What To Know About Cannabis for Treating Insomnia

For 33 to 50 percent of Americans, getting a good night’s sleep can be an elusive endeavor. With the increase in stress and anxiety around us, sleepless nights have become more common.

While there are many ways to combat insomnia, cannabis has been gaining traction as a possible remedy. But what do you need to know about cannabis for treating insomnia?

Keep reading, and we will delve into the complexities of sleep and how cannabis might be able to help those who suffer from it.

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a disorder that can make it challenging to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. People with insomnia often feel tired during the day and may have trouble concentrating or focusing on tasks. Insomnia can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).

What Are the Symptoms of Insomnia?

Many people believe that insomnia is simply an inability to fall asleep. However, it extends far beyond that. Some of the symptoms of insomnia include the following:

Difficulty Falling Asleep

This is perhaps the most common symptom of insomnia. You may find that it takes you an unusually long time to fall asleep each night, or that you toss and turn for hours before finally drifting off.

Waking Up Too Early

Some people with insomnia find themselves waking up early in the morning, usually well before their alarm is set to go off. This can lead to daytime drowsiness and prevent you from feeling fully rested.

Waking Up Frequently During the Night

If you’re waking up frequently during the night, it’s likely that you’re not getting enough deep sleep. Deep sleep is important for restoring the body and mind, and without it, we can feel exhausted during the day.

Daytime Fatigue

One of the most noticeable symptoms of insomnia is its effect on your energy levels during the day. People with insomnia often feel chronically fatigued and struggle to stay awake during the daytime.

Difficulty Concentrating

Insomnia can also lead to problems concentrating and focusing on tasks. This can have a negative impact on job performance and other areas of life.

Irritability

When you don’t get enough sleep, you may become increasingly irritable throughout the day as your body struggles to cope with fatigue. You might become easily irritated at things that would normally not bother you.

Depression and Anxiety

Sleep is imperative. It helps our minds and bodies recharge for the next day. Extensive research has shown that a lack of sleep can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse and can even cause these symptoms.

In addition, this is a vicious cycle. Depression and anxiety can make it a challenge to get to sleep and stay asleep.

What Are the Causes of Insomnia?

There are many potential causes of insomnia, which can make it a difficult condition to identify and treat. Some common causes of insomnia include stress, anxiety, depression, medications, medical conditions, and poor sleep habits.

Stress

Stress is a common cause of insomnia. Stress can come from work, personal relationships, or other life events. When you’re stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, which can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Anxiety

Anxiety is another common cause of insomnia. Anxiety can be caused by worry about finances, work, family, or other things in your life. If you have anxiety, you may find it hard to relax and fall asleep.

Depression

Depression is another possible cause of insomnia. Depression can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Depression can also cause changes in appetite and energy levels, which can lead to changes in sleep patterns.

Certain Medications

Certain medications can also cause insomnia. Medications that contain caffeine or other stimulants can keep you awake at night. Some antidepressants and other medications can also interfere with sleep. If you think your medication might be causing insomnia, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions such as arthritis pain, hot flashes due to menopause, and restless leg syndrome can also cause insomnia. If you have a medical condition that is causing pain or discomfort at night, it may be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.

Poor Sleep Habits

Poor sleep habits can also lead to insomnia. For example, if you use your bed for activities other than sleeping (like watching TV or using your phone), it can make it harder to fall asleep when it’s time to go to bed. It’s also important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid napping during the day if possible.

Cannabis for Treating Insomnia

There are many ways that cannabis can help with insomnia. For starters, it can help to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Cannabis also increases the length of time you spend in deep sleep, which is important for restoring your energy levels and preventing daytime fatigue. Additionally, cannabis can decrease the number of nighttime awakenings and improve the overall quality of your sleep.

If you’re considering using cannabis to treat your insomnia, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you determine if THC for insomnia is right for you and advise you on how to use it safely.

Addressing the Causes of Insomnia With Cannabis

If you’re struggling with insomnia it’s important to try to address the root causes. In some cases, cannabis can help to address those causes. It can also help address some of the other symptoms of insomnia.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Cannabis has the potential to help with symptoms of anxiety and stress. This is one of the leading causes of insomnia, so reducing stress and anxiety can help improve your chances at getting a good night’s sleep. Cannabis can help to relax the body, mind, and soul which is key for calming racing thoughts and allowing you to drift off into a restful sleep.

Ease Pain

Chronic pain is another common cause of insomnia, but cannabis can help ease any chronic aches or pains that are keeping you up at night. Cannabis is known for its ability to block pain signals from the brain, allowing you to enjoy more restful nights without disruption from discomfort.

Quality Sleep Aids

Finally, cannabis may be able to directly address insomnia in some cases. Some cannabis strains can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more rested. Look for a strain that is high in CBD and low in THC, as this combination has shown to be the most effective at providing quality sleep.

Regulate Sleep Cycles

In addition to helping you fall asleep, cannabis can also help regulate your sleep cycles. This means that you’ll be able to get a full night’s rest without waking up in the middle of the night or having difficulty falling back asleep. A regulated sleep cycle is key for feeling rested and energized during the day.

Daytime Drowsiness

Finally, cannabis can help address any feelings of drowsiness during the daytime. Some people find that cannabis helps them stay alert and focused during the day, while others find it helps boost energy levels. This can be an important factor for those who are struggling with insomnia due to working long hours or have a hard time staying awake during the day.

Establishing a Healthy Bedtime Routine With Cannabis

If you’re struggling with insomnia, you might be considering using cannabis to help you sleep better. Cannabis can indeed be helpful for treating insomnia, but it’s important to establish a healthy bedtime routine first. Here are some things to keep in mind when using marijuana for insomnia:

Take Some Time to Wind Down

Make sure you’re winding down for bed before using cannabis. This means no more work, no more screens, and no more stimulating activities. Give yourself time to relax so that your body and mind are ready for sleep.

Pay Attention to the Strain and Method of Consumption

One way to use medical marijuana for insomnia is to smoke or vape it before bedtime. This method allows the user to feel the effects of cannabis almost immediately, and it can be helpful in falling asleep quickly. However, smoking or vaping cannabis can also keep some people awake, so it’s important to know how your body reacts before using this method.

Another way to use cannabis for insomnia is to consume edibles or tinctures before bedtime. Edibles take longer to take effect than smoking or vaping, but they can last much longer as well. This makes them a good option for people who have trouble staying asleep throughout the night. Tinctures are also a good option for those who want to avoid smoking or vaping altogether.

However, keep in mind that different strains will impact you in different ways. It’s important to know the difference between the different strains and which one is right for you.

Establish a Regular Bedtime Routine

Healthy sleep habits are essential for treating insomnia with cannabis. It’s important to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can also be helpful in falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.

Establish a regular bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. This will help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep when you use cannabis at night.

Be Patient

It may take a few nights of using cannabis before you start seeing results in terms of improved sleep quality. Don’t give up if it doesn’t work right away, and make sure to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about using cannabis for insomnia treatment.

What About Research That Says You Shouldn’t Use Cannabis for Insomnia?

There is some research that suggests that cannabis may not be effective in treating insomnia. One study found that cannabis use was associated with poorer sleep quality and increased sleep disturbances. Another study found that cannabis use was not associated with any improvements in self-reported measures of sleep.

It’s important to keep in mind that the research on the effectiveness of cannabis for treating insomnia is still relatively limited. More research is needed to better understand the potential risks and benefits of using cannabis for this purpose.

If you are worried about whether or not it’s the right solution for you, consult a doctor and discuss your concerns.

Talk to a Medical Provider Today

Cannabis has become increasingly popular for treating insomnia due to its ability to help relax the mind and body. While it is not entirely clear how cannabis works in helping people sleep better, it has been shown in various studies that there may be some benefit to using cannabis as part of an overall sleep hygiene program. As with any medication or supplement, talk to your doctor before trying cannabis for treating insomnia, and make sure you are comfortable with the risks involved.

Are you interested in using medical cannabis to address your insomnia? Teleleaf is here to support you. Start the process today by signing up for an account.