Dispensaries: Open 24/7, Why Sleep?

Sleep is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle, with the average person requiring around 7 hours of sleep per night. However, many adults struggle to get a good night's rest, and while lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine intake and increasing exercise can help, they are not always enough. As a result, many people are turning to cannabis as a potential sleep aid.

The effects of cannabis on sleep vary depending on the strain and method of consumption. Some strains are energizing, while others are calming and sedating, depending on the balance of THC and CBD. THC appears to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep, but it can also reduce REM sleep, which may negatively impact brain function and memory. On the other hand, CBD has been linked to modest improvements in sleep length and quality.

Edibles, which tend to produce longer-lasting effects than smoking, have also been found to help people with chronic pain and anxiety sleep better. However, the impact of edibles on sleep duration and quality is mixed, with some studies suggesting they may be linked to shorter sleep duration and impaired sleep quality.

Overall, while cannabis may help some people sleep, the research is still inconclusive, and healthcare professionals generally discourage the long-term use of any sleep aid, including cannabis.

Cannabis may help restore your natural sleep cycle

The effects of cannabis on sleep vary depending on the balance of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and other cannabinoids. Strains with higher levels of THC tend to reduce REM sleep, which is where dreams occur. Reducing dreams can be beneficial for those with PTSD, as it may reduce nightmares. However, REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning, and long-term use of cannabis with higher THC levels could impair sleep quality.

On the other hand, CBD is more closely associated with sleep and relaxation. It seems to calm the central nervous system and boost levels of the sleep-promoting compound adenosine. Strains with a small-to-moderate amount of THC and a small amount of CBD could be a good option for those new to cannabis. If it feels ineffective, slightly increasing the THC content may help.

Additionally, terpenes, the compounds that give cannabis its flavor and aroma, may also play a role in its effects on sleep. While there is limited clinical evidence, some terpenes are suspected to provide more relief from insomnia than others.

It is important to note that the effects of cannabis on sleep can vary from person to person, and healthcare professionals generally discourage the long-term use of any sleep aid, including cannabis. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of cannabis on sleep and its potential long-term effects.

THC and CBD have different effects on sleep

THC and CBD have distinct effects on sleep, with THC-rich cannabis strains potentially reducing REM sleep and CBD's impact being less clear.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the primary cannabinoids responsible for the psychological effects of marijuana. THC is the only cannabinoid in marijuana that directly affects the mind. However, its effects can be altered by the presence of CBD and other cannabinoids.

THC's impact on sleep varies depending on dosage. Small doses tend to be sedative, moderate doses stimulating, large doses psychedelic, and very high doses may induce psychotic-like symptoms. A 2022 study found that cannabis strains with higher levels of THC tend to reduce REM sleep. This reduction in REM sleep may decrease dreams and nightmares, which could be beneficial for those with PTSD. However, REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning, so long-term use of THC-rich cannabis may impair sleep quality.

CBD, on the other hand, does not cause intoxication or alter mental states. While it is generally considered safe, more research is needed to understand its long-term effects. Some evidence suggests that CBD may help with sleep disorders, mood disorders, and pain management. It may also have anti-anxiety properties, which could indirectly improve sleep for those whose sleep issues are related to anxiety. However, research on CBD's impact on sleep is limited and inconclusive, with some studies indicating that it may help with insomnia, while others suggest it could keep people awake.

In summary, THC and CBD have different effects on sleep. THC-rich cannabis strains may reduce REM sleep, which could be beneficial for those seeking deeper sleep or seeking to reduce nightmares. However, long-term use may impair overall sleep quality. CBD's impact on sleep is less clear, with limited research indicating mixed results. While generally considered safe, more research is needed to understand CBD's long-term effects.

Cannabis can be used to treat chronic pain

Cannabis is an increasingly popular alternative treatment for chronic pain. Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that can affect a person's mood, health, and overall well-being. It can interfere with daily activities and impact a person's ability to work and socialise.

Chronic pain can be nociceptive or neuropathic. Nociceptive pain is caused by tissue damage or inflammation, while neuropathic pain is caused by nervous system damage or malfunction.

Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating both types of chronic pain. A Harvard-led systematic review of 28 studies found that the use of marijuana for chronic pain is supported by high-quality evidence. Of the studies reviewed, six out of six general chronic pain studies and five out of five neuropathic pain studies found a significant improvement in symptoms among patients.

The active compounds in cannabis, THC and CBD, are known to elicit analgesic effects, especially when used together due to their congruent chemical synergies. Cannabis can also reduce inflammation, a common cause of pain.

In addition to its pain-relieving properties, cannabis may also improve sleep and mood in people with chronic pain. A small study found that small doses of smoked cannabis improved pain, mood, and sleep in patients with chronic pain.

However, it is important to note that the effects of cannabis on sleep are complex. While it may help some people sleep more deeply, certain strains may interfere with the REM stage of sleep, which is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning. Long-term use of cannabis with higher THC levels could impair sleep quality.

Furthermore, cannabis use for chronic pain should be approached with caution. While it is generally considered safer than opioids, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. The method of administration, dosage, and strain of cannabis can also affect the outcome, and it may take some trial and error to find the right combination for each individual.

Overall, cannabis shows promise as a treatment for chronic pain, offering a safer and more effective alternative to opioids and other traditional pain medications.

Cannabis may have negative effects on sleep

Cannabis is widely used as a sleep aid, with around 70% of young adult casual users reporting that they use it to help them sleep. Among people who use cannabis for medical reasons, such as pain relief, as many as 85% say it improves their sleep. However, research into cannabis as a sleep aid is still developing, and it is unclear whether long-term use is ultimately beneficial or detrimental to sleep quality.

Some studies have found that daily users are more likely to report sleep problems than occasional users or non-users, and that long-term use may negatively influence sleep. For example, a 2021 study found that adults who used weed 20 or more days during the last month were 64% more likely to sleep less than six hours a night and 76% more likely to sleep longer than nine hours a night. Optimal sleep for adults is defined as seven to eight hours a night.

Cannabis may help people fall asleep faster, but it can also alter the time spent in the different sleep stages. Short-term use appears to increase the time spent in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which helps you wake up feeling refreshed. However, it decreases the amount of time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, when you spend more time dreaming, processing emotions, and cementing new memories.

REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning, and reducing it may have negative effects on mood regulation and memory. Long-term cannabis use may also have unwanted effects on the brain, including difficulty with learning, memory, and focus.

Withdrawal from cannabis is also associated with significant sleep-related symptoms, and these disturbances increase the risk of relapse. Sleep difficulty during attempts to discontinue cannabis use is reported by 67% to 73% of adults, and has been rated as one of the most severe symptoms of withdrawal.

Cannabis edibles may help with sleep

Cannabis contains several active compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive component, while CBD is known for its anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties without the intoxicating effects. Both compounds have been found to promote sleep in different ways. THC acts as a sedative, while CBD promotes alertness at lower doses and sleepiness at higher doses.

The effects of cannabis edibles on sleep may depend on the specific mixture of compounds within the product. THC can make some people feel energized, interfering with sleep, especially at higher doses. On the other hand, CBD is more closely associated with sleep and relaxation, as it seems to calm the central nervous system and boost levels of the sleep-promoting compound adenosine.

Additionally, the way cannabis is ingested may also impact its effectiveness as a sleep aid. Edibles tend to produce a longer-lasting effect than smoking marijuana, which may help some people fall and stay asleep through the night. However, edibles lose a significant amount of THC as they are processed by the digestive system, resulting in lower bioavailability compared to smoked or inhaled cannabis.

While cannabis edibles may offer a potential solution for those struggling with sleep, it is important to note that the research is still developing, and individual responses may vary. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any sleep aid, including cannabis, to ensure it is suitable for your specific needs and medical history.

Frequently asked questions