Overview
Cannabis is one of the alternative treatments for many people suffering from insomnia. Insomnia is a condition in which the affected person has difficulties in falling asleep. Persons with insomnia also have difficulties in staying asleep. Both symptoms may occur during sleep. Many adults have had such symptoms at some time in their lives, but it is estimated that between 30 and 50 percent of the entire population has insomnia. Ten percent of the population has chronic insomnia, which means that they have experienced insomnia for three weeks or more. Insomnia can affect all people, but women are more likely to suffer from the condition compared to men.
Causes of Insomnia
Stress is a common source of temporary insomnia. Improperly treated temporary insomnia can lead to chronic insomnia. There is a significant link between chronic insomnia and an underlying health conditions like chronic pains, chronic fatigue, and acid reflux among other conditions. Insomnia may also result from other psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Insomnia Treatment
The main reason for insomnia treatment is to identify and address the cause. Treating the condition usually entails using non-medical and pharmacologic methods. Existing studies show that this holistic approach for treating insomnia is beneficial. Non-medical or non-pharmacologic methods for treating insomnia include relaxation therapy, improved sleep, sleep restriction, and stimulus control. Improved sleep includes avoiding exercise, caffeine, and alcohol before going to sleep. It also involves sticking to a consistent sleep schedule and having a comfortable environment in the bedroom. Different prescription drugs can help in treating insomnia. However, some of them may cause addiction, dependence, side effects, and sometimes death because of overdose. Many of these drugs are not good for prolonged use.
Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis is an effective alternative for treating insomnia compared to prescription medications. However, tiredness may manifest as a side effect after using medical cannabis. Nevertheless, cannabis can work best at night. Many patients have reported that medical cannabis is more effective than conventional sleep drugs. It makes you feel better the following day and does not form habits. In addition, there are no reported cases of death because of overdose. When taking medical cannabis as a treatment for insomnia, consider using the appropriate strain.
For most people, Indica strains have a more relaxing effect and potent sedative properties. In most cases, Sativa strains are more energizing compared to other strains. Either strain may be effective for some people. These reports are supported by scientific evidence. One study shows that cannabinoid CBD outperforms THC in helping with sleep. Both cannabinoids represent other molecules present in cannabis plants.
Inhaling cannabis, especially smokeless vapor, provides an instant effect lasting for approximately 3 to 4 hours. If you ingest cannabis, it will take up to one hour to take effect. It lasts for approximately 6 to 8 hours. Based on this information, an ingestible cannabis product used one hour prior to bedtime can be effective in promoting a healthy night’s sleep. L-tryptophan and melatonin are some of the nutritional supplements for promoting good sleep. Herbal remedies such as kava kava, passion flower, valerian root, and California poppy are also beneficial. Alternative therapies include meditation, hypnosis, acupuncture, biofeedback, and relaxation therapy. It is interesting that many people report experiencing fewer dreams due to medical cannabis. Therefore, medical cannabis can help to cure PTSD.
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