Exercising and eating are two essential activities. Unfortunately, some people do not enjoy this bliss. There are several reasons why. It could be because of mental disorders like depression or anxiety. Or, it could be from chronic pain or discomfort. Loud and unsuitable sleeping environments can also be a contributing factor. Luckily, there is a way to help. Lately, there is significant progress when it comes to the topic of cannabis concerning health. Science is beginning to discover more ways the herb can help in several medical conditions.
Cannabinoids found in cannabis products like THC oil, CBD oil, and capsules are beneficial for those who have difficulty sleeping. Below are ways cannabis can help people with insomnia.
1. It Helps with Anxiety
Scientists have been able to do a lot more research on the effects marijuana has on individuals since the herb continues to become legal in many countries. Researchers have found that cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), which comes from marijuana, helps effectively reduce anxiety.
CBD products contain very little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at all. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the “high” people feel when they take marijuana. Since the effects of marijuana vary from person to person, there are reports that THC can cause anxiety and paranoia.
CBD, on the other hand, relaxes the mind. The cannabinoid reacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. It’s also popularly known as the happy chemical. When triggered, you begin to feel a general improvement in your mood. CBD calms you down so you do not have anxious thoughts that would block precious sleep. The dosage used varies for each individual. Hence, it is essential to research or speak to a medical professional.
2. A Good Choice for Dreamless Sleep
Sometimes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) causes insomnia. It is also another type of anxiety disorder. Individuals who are plagued by this sometimes wake up due to nightmares, resulting in short, irregular sleep. Thus, most do not look forward to the blissful peace of a good night’s sleep. THC is often the recommended remedy in such cases.
Some researchers found evidence that the cannabinoid can induce dreamless sleep or, in other words, deep sleep. This means that if you don’t look forward to sleeping as you often experience flashbacks from your trauma, THC might be your savior.
Anandamides is a naturally-produced cannabinoid the body uses to regulate anxiety, fear, and moods. Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase enzymes, on the other hand, break down these cannabinoids. THC and CBD block the enzyme.
Individuals then experience a better mood since anandamides help the individual to forget their trauma temporarily.
Thus, relying on cannabis for a dreamless sleep could sometimes be detrimental. Therefore, you must consult with your doctor or research the side effects before using any of these drugs.
3. It Soothes Pain
Pain is another cause of insomnia. People who suffer from chronic aches or inflammation sometimes have their sleep interrupted by the pain. Researchers have found substantial evidence that cannabis can effectively help soothe these kinds of discomforts.
Many doctors often recommend cannabis products for patients suffering from chronic pains as well as migraines, arthritis, neurological diseases and the effects of chemotherapy treatment.
Research also shows that cannabis is an option over opioids. Opioids are often very addictive. However, cannabis products used to soothe pain do not usually share this characteristic. Some patients even use marijuana to overcome their opioid addictions.
Both CBD and THC block the pain signals sent to the brain. With the right dosage, you can achieve the peaceful sleep you are seeking. While it soothes pain, it equally puts your mind to rest.
Thus, you can achieve two benefits from one drug. Some patients prefer to ingest it by puffing or smoking. This method generally affects the lungs and has other side effects. On the other hand, oils and capsules usually give the patient the same benefits without those consequences.
4. It Induces Sleep
This point is vital if your cause of insomnia may not be from anxiety or pain but rather other factors like stress, caffeine, or noise. There are results from clinical trials that suggest cannabinoids react with serotonin receptors to produce relief.
Reactions to these cannabinoids vary, but scientists often attribute all results of drowsiness to THC. So, even if your preference is CBD, you could opt for compounds with little THC or even edibles.
Conclusion
There is more ground-breaking evidence that medical marijuana has several health benefits. However, the cannabis movement is still young, and there is no telling its full impact on the medical sector and the treatment of several conditions, including insomnia.
For now, cannabis can help people who have difficulty sleeping in several ways. But, there is still ongoing research to uncover more benefits. You should also strictly monitor your doses since long-term dependence could disrupt your sleep cycle and pattern. So, it’s essential to research or ask your doctor for advice.
