Marijuana and Sleep
Many studies and much anecdotal evidence exists regarding the positive effects marijuana has on people who suffer from anxiety, depression, chronic pain, PTSD, and other conditions that affect their quality of life. Since the average person spends about 26 years of their life sleeping, and approximately seven years trying to get to sleep, anything that can help our quality and quantity of sleep is a blessing. Sleep deprivation makes many of the above-mentioned conditions worse, and even in those individuals without a pre-existing condition, poor sleep quality or lack of adequate sleep can affect everything from mood to work performance.
Statistics show that sleepy drivers are significantly more dangerous and likely to be involved in (or cause) a fatal accident than drunk drivers or people driving under the influence of drugs. With the increasing legalization of marijuana and its by-products around the globe, questions surrounding the use of cannabis as a sleep aid arise. Does it actually help us sleep? What is the science behind it? Here’s some information about marijuana and its relationship to sleep.
How Does Marijuana Help Aid Sleep?
Most sleep studies involving cannabis center around the effects high-THC strains have on sleep quality and quantity, so the information on how CBD affects sleep is very limited. Recent research into the relationship between cannabis and insomnia suggests that the non-psychoactive cannabinoid known as cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia, but more studies must be done to establish this as fact. One small survey of 72 adults found that although a majority of the participants reported improved sleep with CBD after one month, a minority reported worsened symptoms, raising the question of who benefits from CBD and why. Harvard Medical School, among many other research facilities, reports that pain control is the most common reason for the use of medical marijuana in America. Cannabis has proven to be extremely effective for the treatment of chronic pain for many Americans, especially as we age.
Many medical marijuana patients have turned to cannabis to avoid using opioids, as cannabis provides effective relief for many chronic conditions without the threat of addiction or overdose. Medical marijuana can also be substituted for NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and other readily available over the counter medications that can lead to kidney problems, ulcers, and GERD, or exacerbate these pre-existing conditions, all of which can inhibit good quality sleep. Marijuana is also commonly used to ease the symptoms of debilitating conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, chronic nerve pain, eating disorders, Crohn’s Disease, and others that can have an effect on the quality of sleep an individual can attain.
The Science Behind It
How exactly does cannabis help a person achieve a better quality and/or quantity of sleep? Much of the research involving cannabis and its effect on sleep was done decades ago in the 1970s. Some of those studies showed that some users did experience an improvement in their ability to fall and stay asleep. A small number of study participants also had a slight increase in the deepest stage of sleep, known as slow wave sleep. Other studies involving the use of cannabis to combat the effects of PTSD have shown that a decrease in nightmares occurs in PTSD sufferers who turn to marijuana to help them sleep. Scientists aren’t entirely sure of the cause, but it is currently believed that cannabis affects REM sleep, the stage where most dreams occur.
Strains Matter
The strain of marijuana used for sleep makes a difference in the experience. Indica strains are highly sedative, therefore are used most often by those suffering from insomnia and other sleep problems. Many insomnia sufferers prefer to use edibles to help them fall asleep, and while this is a good alternative – especially for those who prefer not to smoke – edibles can take up to an hour or more to produce the desired effect, and will stay in your system longer.
Effects of Marijuana as Sleep Aid
As explained above, you may not have dreams if you use cannabis to help you sleep. There is also the chance that if you do show improvement with cannabis use, you could experience a rebound effect upon ceasing use. In other words, you may not experience dreams while using cannabis, but could experience a resurgence of very lucid dreams upon quitting. Some individuals may wake up feeling groggy – sometimes known as the “hangover effect” – after using cannabis to get to sleep the night before.
Use it with Natural Remedies
There are many natural sleep remedies on the market today such as teas, sound machines, aromatherapy, and natural supplements like melatonin. Some individuals discover that a combination of one of these natural remedies and marijuana works well to help them get the restful sleep their minds and bodies need to be the best. Research on cannabis and sleep has yielded mixed results, and additional research is vital to advance our understanding of the relationship between the two.
Are you interested in seeing if cannabis can improve your quality and/ or quality of sleep? Do you need to get a medical marijuana card? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at (602) 466-7029 (for Phoenix/Glendale locations), or (480) 466-7021 (for Mesa office). Our MMJ doctors will get your evaluation done and get you what you need as quickly as possible.
Our highly qualified medical marijuana doctors are committed to help the people of our community. When you visit our facility, you will receive one-on-one time with a caring staff member who will go over your medical history and current needs. We will devise the best course of treatment for you and help you get your medical marijuana certification or renewal card quickly and easily.
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