How THC Can Aid Your Sleep: What the Science Says:
If you are having trouble with your sleep, you are not alone. In this article we cover how THC can aid your sleep. According to a 2017 report published by Aviva, 67% of UK adults suffer from disrupted sleep. 23% manage no more than five hours of sleep a night.
Moreover, 26% of UK adults claim improving sleep is their biggest health ambition, but half of the people who claimed that are not taking any measures to help them sleep better.
Well, you clicked on this article, so you are already taking measures to improve. There are plenty that cannabis products can do to improve your sleep. Today we are going to cover the basics to help you on your journey. The information here comes from many sources, including National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The basics
Scientists have identified hundreds of different cannabinoids. These are the active agents found in cannabis plants, and the two you are most likely to be familiar with are THC and CBD.
THC is responsible for making you feel high from smoking weed. While CBD is a relaxing substance with plenty of health benefits. They both have sleep-aiding properties. THC acts on your sleep circle directly, which is how THC can aid your sleep, while CBD can lower anxiety to help you relax before falling asleep. This article will focus on the first, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t combine the two.
How THC can AID youR sleep
It is quite clear that THC affects your sleep circle, and there is plenty of anecdotal evidence backing the suggestion of how THC can aid your sleep.
However, scientists often disagree among themselves on the issue, and new science is slow to come in due to the complicated legal status of cannabis around the world.
What appears clear is that a high amount of THC is able to reduce the amount of REM sleep you go through. REM is the stage where you usually dream, which means consuming THC can allow your deeper, dreamless sleep circles. This is a very welcome effect for anyone suffering from PTSD or other conditions that lead to chronic nightmares and night terrors.
On the other hand, REM sleep is also an important stage of your sleep. Extensive periods with little REM sleep can weaken your immune system and lower cognitive functioning. Still, this is only likely to become a problem if you are using heavy doses of THC to fall asleep. These are more signs to watch out for than reasons not to give THC a try.
Dealing with night terrors and nightmares — as well as anxiety and other PTSD symptoms — is one of the reasons medical marijuana may be prescribed by a doctor.
Consuming THC as a sleep aid
There are many methods to get THC into your system. Sleep experts recommend that you get the THC into your system via either your lungs or the mucous membrane, which is located under the tongue.
Other methods, such as ingesting substances with THC, take longer to kick in and do so at imprecise timeframes, which interferes with keeping a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed at the same time every night can do wonders for sleep quality and mood regulation.
To get THC in through your lungs, you can smoke the raw herb, or acquire one of the many THC vaping solutions available in the market, which includes bongs and THC vape pens. Since smoke can damage your lungs, vaping is a healthier alternative than smoking cannabis.
For absolution via the mucous membrane, search for THC oils or tinctures. Place the desired amount under your tongue — usually a couple of drops — and let it sit there for two to three minutes. This is almost as effective as smoking, as the mucous membrane connects straight to your bloodstream.
Doctors recommend you use either method an hour before going to bed. That’s enough time for the THC to kick in and for the initial excitement to pass, leaving you relaxed and ready for a good night of sleep.
