Seeking better sleep? Many of us take bedtime and falling asleep for granted, but for those who find it challenging to settle down, poor sleep is a major concern. According to the CDC, sleep issues affect some 70 million Americans at any given time. And while there’s no end of prescription and over-the-counter remedies available, the truth is that none of them are entirely effective or without side effects. That’s one major reason so many of us are interested in trying cannabinoids for sleep.
If you follow Exclusive’s cannabis blog, you know that we’ve explored topics like cannabis and anxiety. Given that anxiety and sleep are related, it follows that our favorite plant might have a positive impact on sleep. But what does the science say?
In today’s post, we’ll share everything we know about CBD and THC for sleep, and whether this all-natural plant medicine might be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to getting a good night’s rest!
Cannabinoids for Sleep: A Natural Partnership
One key as to why cannabinoids might support better rest has to do with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), one of the body’s most important regulatory networks. Scientists know that the ECS plays a role in regulating our sleep patterns, so it follows that THC and CBD might have an effect on sleep. The question is: Is it a positive or a negative one? The answer, it turns out, is highly personal.
As you likely know, THC is the cannabinoid most responsible for the cannabis plant’s psychoactive “high.”And one sleep study found that high-THC cannabis reduced the duration and proportion of test subjects’ rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Because REM is the sleep stage in which people experience dreams, the theory is that fewer dreams equals more time in restorative “deep sleep.” What’s more, a reduction in REM sleep also means fewer nightmares, which can be a major contributor to poor sleep. On the flipside, some research suggests that regularly using THC for sleep can reduce the quality and duration of our rest.
But we haven’t touched on CBD, the “second cannabinoid” responsible for a host of potential medical benefits without intoxication. One study from 2017 suggested CBD reduces REM-related sleep disorders without making test subjects groggy the next day. Another study found that CBD helped reduce anxiety; and as we hinted a moment ago, anxiety can be a major contributor to insomnia and restlessness in general.
And finally: Don’t forget about CBN. As we’ve shared before, this cannabinoid is currently under intense study for its purported sedative effects. As new research becomes available, we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.
Best Strains for Sleep: Are Indica Strains Really Better?
As you probably know, one of the most popular ways to classify cannabis products is with botanical names such as indica and sativa. And a we’ve written previously, indica-leaning strains are known for imparting a heavy, body-centered high. It follows, then, that they’d be best for getting a good night of sleep. We include a couple in our curated list of best strains for sleep below.
But you’ll also see high-CBD strains on our list. As we covered earlier, there’s solid evidence that this non-intoxicating cannabinoid may actually be the better choice for improved rest. At the end of the day, of course, cannabis is a highly individual experience and it’s up to you to find the strain and cannabinoid ratio that works best with your particular physiology. And we’re here to help! Here are a few strains that cannabis lovers report have helped them get better sleep:
- Hindu Kush
A classic (and potent) indica strain, it’s recommended for moderate to experienced users who want to be lulled into slumber.
- Grandaddy Purple
Another potent indica, Grandaddy Purp is known for its sedative and muscle-relaxing effects.
- Harlequin
Typically boasting roughly equal amounts of CBD and THC, Harlequin can be a good option if you’re new to cannabis or combating pain-related sleep issues.
- ACDC
As a high-CBD powerhouse, moderate intake of this strain should help foster deeper rest without the potential for fogginess the following morning.
Cannabinoids for Sleep: In Conclusion
We hope today’s post helps guide you towards useful and impactful cannabis purchases. We’d love to see you at any of our Michigan locations, where our team can share with you strains we stock that could help you get better rest. Or, feel free to peruse our live dispensary menus to see what we currently have in stock.
If you have any other questions about cannabis and sleep—or anything else in the world of marijuana—don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help!
