Other than being habit forming, traditional sleeping aids have a host of problems. This is true whether you are turning to sleeping pills, or even alcohol.
The most obvious reason why traditional sleeping aids are not good for you is the fact they are not natural. Alcohol, as we consume it, requires a lot of manipulation. Even certain chemicals like melatonin (a naturally occurring chemical in the body), has to be extracted in a laboratory.
Alcohol causes you to have shorter REM sleep cycles. You are in a more shallow sleep as a result. This can cause you to wake up frequently. Those who snore have additional cause for concern. The palate is more relaxed after drinking. This leads to increased snoring and a higher risk for arrest while asleep.
Sleeping pills, even when used correctly, can cause dependence. You may find it increasingly difficult to fall asleep without the help of them. This will lead you down a path whereby you are taking sleeping pills every night to fall asleep.
Natural herbal remedies tend to fall short of the goal. Doing such things as sprinkling some lavender essential oil on your pillow is relaxing, but may not be enough to lull you off to sleep. Out of frustration, you will disturb your relaxed state simply by being unable to fall asleep.
How Does Marijuana Work Better?
When used correctly, medical marijuana can actually assist with better REM sleep. Your body will be in a relaxed state as well as your mind. You can easily drift right to sleep and not feel groggy in the morning.
There are some caveats to this:
- Do not overindulge
- Smoke right before going to sleep
- Do not use edibles
- Curb usage to as needed
- Use the right strains
If you smoke too much, or use medical marijuana over a 20% THC level, you will feel groggy in the morning. This is because your body will still be affected by THC even after sleeping. This is also why you should not be using edibles. The effects can be unpredictable as to when they will take effect as well as the duration. Some edibles can remain in your system for up to 12 hours, making for a very interesting morning.
If you smoke too long before you go to bed, you may have difficulty falling asleep. This is because the THC is not affecting you at a high enough level. It is best to smoke within an hour before you go to bed. If you do not want to encounter the smell, or you need to partake inside, you can always use an oil vape pen.
Just like when using traditional sleeping aids, you do not want to become dependent on marijuana to help you fall asleep. Using it on occasion to fall asleep is fine. If you use it every night to fall asleep, you may encounter a REM snap back in which you have more vivid dreams after you stop smoking.
As you may know, the main strains of medical marijuana include:
- Sativa – Body high associated with creativity and energy production.
- Indica – Mind high associated with relaxation and soothing qualities.
- Hybrids – Mix between Sativa and Indica with higher levels leaning one way or the other.
When you are trying to fall asleep, you will want to steer towards using Indica strains. This will relax your mind and ease you into sleep. If you are going with a hybrid, make sure to choose one that leans towards Indica.
Final Thoughts
Medical marijuana has been the answer for many seeking a better night of sleep. Make sure to speak with your doctor about your intent to use marijuana as a sleeping aid. Do not use it along with any other forms of sleeping aids. After talking with your doctor, talk with the people at the local dispensary. They can guide you as to which strains will work best for you.
Make sure to start off with just one or two puffs to see how it will affect you. If you are not getting the desired results from one strain talk with the people at the dispensary. There are many strains you can try until you find the one that works best for your individual needs.
One of the most important sections of the Strain Genie cannabis health report is our section on sleep. Personalization is crucial to the process of finding effective cannabis-based sleeping aid.