The broad answer is “quite often,” but there are significant factors that come into play. Not all cannabis will help you sleep, and not all combinations of cannabinoids will help with your insomnia. But if you choose wisely and under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist, you may be able to get a good night’s sleep finally.

What the Research Says about Cannabis and Insomnia

Three strains of cannabis can produce different results. Indica, sativa, and hybrid. Indica is considered to have a calming effect and can help with sleep as well as providing a sedative effect, while sativa is regarded as the more energizing strain. Hybrid strains can produce a variety of results. Cannabinoids contained in the strains also have an impact on conditions. Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis and work with the internal endocannabinoid system found in the human body. While most will experience similar experiences, some individuals may experience the reverse effect like being energized by indica and calmed by sativa.

According to a small 2022 study, cannabis strains with higher levels of THC typically reduce the amount of REM sleep you get. Reducing REM sleep means reducing dreams, and for those who experience PTSD, it could mean reducing nightmares.

The theory is that if you spend less time dreaming, you’ll spend more time in a “deep sleep” state. The deep sleep state is thought to be the most restorative, restful part of the sleep cycle.

Another study, titled “Cannabis use in patients with insomnia and sleep disorders,” found that the majority of those who participated in the study had improvements in their insomnia, and those who had been using other sleep aids were able to reduce or discontinue them. The results of the study stressed that the guidance of a pharmacist or physician familiar with strains and products increases the odds of success.

How Cannabis Might Improve Sleep

• Reduced Sleep Onset Latency:
  Some research indicates that THC, a component of cannabis, may help individuals fall asleep faster by decreasing the time it takes to fall asleep. 
  
• Increased Deep Sleep:
  THC may also increase the duration of deep sleep, which is considered important for physical restoration. 
  
• Relaxation:
  Cannabis, particularly indica strains, is often associated with relaxation and may help individuals feel more at ease before bed. 
  
• Improved Patient-Reported Sleep Scores:
  Some studies show that cannabis use is associated with improvements in patient-reported sleep scores. 
  
• Reduced Arousals:
  CBD, another cannabinoid, may decrease the frequency of awakenings during the night, according to some research.
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Effects to Watch for 

With the help of your medical marijuana doctor, you can find out which strains and products work best for you. Here are some unwanted effects you can watch for and report to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Worsened Sleep Quality:
  A scoping review published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that a significant portion of studies reported worsening sleep with cannabis use. 
  
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• Increased Middle-of-the-Night Awakenings:
  Large studies have found that regular cannabis users experience more middle-of-the-night awakenings and altered sleep duration.
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• Reduced REM Sleep:
  THC may decrease the amount of REM sleep, the stage associated with dreaming and memory processing. 
  

Important Considerations:

The research on cannabis for sleep is ongoing, and more studies, especially those with larger and more diverse populations, are needed to understand the long-term effects and optimal use.

Some tips for those just getting started: The best approach to using cannabis for sleep or any condition is highly individualized. What works for you may not work for someone else.

Cannabis can interact with some pharmaceuticals, so be sure and let your doctor know exactly what prescriptions you may be taking.

In addition to taking a natural sleep aid like cannabis, try exploring other approaches to reinforce your medical marijuana products. Lifestyle changes like a regular bedtime, creating a sleeping area that is low or no noise or light, regular exercise, and not eating anything up to two hours before bedtime can all help to get you a better night’s sleep.

Ingredients to look for:

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) — THC is sedating for many people and can help them fall asleep faster. Some strains high in THC can make users feel drowsy and help with sleep onset. CBD (Cannabidiol) — CBD on its own may help with anxiety-related insomnia, but higher doses can actually be wake-promoting for some.

Sedating Terpenes — Strains rich in myrcene, linalool, or other calming terpenes may add to the sleep-inducing effect.

CBN, or cannabinol, is being explored for its potential sleep-promoting effects. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest it may help with sleep disturbances and increase sleep duration.

Summary

Wrapping it all up, used under the guidance of a medical marijuana doctor or marijuana pharmacist, cannabis as a treatment to help with insomnia can be effective in some people to help them fall asleep, stay asleep, and achieve more REM-level sleep. Contact The Healing Clinics to find out how to get started, or click the button below to get started now!