Cannabis & Sleep
One observation I have made as a budtender is that we humans aren't getting enough sleep and more and more people are turning to cannabis as a solution.
Did you know that one in three Canadians aged 35 to 65 don't get enough sleep. We have all been sleep deprived for one reason or another and know the damaging effects this can have, especially if ongoing.
Cannabis is an effective sleep aid because it is believed to restore a person's natural sleep cycle, which is thrown out of whack all the time in our present day reality. Be mindful that chronic cannabis consumption can have the adverse effect. 😉
Personally, cannabis helps me to relax and unwind at the end of a hectic day. When I am relaxed, my mind slows down, which means I can fall asleep. Us ladies are especially prone to doing this... our head hits the pillow and the mind goes into overdrive. You make your grocery list for the week, think of all the things you have to do tomorrow, the list goes on and on and on. This is where cannabis can help. My strain of choice is Tom Ford Pink Kush. I will enjoy a smoke, meditate, and then have a restful sleep.
If you choose to smoke, you will want to choose an Indica strain. These strains are generally more calming or sedating. Be mindful that the high you experience from smoking will last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. This is helpful if you have trouble falling asleep, but not staying asleep. 🥱
If you suffer from chronic pain, my heart goes out to you. There is nothing that disturbs sleep more and prevents a full night's rest than chronic pain. This is where cannabis edibles can help. The high you experience from a cannabis edible will last longer, anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. Do keep in mind that the onset is not immediate like when smoking, it can be anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. This depends on your metabolism, if you ate a large meal, etc. Personally, I like to consume an edible, then smoke a heavy Indica. By the time my smoke has worn off, the edible has kicked in. This will provide longer pain relief, thus a longer sleep. 😴
If anxiety is causing you to loose sleep at night, I highly recommend a CBD gummy or oil. CBD is non psychoactive and is a good entry point if you are nervous about taking THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. For some people, CBD makes them feel sleepy. If trying CBD for the first time, I suggest you try it in the evening.
I highly recommend a visit to your local cannabis shop. Chat with a budtender to find a strain and/or consumption method that is right for you. It will take some experimenting in the beginning to find what works for you. Trust me, the only thing you have to lose is precious sleep.
If you smoke cannabis, you are more likely to become deficient in magnesium. Let's be real, most of are us lacking in this vital mineral. Personally, I enjoy a glass, of hot or cold water with Natural Calm magnesium supplement about an hour before I want to go sleep. Magnesium helps the body relax, reduces stress and helps you sleep longer. Magnesium + Cannabis = Better Sleep.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
People with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder should avoid cannabis use.
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