect on sleep and the sleep cycle. Two main components are important for sleep: terpenes and cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids

Scientists have discovered more than 100 cannabinoids within the cannabis plant. Many cannabinoids are being investigated for their potential benefits in sleep and other conditions. These include psychological conditions such as depression or anxiety. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Seizure disorders, various forms of cancer and chronic discomfort.The effects of three well-known cannabinoids on sleep are:

• CBD. CBD is a non-mind-altering cannabis oil that promotes relaxation. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. Scientists believe that CBD is able to counteract or balance the effects of THC, another cannabinoid. CBD has been gaining attention because of its ability to reduce anxiety and pain, as well as promote mental clarity and focus. CBD can also reduce daytime sleepiness, and increase alertness. CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and not affect sleep-wake cycles.
• CBN. CBN is less well-known than CBD. CBN appears to have strong sedative effects that may be amplified if it is combined with THC. CBN has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. CBN is believed to stimulate appetite. CBN appears to suppress appetite. (CBD on the other hand seems to be more effective. CBN can be found in older cannabis. This is because THC eventually converts to CBN.
• THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. The main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis is THC. THC is a compound that can relieve pain and reduce nausea. THC can help you fall asleep and has been shown to have sedative properties. Evidence is emerging that THC may enhance breathing in sleep. This makes THC an attractive option. Therapy In the treatment of obstructive sleeping apnea.THC seems to alter the time spent in different stages of sleep. THC was found to decrease REM sleep time and increase slow-wave sleep time. THC can reduce dreaming due to its decreased time in REM sleep. This can be beneficial for people with conditions like PTSD, which cause disturbing dreams and nightmares. Regular cannabis use may result in fewer dreams. It's not uncommon to have a sudden burst in dreams after stopping using cannabis.

This is part of what's called REM rebound, which is an increase in REM after REM has been suppressed.When deciding whether or not to use cannabis, it is important to take into account changes in your sleep cycle. For healthy rest and functioning, all sleep cycles are essential. Long-term changes to our nightly sleeping patterns can lead to sleep deprivation.

Terpenes

Cannabinoids are gaining a lot of attention due to their potential benefits in terms of sleep, mood, pain, and other health issues. Terpenes play an important role in cannabis' effects, including the ability to influence sleep. The effects of terpenes on the mind and body are still being studied. Scientists believe they can enhance the effects of various cannabinoids and affect the body in a variety of ways.Terpenes, tiny aromatic molecules found in cannabis, create the smell and taste. Terpenes can be found in cannabis, but they also exist in natural plants, fruits, and flowers. There are more than 150 terpenes. Different combinations of terpenes in different cannabis strains create distinct tastes and smells. Different strains can have different effects on us when we consume them.Science has shown that terpenes can affect energy, mood, sleepiness, alertness, and energy. These are some of the most helpful terpenes for sleep:

• Myrcene. This terpene, which is commonly found in cannabis, can also be found in many fruits and herbs such as mangoes, basil and thyme. It can also be found in hops and ylang-ylang, which are both sleep-promoting plants. Myrcene has been proven to have sedative properties. It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory.
• Caryophyllene. This terpene is known for its stress-relieving, anxiety-relieving, and pain-relieving properties. It may also promote sleep due to its relaxing, anxiolytic, and analgesic qualities. This terpene is found in cloves, black pepper, and has a spicy smell.
• Limonene. Research has shown that limonene can reduce anxiety and stress. It may also have antidepressant properties. Research has shown that it may also reduce OCD behaviors. Scientists believe that limonene's ability to increase brain serotonin levels is what causes its calming and mood-lifting effects. This terpene may be a sleep-promoter. Studies have shown that limonene can help with insomnia symptoms.
• Terpineol. Terpineol has relaxing, pain-relieving and sedative properties. Terpineol can be found in cannabis strains, as well as in eucalyptus, pine, and lilac.
• Linalool. This terpene with a lavender scent is found in many plants, including cannabis. You may be familiar with the sleep benefits of lavender, which I wrote about. Linalool has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It also helps protect the immune system from damage caused by stress. Linalool is particularly important for sleep. It increases adenosine (a sedating hormone that aids in falling asleep).

Different cannabis types have different amounts and types of cannabinoids

Before you start taking any supplement, or making any changes to your supplement regimen, consult your doctor. Although this is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, it can help you start a conversation with your doctor at your next appointment.It can be confusing for people who are considering cannabis use to determine the best type of cannabis. There are many varieties of cannabis. How can you choose the right one? It is important to work with a qualified medical provider and dispensary. This basic knowledge can be used to help you choose the right strain of cbd for sleep.

These are some key facts to remember:

Indica and Sativa are the most popular cannabis strains. You can also find hybrid strains that combine both the Indica and Sativa. Indica is relaxing and promotes sleep. Indica is more invigorating and energizing than sativa.Some scientists studying cannabis argue that generalizations about indica and sativa are not accurate or useful. They say that the composition of cannabinoids as well as terpenes is more important. These experts believe that cannabis can be used for sleep or other conditions. It is better to have a good understanding of the effects and terpenes of cannabis to help you choose the best strain.To get a good night's sleep, it is important to find a strain with relaxing terpenes and a moderate amount of THC. Higher concentrations of THC can cause you to feel tired and irritable the next day.Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and work with your doctor and dispensary in order to make informed decisions you feel comfortable with.

Learn about potential side effects of cannabis-based sleep use

Cannabis can help you fall asleep. There are side effects to cannabis that you need to be aware of. These include:

• Next-day grogginess is common, especially if you overuse or smoke a high-THC strain.
• High-THC strains and excessive use can cause dry mouth, euphoria and an increase in appetite after consumption.
• After prolonged use, withdrawal symptoms may occur, such as changes in mood (feelings anxiety or depression), changes in sleep (trouble falling asleep and vivid dreams).

Your location can affect how you use cannabis

State laws that regulate cannabis for recreational and medical use are constantly changing. Ten states have legalized recreational cannabis as of the beginning of the month. Medical cannabis is legal in 33 states. Even if medical cannabis is legal in your state, you should consult your doctor before you use it.There are many ways to consume cannabis, other than smoking. This obviously has health risks. To avoid the health risks associated with smoking, I recommend that you use a tincture or vaping if you are considering cannabis for sleeping.You can also use some of the natural compounds in cannabis as an ingredient in other natural products. Many of the sleep-encouraging compounds found in cannabis can also be found in essential oils and natural supplements such as hops, and lavender.