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No matter who you are - age, gender, occupation - sleep is essential in allowing us to function day-to-day. But if getting a good night's sleep is something you struggle with, due to pain or because something’s on your mind, you’re not alone, and medical cannabis for insomnia may be something that can help.
How Does Cannabis Work as a Sleep Aid?
To understand the benefits of cannabis as a sleep aid, you first need to know the science behind it. We’re here to help with that. One of the main things to pay attention to are the different cannabinoids, a class of chemical compounds that interact with receptors in our cells and alter the release of chemicals in the brain. Cannabis produces over 100 cannabinoids, but don’t worry. The two you need to pay attention to, and that you’ll see most often, are:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) which has a number of health benefits, and is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel “high”.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is psychoactive, so can be behind that “high” feeling when used recreationally.
When using cannabis as a sleep aid, the effects you feel will depend on what you’re using and the dosage. Different forms, strains and cannabinoids will also impact you as an individual because everyone is biologically different.
Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrids
There are also different strains of cannabis, and each strain has different effects. These strains are often categorised as Indica, Sativa or hybrids - a blend of both.
Most of the time, different effects are based on the subjective experiences of the user. And some researchers argue that the variety in cannabinoid and terpene content, and other ingredients, is more relevant than the strains. We’ve got lots more information on Indica and Sativa here.
How Cannabis Affects Sleep
THC and sleep go hand-in-hand, because there is research that implies it can induce sleep. When these cannabinoids bind to receptors in the brain, they send messages to increase levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppress the brain’s arousal system, causing you to feel sedated or sleepy.
THC also typically reduces the amount of REM sleep you get, which in turn reduces dreams. For people who experience PTSD, this could mean less nightmares. And if you spend less time dreaming, you’ll spend more time in a “deep sleep” state, which is thought to be the most restorative, restful part of the sleep cycle.
THC can also have a stimulating effect for some people, usually those who are new to using cannabis or taking higher doses, and using it before bed could delay you falling asleep. In these cases, it may be better to look for CBD, which can promote alertness at lower doses, and sleepiness at higher doses.
Both CBD and THC may also help improve sleep for people living with chronic pain. However, the effects of the two compounds together depends on the dose and timing, so it's best to speak to your pharmacist or specialist doctor to figure out what’s best for you.
Risks and Side Effects of Using Cannabis for Sleep
There is a possibility that using sleep aids like cannabis long-term could negatively impact your sleep quality and cause other side effects including:
- Less sleep overall
- Less time spent in deep sleep
- Delays in falling asleep
- Waking up frequently
It’s important to note REM contributes to healthy cognitive and immune functioning, and if taken long-term, cannabis with higher THC levels could impair your sleep quality. Research on how THC interacts with REM is still being debated currently, but it’s clear there is an impact.
Cannabis is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for young children and adolescents, as it can affect their brain development and mental function.
How to Use Cannabis for Sleep Effectively
Cannabis affects everyone differently, so you might not find the right cannabis dosage for sleep that works for you straight away.
Methods of Consumption
Cannabis can be smoked (though not advised), vaporised, eaten, or placed under the tongue in a liquid form, like oil. Each one has drawbacks and different amounts of active THC and other cannabinoids will make it into your bloodstream.
If you need immediate relief for sudden pain, an anxiety attack or you wake up in the middle of the night (insomnia), edibles and oils may not be the best option for you. They have to pass through your body, so you won’t feel the effects immediately.
They do however provide longer lasting relief for patients, making them ideal for people who have recurring chronic pain and struggle to regularly dose.
When cannabis is inhaled, THC enters your system directly, so would be the best option if you’re looking for immediate relief.
Timing of Consumption
Timing is important because different forms take different amounts of time to produce effects.
Generally, you feel the effects almost immediately when you vaporise cannabis. But, the effects are highly variable depending on the person, the length of inhalation, the number of times it is inhaled, and other factors. It might take a little experimentation to find a dosage that works for you. A few puffs is a good place to start.
Edibles work their way through your digestive system first, so can take longer to cause any effects. Dr. Jordan Tishler, a Harvard-trained physician and cannabis therapeutics specialist, says edibles “ are unreliable about when they’ll kick in. Sometimes it’s about one hour, other times it can be more like two to three hours.” But if you don’t enjoy smoking or vaping, this may be the best form for you.
While everyone is different, it’s usually better to ingest cannabis edibles at least an hour before bedtime.
Avoiding Overstimulation
Cannabis can also affect us for longer than intended due to the way it’s processed from our gut to our liver. So remember, a little goes a long way, and overdoing it can lead to grogginess the next morning. It’s okay to re-dose in the middle of the night. Just avoid re-dosing within four hours of when you need to wake up.
How Does Cannabis Differ from Other Natural Sleep Aids?
Compared to other sleep aids, there isn’t much research on the safety and efficacy of cannabis. This is because it’s considered a controlled substance. The FDA hasn't approved many other synthetic drugs made to mimic THC, and the ones that are approved are all prescribed for nausea and other conditions, but not sleep.
Some people turn to medical cannabis in an effort to avoid more potent drugs, such as opioids. They’re effective in the short term, but many prescription and over-the-counter sleep medications are associated with a risk of abuse, tolerance, or dependence.
Some natural sleep aids appear to reduce insomnia without strong side effects, but other options still need more research.
Summary
Whether you have a sleep disorder or you’re having difficulty getting some shut eye after a stressful day, cannabis might be a good choice for you. Cannabis’ pain management properties can provide some relief for those with chronic pain, while the anti-anxiety properties can soothe a stressed out mind and body.
But, while there are benefits, there are also risks. It’s important to weigh everything up - and speak to your pharmacist or specialist doctor when you’re unsure. There’s lots of help and information the on Alternaleaf website, and we’re always here to help with any questions you may have.