Can Cannabis Cure Insomnia?

Insomnia is extremely common. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that between 50 to 70 million adults in the United States have experienced some kind of sleep disorder and around 10 to 15 percent of adults will experience chronic insomnia. Anxiety, stress & depression are some of the leading causes of chronic insomnia, so it’s understandable as to why insomnia is so prevalent seeing as anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S.

Cannabis has long been touted as anti-anxiety medication. CBD works wonders at releasing anxiety and tension by enhancing serotonin and the natural endocannabinoids in your body and there have been many studies published on CBD’s effectiveness at relieving stress. But how can cannabis help regulate our sleep?

THC v CBD for insomnia

First let’s discuss the differences between how THC affects our sleep vs. CBD.

THC & CBD have the exact same molecular structure, but the way the molecules are arranged means the difference of experiencing psychoactive symptoms.

THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain in a way that can create the feeling of euphoria associated with marijuana, whereas CBD does not bind to the cannabinoid receptors (or does so at such low levels) and creates no psychoactive symptoms.

When it comes to sleep, THC’s euphoric ‘high’ is exactly what makes it so great for sleep. THC has sedative effects making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. It has also shown progress in the treatment of sleep apnea and helping people breathe better during sleep.

CBD is excellent for reducing anxiety, which is great for falling asleep but it may not be the best option in the long term. It’s more likely to make you feel calm and alert than ready for bed. But if taken at the right time of night, for example after work, it can help reduce stress and calm the mind after a long day, which will aid in sleep later.  It can also help to wake you up in the morning, by decreasing the time it takes to feel awake and alert.

Benefits of Using Cannabis for Sleep

So, what exactly are the benefits of using cannabis as a sleeping aid?

THC shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, which is great for those who have a wandering mind at night. It also lengthens the amount of time you have in deep sleep, which is the most restorative sleep cycle. 

For those who suffer from nightmares or PTSD, THC can shorten the length of time spent in REM cycle, which helps to lessen the amount of dreams you have. This is also helpful for those who experience sleep walking or dream reenactment. 

Best Way to Use Cannabis

In the past, the only way to experience marijuana was by smoking it, or perhaps in the odd batch of brownies at a party. These days we have many more options to experience the benefits of cannabinoids with the added benefit of being able to use the proper dosages. 

Both THC and CBD is available in pill form, liquid drops, vape pens, gummy candy, you name it! Find what you’re most comfortable with and experiment with dosages (starting with a lower dose) to discover what works best for you. Like all medications, cannabis will affect some people more than others, so you may need to try a few different methods and dosages before you find the secret formula that clicks with your body.

Cannabinoids are so much more accessible now and legal in many different countries, but please keep in mind that they’re not legal everywhere yet. Always check on the legalities of your city before purchasing and talk to your doctor or health care provider before using cannabis to treat chronic insomnia or any other illnesses.