Can cannabis cure your sleep problems?

Prioritizing quality sleep is a cornerstone of health.

Yet studies show that one-third of U.S. adults don’t achieve regular, restful sleep.

Does that sound like you?

If so, it’s easy to see why you’d turn to sleep aids. You’re eager to achieve the sleep your body so desperately needs.

But common sleep aids come with side effects that can make you feel like you’re trading one problem in for another.

What if cannabis can help?

A natural lullaby

Washington State University researchers surveyed 1,255 cannabis users to examine its effects on sleep.

It turns out that over 80 percent of cannabis users said they stopped using other sleep aids to achieve quality sleep. In fact, cannabis was so effective that over 60 percent of users reported getting six to eight hours of shuteye.

By comparison, less than 20 percent experienced similar benefits from over-the-counter or pharmaceutical sleep aids, like melatonin and benzodiazepines.

In this study, the cannabis users had a strong preference for inhaling THC—the psychoactive component in cannabis (the one that gets you “high”). That means they primarily smoked joints or vaporized cannabis—two fast-acting methods known to promote restful sleep.

But if that approach isn’t right for you, CBD—the other phytocannabinoid found in cannabis—can still help. In fact, research shows CBD delivers a lot of the same benefits without the mind-altering effects of THC.

And in this study, about 50 percent of users reported using cannabis strains containing CBD and the terpene myrcene—an aromatic plant compound that’s also found in things like hops and basil.

As I’ve explained before, CBD comes in various forms—capsules, creams, and oils. Just be sure to choose a trusted brand that uses full-spectrum hemp.

I typically recommend starting with CBD oil. It offers the best absorption and makes it easier to titrate to the specific dose you need for the desired effect you’re looking for.

Now, let’s move on to side effects—which is a hot topic for anyone turning to sleep aids.

Potential side effects

In this study, cannabis users reported feeling refreshed, focused, and better able to function the morning after using cannabis.

They also seemed to experience fewer headaches and less bouts of nausea, compared to when using traditional sleep aids.

On the other hand, some users reported feeling sleepier, more anxious, and irritable. And there were some reports of dry mouth and red eyes.

That said, unlike when using other substances—like long-acting sedatives or even alcohol—cannabis was not associated with a “hangover” effect. (Many patients report feeling groggy the morning after taking pharmaceutical sleep aids.)

So, there’s more than enough science-backed evidence for me to recommend you try cannabis if you’re struggling to achieve good, quality sleep each night.

You can get started by doing a little internet research on your state’s medical marijuana laws and procedures. Your primary care physician may be able to point you in the right direction, too.

For additional ways to naturally improve your sleep night after night, check out my Perfect Sleep Protocol. Click here to learn more about this innovative, online learning tool!

Source:

“Cannabis users say drug improves sleep better than supplements like melatonin.” StudyFinds, 11/14/2023. (studyfinds.org/cannabis-user-sleep-aids/)