Sleep is necessary for regulating our physical as well as mental health. However, a number of adults face problems when it comes to getting uninterrupted and unperturbed sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health, around 30 percent of the world’s general population has trouble sleeping, and approximately 10 percent people report functional impairment during daytime as a result of insomnia. So, if you are grappling with sleeplessness and its repercussions, you are not alone in this fight. Due to the side-effects associated with the conventional medication for insomnia, there is an increasing interest in medical cannabis as a potential treatment for the problem. In this article, we would ascertain some top cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia.
How cannabis helps with sleep
Cannabis or Marijuana has a number of strains. Some of these strains produce energizing effects, while others might have calming effects on individuals. The difference in the effects is due to the varying proportion of the different cannabinoids present in marijuana.
Cannabis consists of a number of cannabinoids, the most well-known of which are CBD and THC. CBD or Cannabidiol has a number of medicinal propertiers; however, it does not have any psychoactive effects on the consumers. THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound present in cannabis that is responsible for “the high.” Strains with higher THC and lower CBD levels have proved to be helpful to those suffering from insomnia. Although CBD reduces anxiety and has calming effects, there is limited evidence on whether or not it could act as a sleep aid. THC, on the other hand, has sedative-like effects on individuals that helps facilitate sleep. This is because THC attaches itself to the CB1 receptors of our endocannabinoid system, which in turn, facilitates sleep through the adenosine pathway within the brain. THC rich strains help consumers experience the stage three of deep sleep which refers to the uninterrupted and dreamless state.
Best strains for Insomnia
The following are some of the top cannabis strains for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders:
- Tahoe OG Kush: This is a THC-dominant hybrid strain. It has strong sedative effects and helps people sleep because of its muscle relaxation properties. This strain has an earthy and lemony taste.
- Granddaddy Purple: This is one of the most famous sleep strains in the market. It is a THC-dominant hybrid strain. One of the best indica strains, it is highly recommended for those who cannot sleep at night due to pain. Insomniacs prefer this strain since it contains myrcene, a terpene that induces sleep by acting as an analgesic.
- Northern Lights: This THC dominant strain has been popular as a sleep aid since the 1980s. It is best known for alleviating pain and putting users to heavy sleep. This pure indica strain has an earthy and flowery flavor.
- God’s Gift: As the name suggests, this THC-dominant strain is a gift to insomniacs. It helps reduce stress significantly and has a peaceful effect on individuals. With its citrus like flavor, it helps uplift people’s mood while relaxing them simultaneously.
- Sweet and Sour Widow: This strain has equal proportion of THC and CBD. While THC dominant strains are generally preferred for better sleep, they might increase anxiety. A strain with equal CBD content could help counter the effects of THC, while inducing sleep.
- Ogre: Ogre is a hybrid THC-dominant strain that helps alleviate symptoms of insomnia. Its sweet citrus like flavor is a delight to the senses, while acting as a sedative simultaneously.
- Remedy: This strain is CBD dominant with no THC. If you are looking to avoid the high associated with THC, then this strain could be your go to. Remedy aids sleep by alleviating pain, stress, anxiety, and other symptoms that plague insomnia patients. Myrcene is a primary terpene present in this strain that has great sleep-inducing properties.
Word from HempStreet
The information provided above lists the top cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia. If you struggle with insomnia or another sleep disorder, contact your medical health professional for a prescription. We strongly advise against self-medication using cannabis.
References:
www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/the-best-cannabis-strains-for-insomnia
thcphysicians.com/insomnia-marijuana-strains/
www.healthline.com/health/medical-marijuana/cannabis-for-sleeping#science-says
www.thegrowthop.com/cannabis-health/seven-cannabis-strains-that-could-help-treat-insomnia
