Sleep is a vital part of life and integral to good health. Yet the average Briton falls over an hour short of the recommended eight hours of sleep per night. And it’s not just quantity we should be focusing on, evidence shows that quality of sleep is just as important. Not getting enough restful sleep comes with a stack of severe problems if left unchecked. It can worsen existing health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease, affect memory, mood, and immunity, and even shorten life expectancy.

So why is this happening on such a global scale? It could be that an essential part of falling asleep is being able to let go of your thoughts. With stressful lifestyles and chronic sympathetic nervous system activation (fight or flight mode), the ability to let go of stressful thoughts and relax is becoming increasingly challenging. To counter this, people are exploring many different outlets for their stress, including cannabis. In this article, we look at the relationship between cannabis and insomnia and question its efficacy in getting a good quality night’s sleep.

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a disorder that disturbs sleep. It can be marked by difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset) and staying asleep (sleep maintenance) and can affect someone for days, weeks, or even a few months or years, at which point it’s considered chronic. If left unchecked, poor sleep can negatively impact all areas of your life. It’s important that insomnia is addressed as it can be caused by certain disorders and exacerbate existing conditions. According to the sleep foundation, hyperarousal (physical or mental) is the primary cause of insomnia. Hyperarousal can occur due to personal circumstances and health issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and any condition that causes pain and interference, like fibromyalgia and tinnitus.

A Brief History of Cannabis and Wellness

Using plants to drop off to sleep isn’t a new phenomenon. Well-known herbs like chamomile, valerian, lavender and passionflower have been used as natural sedatives since ancient times. Interest in the relationship between cannabis and sleep grew in the early 70s. 

Controversy arose since cannabis was classed as an illicit drug worldwide, so studies remained small and challenging to conduct. However, recently, the medicinal properties of cannabis have been explored once again. Anecdotal and scientific evidence on its health benefits has led to increased acceptance and legalisation of medicinal and recreational cannabis use worldwide.

Today, approved healthcare providers and dispensaries in the US, Europe and beyond can offer prescriptions to individuals with certain health conditions. In some instances, getting medical marijuanas UK prescription may be possible, particularly if your sleep problem is caused by chronic pain.

Sleep and Cannabis: How It Works

Cannabis contains an array of compounds, most notably terpenes and cannabinoids. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two most talked about cannabinoids since they arguably have the most significant impact on our health.

Cannabinoids work via the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating and maintaining countless bodily responses, including pain, appetite, mood, digestion, immunity and sleep. There are two cannabinoid receptors in our body, named CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain and spinal cord, while CB2 are mainly located in the immune cells. Each cannabinoid is known for having different effects. Most markedly, CBD has no intoxicating effects and works with the ECS indirectly, increasing natural levels of endocannabinoids in the body by inhibiting their breakdown.

On the other hand, THC directly binds to CB1 receptors and causes feelings of intoxication when used in high quantities. CBD and CBN are the cannabinoids with the most potential as sleep aids. CBD for its potential anxiety and pain reduction effects and CBN for its sedative influence.

One 2021 randomised placebo-controlled trial by the Sleep Research Society found that medical cannabis had the potential to reduce insomnia symptoms and improve sleep quality in participants who suffered from sleep disorders when cannabis was taken for two weeks. What’s more, no severe adverse reactions were reported. However, more research of this type is needed since the sample size was small.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that play an essential role in how a plant smells and tastes. Around 400 terpenes have been identified in cannabis, one being linalool, which gives lavender its signature scent and health properties.

The combined effort of terpenes and cannabinoids can deliver increased therapeutic effects, known as the entourage effect. When they interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, they can increase levels of adenosine, the chemical which makes us feel sleepy.

Knowing The Different Strains

Different strains of cannabis have varying quantities of terpenes and cannabinoids and are therefore used for various purposes. If you’re considering medical cannabis to help with insomnia, we cover three essential breeds below.

Indica

You’ve probably heard of popular strains like ‘purple kush’ and ‘bubba kush.’ These names refer to indica cannabis which has broader leaves and originates from the Kush mountains of India. People that use indica strains are looking for more of a relaxing and sedative effect. It’s high in CBD and a popular strain for winding down at night, pain relief, increasing appetite, and easing nausea.

Sativa

Sativa strains are energising and uplifting. Sativa plants have narrow leaves and originate from Asia and Northern Africa. The characteristics associated with sativa include increased energy, focus, creativity and mood, making it popular with those struggling with anxiety and depression. Popular sativa strains include Sour Diesel and Amnesia Haze.

Hybrids

As the name suggests, hybrids are a blend of indica and sativa strains. Hybrids are commonly grown to enhance intoxication by increasing the THC content. Some well-known hybrid strains are Pineapple Express and Trainwreck.

Many factors can affect your experience, including weight, metabolism and health. A healthcare provider can find the right strain for you by considering your individuality and the condition affecting your sleep routine.

Final Words 

There is no shortcut to sleeping better. A holistic view considering your sleep hygiene, diet and lifestyle factors is essential. However, chronic hyperarousal at night caused by conditions such as anxiety or restless legs syndrome could require further intervention. In these cases, medical cannabis might be an excellent option for you to explore.

Research has been slow due to global legal limitations on cannabis, which means the evidence so far is lacking. While there is much to be explored regarding cannabis as sleep medicine, there are few severe adverse side effects associated with cannabis, especially in the short term and when compared to most sleeping tablets.