How much sleep you get has a dramatic effect on your mental and physical health. But a staggering number of adults in the US experience the symptoms of a sleep disorder.
According to a study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, between 50 and 70 million American adults experience some form of sleep disorder. Moreover, up to 40% of adults suffer from insomnia at some stage in their lives, and up to 15% suffer from chronic insomnia.
So, is cannabis the solution?
Over the past decade or so, people have become increasingly interested in the idea of using cannabis to cure or alleviate the symptoms of insomnia. And, according to science, cannabis certainly can be a sedative that aids with sleep.
The Science Behind Cannabis and Sleep
First, we should point out that there are two main types of cannabis, sativa and indica. Both strains contain THC, the cannabinoid that gives you a “high”. However, compared to sativa, indica has higher levels of CBD, which comes with a number of health benefits. But it’s the THC that’s mostly responsible for inducing sleep.
Despite this, most people turn to indica when they need cannabis to sleep. Before you decide which strain to purchase, you need to understand the difference between the two types of cannabis.
Sativa vs. Indica
Most people who consume cannabis for recreational purposes opt for a strong sativa to induce the “high”. However, unlike indica, sativa can actually make you more energized. Many people consume sativa before exercising for a little extra motivation.
Indica, on the other hand, gives you a “body high”. It’s not as euphoric as sativa, but most people find it more relaxing. Because of its sedative properties, it’s best to consume indica at night. You’ll probably find you have a much harder time dragging yourself off the couch.
But before you go ahead and smart smoking the night away, you should bear in mind that over-consuming cannabis can cause you to feel sluggish the next morning. If you need any advice on how much to consume to induce sleep without any unwanted side effects, feel free to give us a call.
Factors to Consider before Using Cannabis
Does indica make you sleepy? The answer for most people is ‘yes’. However, that doesn’t mean you should start consuming cannabis right away.
It’s important to remember that smoking anything can damage your lungs. If you want to try indica as a sleeping aid without having to inhale smoke, you might want to try edibles. If you decide to eat edibles, be careful when dosing as you might not feel any effect for over an hour.
You may want to talk to your doctor before using cannabis to cure your sleeping disorder. There could be long-term consequences with constantly interrupted REM sleep. In fact, it’s best to avoid any drug as a long-term sleep aid solution.
Finally, you should use cannabis responsibly. If you just want cannabis to sleep, avoid using it throughout the day. If you overdo it, you might find your sleeping disorder returns as soon as you attempt to stop.
If used responsibly in line with professional advice, indica can make you feel sleepy and prove to be an effective remedy for insomnia. For recommendations on dosing, usage frequency and indica strains, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
