More people are trading in sleeping aids for cannabis
A good night's sleep is a luxury for many. After a long and stressful day at work, it can be almost impossible to wind down. Insomnia tends to get worse as we age, so it becomes more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep disorders are a very challenging issue to deal with, as not being able to get a good night of rest leaves us waking up unsatisfied.
We end up facing the day with fatigue, difficulty, concentrating, low on energy, which leads to decreased performance, at work, or school paired with anxiety. Sleep affects all facets of one's life; there are many reasons for insomnia shift work, sleeping environment, clinical disorders like depression or mania.
Yes, there are many sleeping medications on the market for insomnia, but most do not help. There is no drug that currently exists that can induce a regular sleeping pattern. The drugs that do help a little leave you with a list of symptoms that can be just as difficult as the insomnia itself, like waking up sleepy and not being able to shake that tired feeling, or not being able to wake up on time.
For those of us that are depended on to be at a job for a specific time, these are huge issues. Once you stop taking some sleeping medications, you end up having withdrawal symptoms, and it ends up feeling like you are running in a big circle of trying to treat various symptoms.
Recent studies have shown that many people are ditching sleeping pills for medical cannabis. Marijuana has over 100 cannabinoids, and it has many other natural chemical compounds that directly affect our sleep cycle. The two main cannabis-derived elements that are essential for sleep are cannabinoids and terpenes. Since the legalization of weed, people are opening up more to the idea of using cannabis as a new option instead of taking some addictive drug different conditions like sleeping.
Theses are the best-known cannabinoids for sleep
1. CBN
One compound that is not talked about much is CBN, which comes from the oxidation and decomposition of THC from a hemp plant. When THC is heated and exposed to oxygen, it converts to CBN. The compound CBN has a mild psychoactive reaction. More so than CBD but much less than THC.
2. CBD
Will not make you feel high but has many benefits when it comes to sleep. This is a non-mind-altering cannabinoid that will promote relaxation, but it won’t induce a psychoactive high.
3. THC
This is what gives you the high this is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.THC can also promote pain relief and has a sedative and helps some to fall asleep a little easier. Effect and calms nausea.
So there is a little cannabis science for you in regards to how certain cannabinoids help reduce or induce certain benefits. Terpenes are also an essential element when it comes to having a restful night. Terpenes are the tiny aromatic molecules that generate the taste and smell of cannabis. Terpenes are found in fruits and flowers. Terpenes have some very beneficial properties for all kinds of conditions.
Terpenes for sleep
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Linalool: This is a lavender-scented terpene and can be found in many plants, including cannabis.we have known about all the benefits of linalool for rest for many years. Some studies have shown that lavender can calm anxiety and depression. Linalool increases adenosine, which is a sedating hormone the promotes sleep.
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Myrcene: Is also an excellent terpene for promoting relaxation, and it can be found in many other plants such as yalang yalang and hops. Cannabis with high levels of myrcene offer a lovely sedating effect.
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Terpenoil: Is known for its sedating and relaxing effects and is beneficial for pain that can is found in lilac and cannabis.
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Limonene: This one has a nice citrus flavour and helps to elevate serotonin levels in the brain, which helps you relax promotes a better quality of sleep.
There have been some studies on the increase in cannabis purchases at dispensaries for sleeping purposes. It’s always nice to see that some people are looking for new and natural ways to induce a night of restful sleep. Studies in Mexico and California show that OTC medicines have dropped, and that cannabis consumption is rising, which is somewhat promising considering all of those that have insomnia.
For centuries we have been trying to find a way to help us sleep better, as sleep is an essential part of our mental health. Some like to listen to soft music while lying in bed, and others feel meditation is a must-try solution for relaxing. If you are considering using cannabis to help you to sleep, then you should always consult your doctor first, and never stop a medication without your physician's knowledge.
There are many different strains of marijuana available, but Indica’s are usually the strains that will promote sleep best. Researching cannabinoids and terpenes is a great way to educate yourself on how the combinations work together for your personal needs.
We know that not everyone wants to be smoking weed for sleep, but there are also some fantastic edibles on the market that work well without the adverse effects. CBD oils are great for sleeping as well, but it’s a personal choice as to which one is best for you. Here's to hoping that in this day and age of legal and readily available cannabis and cannabis products that we can all sleep with ease and some peace of mind.
