Insomnia is difficulty falling or staying asleep, even when there is ample opportunity. Symptoms of insomnia usually appear in the form of taking a long time to fall asleep, only sleeping for brief periods, being awake for much of the night and waking up too early[1].
Types of Insomnia
There are two main classifications of insomnia, acute and chronic[2] :
Acute Insomnia
This is brief and usually occurs due to life circumstances, such as upcoming exams, receiving stressful or bad news, financial stress, etc. This type of sleep disruption is fairly common and often resolves itself within one to three weeks. Acute Insomnia results in fatigue, low energy, unbalanced mood, difficulty concentrating and decreased focus.
…a sleep pattern that is disrupted three or more nights per week over a minimal one month period.
Chronic Insomnia
This is classified as a sleep pattern that is disrupted three or more nights per week over a minimal one month period. This type of insomnia disorder can be due to changes in the environment, shift work, unhealthy sleep habits, sleep apnea or some other health issue that leads to insufficient sleep. Chronic insomnia has similar symptoms as acute insomnia, as well as a significantly higher risk of serious health conditions such as: heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.
Insomnia is considered one of the most common sleep disorders and is often related to stress. Over 1 in 4 individuals have experienced insomnia at least once in their life[3] and 10% of all adults suffer from chronic insomnia[4]. Additionally, insomnia affects women at twice the rate as men and surprisingly, 40-60% of seniors suffer from it as well[5].
Current Treatments For Insomnia
The frustration felt by so many insomnia sufferers who are tired of counting down how many hours they have left to sleep and watching as the sun comes up, knowing they have to stumble through another day running on fumes, is not surprising. In few cases, insomnia is curable with life changes such as setting a proper sleep schedule, exercising, taking vitamins and eating better. Unfortunately, this treatment does not work for all cases. Thus, many insomniacs are prescribed sleeping pills. However, these come with serious side effects and are often addictive.
Other individuals claim that natural supplements such as chamomile, melatonin and lavender oils help them fall asleep but there is another natural option – cannabis.
How Cannabis Can Help
If you have ever experienced insomnia, you know that lack of sleep is one of the most frustrating experiences – especially when it comes on suddenly. Sometimes you can even pinpoint the reason, but that does not always help you get to sleep. Cannabis is becoming more and more popular for assisting individuals with a variety of ailments, perhaps the most common being sleep.
…THC enabled subjects to fall asleep quicker and easier.
In fact, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Big Pharma’s Sanofi-Aventi funded a study that showed how THC enabled subjects to fall asleep quicker and easier[6]. In fact, this has been proven in research going as far back as 1973[7]. Other studies show that marijuana use can reduce REM sleep, further citing its benefits to individuals suffering from PTSD as it reduces dreams[8]. This is great for individuals whose insomnia is due to nightmares relating to a traumatic event or severe stress.
Additionally, marijuana increases Stage 4 sleep. This is the deep state of rest where the brain switches off almost completely and heart rate and breathing decrease. This is where your mind and body receives the most restoration[9].
If you are someone suffering from insomnia and can’t seem to find relief, cannabis is a great alternative.
Best Strains for Insomnia
So, you have decided to try cannabis to help you get some much-needed rest. Indica strains make the best sleep aids as they tend to have heavier body highs and sleep-inducing effects on the user. Additionally, older and drier bud is better for insomnia than freshly harvested flowers. This is due to increased CBN, which results from degradation of THC[10]. Lastly, while it is tempting to smoke to yield quicker effects, consuming in edible form will help you stay asleep longer.
Whether you smoke, vape or consume cannabis through edibles, these strains are great for insomnia:
- Skywalker OG is a potent Indica-dominant hybrid with intense THC levels of 20-25%. This strain has a heavy high with strong body effects and euphoria. These eventually fade into a deep and peaceful sleep.
- Granddaddy Purple is a popular strain with THC content between 17% and 27% giving it a powerful kick. This strain delivers an overwhelming body high resulting in relaxation and a cerebral euphoria to help fade away stress.
- Bubba OG is an indica-dominated hybrid with potent THC levels ranging up to 22% and reaching 25% in some cases. This 20:80 Sativa to Indica ratio makes it perfect for reducing stress and encouraging sleep.
- Girl Scout Cookies is an Indica-dominant strain with 20% THC. This is a potent bud with full-body relaxation and sedating effects. This strain is great for fighting depression and insomnia, but is a powerful psychoactive. A little goes a long way.
- Purple Kush is a popular strain for those suffering from insomnia. The 22% THC level and 100% pure Indica genetics results in a euphoric and relaxing high to lead you into a deep and powerful sleep.
Several insomnia-fighting strains are available through our online cannabis dispensary shop.
…the CB1-receptor (THC) in cannabis reduces the immune response.
Moderate THC Options
If your insomnia is caused by anxiety, or you struggle with both, high THC content is not recommended. In some cases it exacerbates anxiety and thus, worsens sleep. Cannabis is much stronger than it was in the past, with many strains showing THC levels at 25% or higher!
A moderately potent strain of 15-18% THC is best for newbies or those struggling with anxiety. Remember, a little goes a long way when you are starting out.
Here are our top five moderate THC options:
- Sugar Kush is a 100% pure Indica with THC levels of 18-20%. It has a sugary taste and candy-coated appearance that results in a relaxing and sleepy high for complete couch-lock.
- Afghan Kush is a very potent Indica. This strain is capable of handling anxiety and insomnia alilke. The moderate THC of 20% will quickly put you to sleep.
- Northern Lights is a pure Indica with an average THC level of 18%. This strain results in a mellow euphoria mixed with heavy physical relaxation helping you to drift off to sleep. However, this one can result in severe munchies so either take right before bed or have a snack on standby.
- Purple Urkle is another ideal bedtime strain. With average THC levels of 18-20%, this strain brings happiness as well as relaxing users and helping to induce sleep.
- Unlike the other strains on this list, AC/DC is extremely low THC at 1-2%. However, it has 19% CBD making it as mellow as you can get. This strain does not produce a cerebral high at all. Instead, it results in relaxing, anti-anxiety effects to calm the mind and body.
You can also try pairing cannabis with chamomile tea or a lavender bath to get the most out of your high.
Choose Cannabis Today
Keep in mind, not all sleep aids work the same way for each person; this is just as true with marijuana. Do some research beforehand and ensure to buy a reputable product so you know what you’re getting. At Fair Canna Care we pride ourselves on providing accurate information on our products. In addition, we maintain strong quality controls. Therefore, making it easy and worry-free for you to buy medical marijuana online in Canada. Check out our F.A.Q.’s for more information on how our mail-order marijuana service works!
Until then, sweet dreams!
[1] https://medlineplus.gov/insomnia.html
[2] https://sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/content/what-is-insomnia
[3] https://www.better-sleep-better-life.com/facts-about-insomnia.html
[4] https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep/sleep-statistics/
[5] https://www.better-sleep-better-life.com/facts-about-insomnia.html
[6] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2013.12003.x/abstract
[7] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00437513#page-1
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18313952
[9] http://brainblogger.com/2015/04/03/the-dope-on-pot-how-marijuana-affects-sleep-and-dreams/
[10] https://www.civilized.life/articles/is-indica-or-sativa-better-for-sleeping/