Treating Insomnia with Cannabis: An Alternative Solution for Restful Sleep
Insomnia, or "sleeplessness," is not just the occasional tossing and turning we all experience. For millions of people, it’s an ongoing struggle that affects their quality of life. Whether it’s trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or finding any restful slumber, insomnia can be debilitating. If you’ve tried traditional remedies without success, you may be wondering whether cannabis might help. Increasingly, researchers and individuals alike are exploring the potential of cannabis to promote better sleep.
Let's look at how cannabis could be an alternative treatment for insomnia, how it works, and what you should know before considering it as part of your nightly routine.
The Impact of Insomnia on Daily Life
Insomnia can range from short-term disruptions to chronic sleep deprivation, often lasting weeks or even months. It affects roughly 10-30% of adults, with nearly half of all U.S. adults experiencing insomnia symptoms at some point during the year. Beyond just creating tired mornings, chronic insomnia can cause a cascade of other health problems. Lack of sleep weakens the immune system, exacerbates chronic pain, and can worsen mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Common symptoms of insomnia include:
Difficulty falling asleep
Restlessness during the night
Waking up not feeling refreshed
Daytime drowsiness and irritability
Reduced cognitive function
Traditional insomnia treatments include establishing healthy sleep routines, therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), regular exercise, and herbal teas like chamomile or valerian root. However, for many, these methods aren't enough. That’s where cannabis steps in as an option to bridge the gap.
How Does Cannabis Help with Sleep?
Cannabis could help alleviate insomnia by addressing its root causes, such as anxiety, pain, and stress. The two primary components of cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), have unique effects that may promote sleep:
THC is believed to have a sedative effect that promotes sleepiness. It works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically binding to CB1 receptors that regulate sleep and relaxation. Studies suggest THC can increase deep sleep, the stage crucial for physical recovery and repairing the body. Additionally, THC boosts adenosine levels, a natural chemical that signals the body to sleep (Babson et al., 2017).
CBD doesn’t cause the “high” associated with THC, but it may ease anxiety and promote relaxation. Low doses of CBD are known to relieve stress, which could help some people unwind before bed. Interestingly, higher doses may have an energizing effect for some users, so the right dosage is important (Shannon et al., 2019).
Some emerging research also highlights the role of terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in cannabis. Strains high in terpenes like myrcene, linalool, and humulene are thought to amplify the relaxing effects of THC and CBD, possibly making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
What Does the Research Say?
Though cannabis’ role in sleep is a growing field, several studies have shown its potential. For example, a 2021 review found that about 71% of participants experienced some improvements in sleep quality with cannabis use, citing its calming effects as a primary mechanism (Suraev et al., 2021). Additionally, oral products containing a mix of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN) have shown promise in reducing disruptive sleep patterns, including conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (Twardowski et al., 2020).
However, there are some downsides to consider. Cannabis can reduce the amount of time spent in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is when the brain processes dreams and stores memories. While this could be useful for individuals with PTSD who suffer from nightmares, others may be concerned about the potential disruption of long-term sleep cycles.
Tips for Using Cannabis for Insomnia
If you’re considering cannabis to improve your sleep, here are some tips to maximize its benefits:
Choose the Right Strain or Product: Strains labeled as “indica-dominant” are often associated with calming effects, while high-THC or terpene-heavy strains (like those with myrcene) may be better for nighttime use. Experiment to find what works best for your body.
Opt for Edibles or Tinctures: While smoking or vaping provides faster results, edibles and tinctures help you stay asleep longer. Just keep in mind that edibles can take 60-90 minutes to kick in, so time their consumption accordingly.
Pair Cannabis with Natural Sleep Aids: Enhancing the experience with other sleep-friendly practices such as drinking chamomile tea, diffusing lavender essential oils, or taking a warm bath could improve overall results.
Know Your Dosage: Start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to cannabis. A little goes a long way with both THC and CBD, and finding the right balance is key to avoiding side effects like grogginess the next morning.
Is Cannabis a Better Alternative to Traditional Medications?
Many people turn to sleep medications like benzodiazepines or barbiturates for relief. However, these pills can often become addictive and cause undesirable side effects, including a reduction in deep sleep quality. Cannabis appears to be a safer, less habit-forming alternative for chronic insomnia sufferers in certain cases.
Ultimately, more research is needed to uncover the long-term effects of cannabis on sleep, but its use as a natural remedy for sleepless nights shows significant potential.
Get the Rest You Deserve
If insomnia disrupts your life, it may be time to explore new options for relief. Cannabis has emerged as a promising alternative for those struggling with sleep, particularly with its ability to address common culprits like anxiety, chronic pain, and stress. By understanding the effects of THC, CBD, and terpenes, as well as experimenting with different strains, many individuals may find the restful sleep they’ve been dreaming about.
To take the next step, consider speaking with a healthcare provider about whether medical cannabis is right for you. If you’re ready to move forward, obtaining a medical cannabis card can be an easy and empowering process. Book your appointment today with ElevateCareNP.
Sources:
Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: A Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041
Suraev, A., Todd, G., Bowen, M. T., et al. (2021). Sleep Disruption in Long-Term Cannabis Users and the Impact of Withdrawal. Nature and Science of Sleep, 13, 1221–1237. https://doi.org/10.2147/nss.s317353
Twardowski, M. A., Link, M. P., & Twardowski, N. M. (2020). Effects of cannabis use on sleep architecture and daytime functioning. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 101, 109933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109933
The information in this post is intended for educational purposes only. This information neither substitutes for nor replaces professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No content on this site should ever be regarded as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
