We all know that cannabis has a wide variety of medical benefits. It can help with pain, anxiety, and even nausea. But did you know it can also be used as a natural sleep aid? Cannabis edibles are an excellent option for those who suffer from insomnia or other sleeping disorders but want to avoid prescription medication. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of using edibles to help with sleep and how they work!
Are edibles the key to better sleep?
Consistent lack of sleep has significant effects on your well-being. Edibles can be a substitute for nightcaps as they induce sleep, but it’s always best to know what you’re in for first.
Edibles for sleep: An Individual Journey
Cannabis has a variety of chemical compounds. Not everyone is able to connect with the chemicals found in cannabis in such a manner that induces sleepiness. Some people have the complete opposite effect of sleepiness because their body chemistry varies drastically. For many, cannabis reduces anxiety, which in itself can help with your nightly sleep cycle. But for others, getting high makes them paranoid, which does not help with sleep at all.
Can you use cannabis to restore your sleep cycle?
Some studies suggest that marijuana edibles can help restore and improve the sleep patterns of those who suffer from chronic insomnia. The natural calming effects of edibles combined with their ability to provide pain relief make them an excellent choice for those who want a more restful night’s sleep without the harsh side effects of prescription medication.
If your sleeping cycle is off, edibles can be a safe way to get your body back on track. Using edibles for sleep can train your body to get used to falling asleep at the same time every night. A consistent sleep schedule helps your body maintain its circadian rhythm, which is responsible for all of our biological functions.
Edibles are an excellent alternative to prescription medication, but they can take up to two hours before you experience their full effects. So plan ahead if you would like to try using edibles for sleep.
The science behind cannabis edibles as a sleep aid
THC is one of the most prevalent chemical components in cannabis, and it is responsible for the “high” that many people associate with cannabis. THC is a sedative in small doses and can help you sleep. This happens because THC binds to CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are what we call “endogenous cannabinoids.” These receptors are involved in the regulation of sleep-wake cycles, although additional study is needed.
THC has been shown to mimic the effects of melatonin in your body (and may even stimulate melatonin production), which is the neurotransmitter that controls your body’s sleep. Essentially, THC activates the cannabinoid receptor, which then sends messages to your body to induce sleep and improve deep sleep. Marijuana strains with a large THC content are generally efficient as a sleep aid since they have a high quantity of the chemical that puts you to sleep.
Cannabis and REM sleep
Recent studies suggest that marijuana consumption reduces REM and eye movement sleep. REM sleep is your sleep phase in dreaming. It’s very important to our brain development. Dreaming is thought about to contain our important memories and information we gained that day as well as discard memories that are not important. This research is new, but it is certainly worth taking into consideration when deciding whether or not to use edibles for sleep.
Research has also shown that CBD, on the other hand, has a beneficial effect on REM sleep. So perhaps consider mixed THC/CBD edibles for sleep.
Other things to consider
In addition to possibly less duration of REM sleep, taking edibles for sleep can also cause grogginess following your next day if you have a strain of high THC. There is also, of course, the typical dry mouth and increased appetite that comes after ingesting edibles. These are things that could potentially interfere with your sleep. So be aware.
The Last Toke
There are lots of methods for taking marijuana if you need to get some rest after a busy day at work. Using an edible cannabis supplement can be beneficial for sleeping if you learn how the chemicals and compounds work with your body. Experimenting with various products, dosages, and strains could be the difference between a blissful night of sleeping and a night thrashing under the covers.
Stop by Frost Denver Dispensary to shop our selection of edibles to help you sleep.
