Did you know that weed can help you sleep?
That’s right. As a natural sleep inducer, it can restore your sleep cycle in a completely natural way.
And no, we aren’t even talking about the high!
That’s because other cannabinoids, like CBD, can also help you manage your sleep patterns, in addition to THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, which is known to have several sleep-inducing properties.
See, there’s a reason why many of the sleep-inducing drugs in the market contain some or other form of cannabis to achieve their supposed effects.
And the majority of the users who smoke cannabis do so solely because it helps them fall asleep.
According to studies, weed or marijuana can help you sleep faster, improve your total sleep time, and reduce the frequency of arousals in between during the night.
Moreover, there are no side effects of using marijuana before hitting the bed, nor any risks of dependence or withdrawal.
As such, weed is considered to be an effective sleep aid for those with certain conditions, such as PTSD, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and epileptic seizures.
Limited studies have also shown the positive effects of consuming marijuana in people with sleep disorders such as insomnia, daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea, nightmares, rapid eye movement (REM), and restless leg syndrome (RLS).
How Does Weed Work As A Sleep Aid?
Weed is known to have several herbal compounds called phytocannabinoids, with THC and CBD being the most common. Both are claimed to have a dose-dependent effect on sleep, meaning it depends on the amount of intake, timing, and the individual.
In general, limited amounts of THC can improve sleep, while higher doses of it can disrupt it. The inverse applies to CBD, as lower amounts of it can worsen your sleep while a higher ratio can induce it.
More specifically, THC, when taken in lower amounts, can reduce sleep onset latency, and improve the ease of sleep, slow-wave sleep, as well as the total time of sleep.
CBD, on the other hand, can have a stimulating effect when consumed in lower doses and a sedating one in higher doses. In other words, it can increase your total sleep time and reduce the overall frequency of arousal while you are asleep.
The process involves the Endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors, enzymes, neurotransmitters, and endocannabinoids that are naturally found in the human body, including the brain and the nervous system.
Crucial for maintaining homeostasis, regulating mood, perception, pain, and the circadian sleep-wake cycle, it is these ECS receptors, mainly CB1 and CB2, that THC and CBD bind to boost the release of neurotransmitters that make you feel calm, drowsy, and eventually give you a deep sleep.
Benefits and Risks When Using Weed for Sleep
Unlike commonly available medicines for sleep, i.e. pills, tablets, hypnotics, and supplements, weed is generally regarded as safe.
As a controlled substance, it has been shown to have multiple short-term benefits in improving sleep time and reducing sleep onset latency.
In the long term, however, there may be certain risks associated with using too much weed, as is the case with other sleep aids. These include sleep deprivation, lack of deep sleep, late onset of sleep, and frequent arousals or awakenings in the middle of sleep.
Overconsumption of marijuana, particularly late at night, can also impair your ability to memorize and make you feel dizzy and fatigued the next day.
Sudden withdrawal from it, on the other hand, can expose you to strange dreams, making it difficult to sleep and reducing the duration of deep sleep, which is the most vital and restful part of your sleep cycle.
Long-term use of cannabis may also reduce the grey matter in your brain and, for heavy smokers, increase the chances of chronic Bronchitis.
Smoking weed for sleep is also not a great idea for children, teenagers, and adolescents, as it’s the time when their brain develops the most.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t consume marijuana either for the same purpose.
In any case, since the majority of people use cannabis for sleep over other medications, it is better to know which strain of cannabis offers the best sleeping effects.
Also Read: Benefits Of Marijuana And How It Can Improve Mental Health
What Strain of Weed is Good for Sleep?
While there are hundreds of cannabis strains that you can try depending on your taste and requirements, some of them are more effective than others.
Two of the most common types of cannabis are indica and sativa. The rest are just hybrid varieties of the two that differ in their potency and effects based on their contents.
In general, indica offers more calming and relaxing effects than sativa due to its pain-relieving and sedating properties.
Sativa, on the other hand, delivers intense feelings of euphoria and vigour. Known for its stimulating effects, many people prefer it over indica as it helps them avoid strange dreams and nightmares during sleep.
Yet it isn’t as simple as it looks. That is, the ability of cannabis to put you to sleep hasn’t as much to do with the breed as it does with the amount of THC and other cannabinoids in it.
THC, as such, is the main compound responsible for making you sleepy due to its “high” and sedative nature.
At the same time, the sleep-inducing effects may also vary depending on the method or form of consumption.
Top Indica Strains for Insomnia
Indica strains are known for their relaxing, sedating effects that can help reduce anxiety, ease muscle tension, and promote sleep. Here are some of the top Indica strains for insomnia and sleep issues:
Granddaddy Purple– This fruity and spicy strain is a popular sleep aid, with an average THC level around 17-27%. Granddaddy Purple provides a strong body high that helps relax muscles and quiet racing thoughts. Many find it provides effective relief for insomnia.
Northern Lights – A classic Indica with earthy, piney notes and THC levels from 16-21%. Northern Lights is renowned for its fast-acting sedative qualities that deliver deep relaxation from head to toe. It’s an excellent nighttime strain to ease insomnia.
Purple Kush– With an earthy, sweet grape flavor, Purple Kush delivers a euphoric high and powerful body relaxation. Its THC content ranges from 20-27%, making it one of the most potent strains for inducing sleep. Many find Purple Kush helps relieve insomnia as well as restlessness.
Best Hybrid Strains for Sleep
Hybrid strains provide a balance of Indica and Sativa effects, making them a popular choice for treating sleep issues. In particular, the hybrid strain Blue Dream stands out for its ability to lull you into a deep, restful sleep.
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid that provides a mellow high perfect for bedtime. It contains a moderate THC level between 17-24%, high enough to induce relaxation but not so potent as to cause sedation or couchlock. The high comes on slowly, starting as a feeling of euphoria and happiness that gently eases any pain, anxiety, or racing thoughts.
This uplifting cerebral effect transitions into a deeply relaxed state that unwinds both the mind and body. Your muscles will feel loose, your thoughts blissfully quiet, and your eyelids pleasantly heavy. The high tapers off slowly into sleepiness, allowing you to drift off into undisturbed slumber.
In addition to relaxation, Blue Dream is valued for its ability to treat chronic pain. The THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce sensations of pain and inflammation. For those suffering from conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, or muscle spasms, Blue Dream can provide much-needed pain relief at night to allow for quality sleep.
Blue Dream’s well-rounded effects make it one of the top strains for insomnia and sleep troubles. It eases you gently into a tranquil state perfect for restful slumber, while also alleviating pain that may disrupt sleep. The smooth, mellow high allows you to reap these benefits without feeling heavily sedated or incapacitated the next morning.
Top High-CBD Strains for Insomnia
CBD has gained immense popularity for its ability to promote restful sleep and help treat insomnia. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause any intoxicating effects and instead works to relax both the body and mind. Some key benefits of CBD for sleep include:
– Reducing anxiety and racing thoughts that keep you up at night
– Easing pain and discomfort that interferes with sleep
– Balancing neurotransmitter levels related to sleep-wake cycles
– Having an overall calming effect on the nervous system
When looking for CBD strains to improve sleep quality, it’s important to find options that are high in CBD but low in THC. The following strains are excellent choices:
ACDC
This sativa-dominant strain has a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio, making it extremely non-intoxicating. The high CBD content works to reduce anxiety, tension, and pain—all of which can disrupt sleep patterns. ACDC promotes a clear-headed sense of calm that helps you unwind and drift off to sleep more easily.
Cannatonic
With a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC, Cannatonic provides the benefits of both cannabinoids. The CBD targets anxiety and inflammation while the THC induces body relaxation. Together, they can relieve insomnia symptoms and promote long, restful sleep. This strain is a great pick for those who want the medicinal effects of CBD along with a slight THC-induced high.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a sativa-dominant strain with a consistent 5:2 CBD to THC ratio. The CBD content offers anxiety and stress relief while the small amount of THC creates a gentle, calming buzz. Harlequin helps quiet racing thoughts while relaxing muscle tension and discomfort. Many find it effective at treating insomnia, especially when anxiety or chronic pain is the underlying cause.
Combining a CBD-rich strain with a small amount of a THC-dominant strain can enhance the sleep-promoting benefits of both cannabinoids. The CBD targets the root causes of insomnia while the THC induces relaxation and drowsiness. Working together, they can provide fast-acting and long-lasting relief for sleep issues. Just be careful not to overdo the THC, as too much can actually interfere with restful sleep.
Also Read: What Are the Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety?
Tips When Using Weed for Sleep
Most people tend to smoke/ vape cannabis instead of consuming it through oils and edibles. The reason is the instant effects and higher bioavailability of it through smoking compared to eating or drinking.
To be specific, cannabis edibles and beverages lose about 80% of their bioavailability by the time they are digested, which may take up to 2 hours.
In contrast, smoked or inhaled cannabis maintains a high bioavailability of at least 50% or more, meaning a lack of loss of THC in the process.
What you need to remember, though, is that the effects of smoked cannabis may also vary from person to person based on multiple factors. The amount of THC content, the length and number of puffs, and the state of mind of an individual are some of the key factors that decide the kind of experience that you are going to have.
The state of your stomach, whether it’s full or empty may also impact the end result of smoking weed for sleep. Ideally, it is better to eat plenty before smoking cannabis but you can also complement it with some snacks afterward.
Bonus tip: Regardless of the drug you use, it is important to eat healthy and not skip your meals in between your pot breaks.
Smoking weed for sleep can be quite effective, especially when you’ve already had a tiring day.
For maximum effects, it is recommended to take weed before an hour or so of your bedtime. That way, you’d be able to cope with the intense sensation of euphoria and get it under control by the time you fall asleep.
Does Weed Make You Sleep for A Long Time?
While the effects of cannabis can last for up to 3-4 hours easily, given that it is a good quality weed, it should be enough to give you a deep sleep.
According to a survey, the majority of users claim that weed before sleep helps them get a good night’s sleep deeper and longer than usual.
About 36% say that it allowed them to sleep without any disturbance or arousal.
All-in-all, most of the people who use cannabis for sleep claim to get about 6-8 hours of daily sleep which is the recommended duration of sleep.
Conclusion
Weed is certainly a great alternative for people looking to improve their sleep without turning to sleeping pills and other sleeping aids.
Compared to commercial sleep medications, they have fewer risks of side effects and withdrawal.
When taken in limited amounts, cannabis can offer a multitude of benefits aside from a good night’s sleep.
