Lifestyle

Trouble Sleeping? How to Identify the Right Strain for a Peaceful Slumber

Are you tossing and turning at night with thoughts running amok in your mind? Do you wish there was a magic bullet to solve your nightly struggle with sleep? Have you tried everything under the sun and are you still looking? And last, the most important question: have you tried cannabis?

Although scientific research hasn’t quite nailed a verdict yet, studies provide compelling information to suggest that cannabis helps you ease off into dreamland. Let’s dive into the chemical composition of this plant and learn how our brains respond to these compounds.

Cannabinoids

Scientists have discovered that cannabinoids, which are the chemical compounds that make up each cannabis plant, do interact with our brain cells in ways that influence our motor and cognitive functions. These cannabinoids are much like a human-produced chemical known as endocannabinoids, which are responsible for maintaining health and immunity. Our naturally occurring endocannabinoids can also give us a boost of uplifting emotions.

When discussing cannabinoids, the most common classifications are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Of the two, CBD is more commonly associated with healing properties. 

CBD is known to soften anxiety and physical pain. Because of this, it can be greatly beneficial for putting your mind at ease, which is essential for falling asleep. Not only does CBD help relax you at night, but it actually keeps you sharp and alert throughout the day. This plays an important role in achieving a more balanced sleep cycle. 

THC can also positively influence your sleep, though too much can eventually disrupt your snooze cycle. This type of cannabinoid helps sleep come easier and may even regulate your breathing while you slumber. It can also limit dreams, which may help those who struggle with PTSD. 

One other cannabinoid that doesn’t get as much attention as its siblings is Cannabinol (CBN). After a while, the THC in an older cannabis plant can become CBN, which is known to be a strong sedative, especially in conjunction with THC.    

Terpenes

When examining the composition of cannabis, one cannot overlook terpenes. These compounds are oily in nature, responsible for the aroma of each strain, and are considered quite therapeutic in their own right. 

Known for the “entourage effect,” terpenes keep the psychoactive effects of THC in check while working with CBD to enhance its calming and healing properties. In other words, terpenes can boost the CBD’s ability to help you sleep peacefully. 

A common type of terpene you’ve probably smelled before is known as myrcene. It produces the fairly pungent odor you often associate with marijuana, but more importantly, it is generally viewed as having sedative properties. Other well-known types of terpenes that lower anxiety and stress include caryophyllene, limonene, terpineol, and linalool.

How to Find the Best Strain for Sleep

When looking for a sleep aid, the common belief is that indica is a better option over sativa, though such a classification is no longer considered to be all that relevant. These days, with hybrids making up the majority of available products, it’s more important to choose a strain based on its terpenes and cannabinoids.

Some examples of popular strains for sleep include Granddaddy Purple, Tahoe OG Kush, God’s Gift, and Northern Light, just to name a few. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, so experience can be your best friend when it comes to finding the right strain.

Because the lesser-known CBN is great for sleep, some of the best strains are the ones that are aged to perfection. They possess a greater balance of CBD, THC, and CBN to produce the most effective sedative. It does take many years for THC to break down into CBN, so your best bet is to find aged cannabis products at your local dispensary (which is where you should be buying your products anyway).

Using cannabis in moderation is the best way to effectively regulate your sleep patterns. Too much can lead to a headache, dehydration, grogginess, congestion, dry mouth, and other unpleasant next-day symptoms. You may also experience some of these side-effects if you consume products of poor quality, which is yet another reason why it’s so important to purchase from a reputable vendor.

When shopping, take advantage of the experience and expertise of those who work at your local dispensary. Working with a professional, you can find the perfect product to help you put your sleep troubles to bed.

For more information, visit Justice Grown.

Resources:

https://www.sleepadvisor.org/marijuana-and-sleep/

https://www.verilife.com/il/blog/guide-cannabinoids-and-their-effects

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201905/what-you-need-know-about-cannabis-and-sleep

https://www.projectcbd.org/science/terpenes-entourage-effect

https://thcphysicians.com/insomnia-marijuana-strains/

https://wayofleaf.com/cannabis/ailments/best-strains-for-an-awesome-nights-sleep

 

 

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