Medical marijuana has become one of the fastest growing health revolutions that have occurred over the past century. This intense rapid growth is primarily due to the many different medical ailments that cannabis can effectively treat. While there are quite a few extremely serious conditions that marijuana is effective against that receive much attention, some of the most underrated medical problems that this amazing plant can help correct are sleep disorders.
Are you one of the millions of Americans that struggle with going to sleep? Since statistics indicate that over 40 percent of US residents suffer from some type of sleeping disorder, chances are quite high that you are! Let’s take a closer look at the link between marijuana and sleeping below:
Does weed help you sleep?
As most people have probably realized, the quality and quantity of sleep they get are extremely important to their overall health. A lack of sleep, even if it’s just a little bit, can cause a noticeable decrease in overall performance and optimal functionality. Most people who suffer from sleep disorders usually try to solve their problem by taking prescription sleep medications. However, this is just a quick fix; many of these medications are known for causing a variety of side effects that are quite startling and potentially dangerous (sometimes even to other people).
Luckily for us, medical weed has shown to be extremely effective at helping people fight insomnia and other sleep disorders. The miracle plant helps the body become far more relaxed while allowing the mind to de-stress and wander naturally to a sleep state. And, as most of us already know, cannabis causes almost no negative side effects at all!
How does marijuana affect sleep?
Cannabis affects our health through cannabinoids that interact with our internal endocannabinoid system. This system is an important regulatory mechanism of our bodies that is responsible for a plethora of different functions including pain management, inflammation, mood, appetite, stress, and sleep. These following cannabinoids seem to affect our sleep most profoundly:
- THC (known by its scientific name tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the cannabinoid in marijuana that is responsible for causing its characteristic euphoric high. However, even though it usually thought of as a stimulating component, the THC compound has also been found to cause powerful sedative effects (which many of us notice as the “couch-lock effect”).
Tetrahydrocannabinol also decreases the amount of REM sleep a person gets in a night. Since dreams happen during the REM sleep cycle, THC doses may help those suffering from PTSD by reducing the occurrence of their nightmares. There is some evidence that also suggests that THC help increase deep breathing during sleep and could be effective against sleep apnea.
- CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD provides a variety of effects that help induce sleep. First of all, cannabidiol helps counteract the stimulating psychoactive effects of THC. This compound also helps induce relaxation by reducing stress and helping the body get into a deeper sleep state when it is time to go to bed. It also seems to help counteract sleepiness during the day by increasing mental focus.
- CBN (cannabinol)
CBN helps reduce pain and inflammation in the body while enhancing tetrahydrocannabinol’s sedative effects. Indica varieties of cannabis tend to cause increased sleepiness because they have higher levels of CBD and CBD.
Think you might be in need of some medical marijuana for insomnia? If you happen to reside in the greater Miami, Florida area, you should come to get your medical card at Biofit! Here at Biofit, we have built an outstanding reputation of being one of the most approachable and professional marijuana evaluation centers in the entire state! There is no better place to get your weed card if you are not sure where to start or are somewhat intimidated by the entire process. Please give Biofit a call today and set up an appointment!