It’s no secret that sleep is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, millions of people suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders. In recent years, cannabis has been touted as a potential natural remedy for these issues, but is it really effective? To answer this question, let’s explore the role of cannabis in treating insomnia and other sleep disorders.
How Does Cannabis Help with Sleep?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate different processes in the body. This includes things like mood, appetite, and yes—sleep! Research shows that CBD (cannabidiol), one of the most active components of cannabis, can interact with receptors in the ECS to promote relaxation and help you fall asleep faster. As an added bonus, some studies suggest that CBD might even help reduce anxiety levels which can also help improve sleep quality.
THC
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is also an active component of cannabis that plays a role in sleep regulation. THC works by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain which can cause a feeling of sedation or “body high” which can make it easier to drift off into dreamland. However, it’s important to note that THC can be habit-forming so it should be used with caution if you have a history of addiction or substance abuse disorder.
CBN
CBN is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound found in hemp and cannabis plants that has been found to have potential therapeutic benefits for sleep disorders. CBN works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate homeostasis—or balance—in the body. By stimulating this system, CBN can help induce feelings of relaxation and drowsiness that make it easier for insomnia sufferers to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
What Kind of Cannabis Products Help With Sleep?
There are many different types of cannabis products on the market today ranging from flower to edibles to tinctures and more. Generally speaking, products containing larger amounts of CBD tend to be best for promoting relaxation while products containing higher levels of THC are better for inducing sedation. Some of our most popular products used for aiding with sleep are: ABX Sleepytime Drops, PLUS CBN Gummies, and the Heavy Hitter Lights Out Gummies!
When used properly, cannabis may be an effective treatment option for people struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome or parasomnias like night terrors or sleepwalking. While more research is still needed to fully understand how cannabis works as a sleep aid, current evidence suggests that both CBD and THC may play a role in helping people get the rest they need each night. If you think this natural remedy could work for you, talk to your doctor about what kind of product might be right for you!
