Best Cannabis Strains for Sleep: Your Ultimate Guide to Restful Nights
Quality sleep is essential to overall well-being, healing, brain health, and quality of life. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, in particular, plays a crucial role in cognitive functions such as memory consolidation, learning and emotional regulation. Yet, many people today simply cannot get enough quality sleep no matter how much they want to do so. It is not enough to simply spend hours in bed. Instead, you need to consider whether you are getting quality REM sleep that is restorative to your physical and mental well-being.
When nothing else seems to work, and you are frustrated with the inability to get the sleep you need, don’t give up. Try cannabis. This natural substance can be one of the best overall options for combatting sleep disorders and improving sleep quality for many people.
In this guide, we will discuss why cannabis is the ideal choice for so many, including the benefits it offers, the types of cannabis best suited for sleep, and the overall role in how cannabinoids actually improve sleep.
Understanding the Benefits of Cannabis for Sleep
How does cannabis affect sleep? Cannabis for sleep is more widely beneficial than many people know. What helps cannabis ease you into a good quality of sleep is a bit more complex than some may realize. In fact, it’s the plant’s compounds, which are known as cannabinoids, that impact the function of the brain and help you to drift off into sleep.
Your body’s endocannabinoid system controls pain, thought processes, and pleasure in various forms. The cannabinoids present in cannabis, which include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with your endocannabinoid system naturally. As they do, it helps to influence physiological processes operating in your brain.
What does this actually do for you, then? Many people associate cannabis with being high, but that does not always mean hyperactive. In fact, some cannabis acts as a way to slow down thoughts and calm the mind. It is in that way that it can also help support sleep.
People who utilize cannabis for sleep report that it can help with what’s keeping them up, too. That includes reducing anxiety and pain that may be making it hard to sleep. If you are struggling with a condition like restless leg syndrome or muscle fatigue, that can make it difficult to drift off into sleep. Cannabis can work to stop those pain signals, allowing you to get the rest your body needs to recover.
Also, cannabis contains myrcene. Myrcene is a terpene, a naturally occurring compound found in plants that contributes to their aroma and flavor. In marijuana, myrcene is known for its sedative properties. Another terpene, terpinolene, also provides similar sedative effects. Together, myrcene and terpinolene make it easier to relax and achieve a deeper, more restful sleep.
Cannabis Types for Sleep: Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?
It’s important to learn which cannabis strain is best for sleep, especially for those without a lot of experience in choosing the right strains or the specific types best suited for their needs.
Indica and sativa refer to broad categories of cannabis strains. Understanding the difference between indica vs. sativa is essential as the two produce different types of highs. A hybrid strain blends some of the benefits of both and offers a bit of a different experience.
Indica
Indica is a strain of cannabis known for its ability to relax the mind and body. It has body-centric effects, which means that you will notice it helping to calm your body’s inflammation and nerves so that you feel less stimulated overall. These strains of cannabis are noted for having broad leaves, most commonly come from cooler environments, and are generally regarded as the best weed strains for sleep.
They help to encourage improved relaxation of muscles throughout the body and may help to reduce your racing mind. These sleep inducing properties allow for a calming sensation that allows you to fall into a deep sleep. Many of these strains of cannabis have a higher level of the terpene myrcene in them, which, as noted, offers sedative benefits. For all of these reasons, Indica strains of cannabis are a solid option for sleep improvement.
Sativa
The next type is called sativa, which usually produces an effect quite the opposite of indica. That is because the high it produces includes a feeling of increased energy, along with a sense of positivity and happiness. These plants tend to have smaller leaves and come from warmer climates. Most of the time, sativa cannabis strains are best used during the day because they can help you stay awake.
If you are one of the many people who cannot sleep well at night and, as a result, you find yourself needing a nap during the day, this type of cannabis may offer help. Some people who use these substances will “crash” after the effects wear off, which is not ideal in terms of getting quality REM sleep, but it may help you get back on the right track.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains of these plants should also be considered. They include some genetics of both forms, and that means they can give you a variety of different experiences, depending on the specific variety itself. Some will do better at energizing, while others are suitable for promoting relaxation. Always learn as much as you can about the hybrid variety before you invest.
Exploring the Role of Cannabinoids in Sleep: THC, CBD, and CBN
As you look at all of the options out there, you may still be wondering how cannabis impacts sleep in the first place. To best explain this, you have to take a closer look at the various components within cannabis and learn more about how they work within the brain and how those functions benefit sleep. Let’s focus on the most common compounds associated with improving sleep quality: THC, CBD, and CBN.
THC
THC is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. This is the substance that many people experience a high from, which means it creates some changes in their perception of the world around them. However, THC is also an important tool for therapeutic reasons as well. It is noted for helping with:
- Chronic pain relief
- Improved digestion
- Improving sleep (including by reducing your pain)
CBD
CBD works as a tool for reducing the problems that make it hard for you to sleep. It does not directly make you tired, but it can be supportive in helping your body to relax naturally. That means it can help you with:
- Pain management
- Anxiety relief
- Inflammation reduction
CBN
Lesser known, CBN is also an important part of your reason to use cannabis as a sleep aid. It is not directly from the cannabis plant. Instead, it is a type of byproduct that comes from THC oxidation. It’s been found to be very helpful in aiding in sleep, including:
- Creating a feeling of drowsiness
- Aiding in natural sleep disturbance treatment (like obstructive sleep apnea)
- Allowing for better quality of sleep
All of these products offer stress-relieving benefits, which makes them far more effective at reducing those sleepless nights you have.
Top Cannabis Strains for Sleep
As you look for the best cannabis strains to help you fall asleep, there are several notable strands that are highly effective at improving sleep quality specifically. Those include the following:
- Granddaddy Purple: A noted sleep-encouraging strain, this one is an Indica hybrid, which helps it to provide people with profound relaxation, reducing thought processes and making it possible to enter into sleep comfortably.
- Northern Lights: Perhaps one of the best-known Indica strains, Northern Lights is the perfect choice for those looking for relaxation and calming effects. It is specifically helpful for those who have a lot of stress that keeps them up at night.
- Girl Scout Cookies: Another popular choice, Girl Scout Cookies is noted for its Indica-dominant hybrid combination, which gives it a unique taste and experience. It is noted for its full-bodied relaxation and ability to encourage natural pain relief.
- Harlequin: A sativa-type strain, Harlequin has a high CBD-to-THC ratio, which means it is less psychoactive but provides many of the pain-relieving benefits of CBD. It is perfect for those struggling with sleep because of intense pain or anxiety.
- ACDC: This strain is a Sativa-dominant type with a very low THC level and high CBD level. This allows it to have a calming effect without any side effects, making it one of the best options for restful sleep.
- Tahoe OG Kush: Yet another option, though lesser known, Tahoe OG Kush is also an Indica-dominant strain. It is very relaxing and known for its ability to act quickly, allowing users to enter sleep sooner.
Optimizing Your Cannabis Dosage for Sleep
It’s often the case that those who turn to the best weed for sleep are unsure how to get started. How much is enough? Will taking too much make you sick or feel strange?
The best method is to start slow. Your body can begin to adjust to these products over time, and that means you may need more later to get the same effects. For that reason, and to simply ease into it, start with a very small dose and then work your way up.
It’s a good idea to slowly increase your intake over time. Start with 1 to 2.5 mg of THC products first, and then increase. Most people will need a range of 5 to 15 mg for some time. Also, consider factors like how fast your metabolism is, any previous cannabis experience you have, and your weight. Many products offer suggestions that are worth following.
Selecting the Best Cannabis Products for Sleep: Edibles, Tinctures, and More
How you take cannabis can also be important, but not always easy to determine. Most importantly, choose what works for your needs and what you feel the most comfortable using. Keep these tips in mind:
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- The way your body reacts is likely to be different from others.
- Smoking and vaporizing these products tends to give you the fastest result, a sudden hit that may wear off faster than other products. Use this option if you are struggling with insomnia or anxiety-filled trouble sleeping.
- If you want to ease into sleep more naturally, try an edible, weed gummies, capsule, or cannabis oil/a> for sleep, like ABX<, which will take slightly longer to work and give you time to wind down first.
Cannabis Sleep Pens
An alternative option that works well for many people is the use of cannabis sleep pens, a newer type of product entering the market with exceptional reception. It is a convenient and effective way to get some sleep sooner.
Addressing Common Concerns: Exploring Risks and Benefits of Cannabis for Sleep
There are many misconceptions about the use of products like cannabis for sleep. First, note that, like all medications, health supplements, and other products, you should speak to your doctor to find out if these products are a good option for you.
Using cannabis as a natural sleep aid is far better for many people than sleep chemicals or a lack of sleep in general. However, for those who have insomnia and sleep apnea, the use of these products can be life-changing. Take the time to explore the options available to you and how well they fit your specific needs.
FAQs About Cannabis for Sleep
What makes certain cannabis strains more effective for sleep than others?
The compounds in them and the concentrations within them play a role in how effective these products work. Some strains have a different genetic makeup that increases their effects.
How can I tell if a cannabis strain is good for sleep?
It’s best to learn as much as you can about the strain, including how it works and the type of cannabis it is.
What are the differences between THC and CBD effects on sleep?
Both products can help a person to get better sleep, but they do so in different ways. CBD helps to reduce anxiety and other factors keeping you up, while THC’s psychoactive components help to reduce pain and to trigger sleep directly.
Can using cannabis for sleep help with insomnia?
Yes, some people see significant improvement in using cannabis as a means of treating insomnia.
Are there any side effects of using cannabis as a sleep aid?
Cannabis can cause some side effects in some people. especially those who may be sensitive to it. Side effects that include nausea and feeling ill may indicate that cannabis is not the right option for your sleep treatment. Oftentimes the side effects of cannabis can be due to not trying the right product, strain, or inadequate hydration, among other causes; and they often subside after finding the right product and/or an adjustment period. That’s why Torrey Holistics are staffed with Consultants, and not just budtenders commonly found in most dispensaries. Our Consultants are trained and knowledgeable to provide guidance on finding the right product and dosage based on your goals.
How long before bedtime should I use cannabis for it to be effective?
That depends on the type you are using. Edibles and capsule products are best taken 30 minutes prior to wanting to sleep. Other products are best for right before you go to sleep.
Is it safe to use cannabis for sleep every night?
It is best not to use cannabis to sleep every night. You do not want your body to rely on this as it’s the only way of getting sleep. Furthermore, you may no longer need cannabis for sleep once the endocannabinoid system regulates itself.
Torrey Can Help You Sleep Better Tonight
There are plenty of benefits that come from using cannabis as a sleep aid, and some products are leading the way in making it more accessible and effective. Explore what Torrey Holistics’ products can do for you. With personalized customer care and the high quality of all of the company’s products, they can help you get a good night’s sleep in no time. You also get hands-on help choosing the best cannabis strains and products for you. Check out the lineup of products now.
