Struggling to get a good night’s sleep can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re dealing with insomnia. While there are plenty of remedies out there, one natural option that’s been gaining attention is cannabis. But not all cannabis strains are equal when it comes to helping you catch some good sleep.
Here’s a down-to-earth guide to how cannabis and insomnia go together, specifically when it comes to sleep and which strains are best for beating insomnia.
Cannabis and Insomnia: How Cannabis Can Help You Sleep
Cannabis has these things called cannabinoids, with THC and CBD being the most famous. THC is the part that gets you high, while CBD is known for its calming effects. Both can help with sleep, but in different ways.
- THC: This can help you fall asleep faster and can increase deep sleep, which is the kind of sleep that makes you feel rested. But it might cut down on REM sleep, which is when you dream.
- CBD: It’s great for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep without making you feel high.
Best Cannabis Strains for Insomnia
When it comes to choosing a strain to help with sleep, you want ones that are relaxing and sedative. These are usually indica-dominant strains, known for their calming properties.
1. Granddaddy Purple
- Type: Indica
- Effects: Deep relaxation, sedative
- Profile: This strain has a sweet, berry-like flavor and is great for helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.
2. Northern Lights
- Type: Indica
- Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, sleep-inducing
- Profile: With a sweet and spicy aroma, Northern Lights is famous for its strong body-high that can ease pain and insomnia.
3. Bubba Kush
- Type: Indica
- Effects: Relaxation, sleepiness
- Profile: Bubba Kush has a flavor that reminds you of chocolate and coffee. It’s perfect for unwinding at the end of the day and easing into sleep.
4. Purple Kush
- Type: Indica
- Effects: Pain relief, relaxation, sleep-inducing
- Profile: This strain has an earthy flavor and provides a strong, long-lasting sedative effect ideal for bedtime.
5. Harlequin
- Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid (high CBD)
- Effects: Relaxation without a strong psychoactive high
- Profile: Harlequin is unique for its high CBD content, helping reduce anxiety and promote relaxation without making you feel high.
Tips for Using Cannabis for Sleep
Start Low and Go Slow: Especially if you’re new to cannabis, start with a low dose and see how it affects you before increasing the amount.
Think About How You Consume It: Smoking or vaping can offer quick effects, while edibles take longer to kick in but last longer. Tinctures and oils are also easy to dose.
Timing Is Key: Take your cannabis about an hour before you plan to go to bed so it has time to work.
Create a Relaxing Environment: Pair your cannabis use with other sleep-promoting habits, like dimming the lights, avoiding screens before bed, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule.
Cannabis can be a helpful tool for those struggling with insomnia, but finding the right strain and dose is key. Indica strains like Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, and Bubba Kush are often recommended for their sedative effects, while high-CBD strains like Harlequin can offer relaxation without the high.
Always start with a low dose, be mindful of your consumption method, and create a bedtime routine that supports restful sleep. Forget melatonin –– cannabis might just be the natural remedy you need to finally get a good night’s sleep!
