The Effects of Going to Sleep High: What You Need to Know

People with insomnia and other sleep disorders frequently use cannabis as a natural sleep aid. However, there is a complicated link between marijuana and sleep. While some strains will make you feel sleepy quickly, others will have the opposite effect. Obtaining a medical marijuana card is essential if you want to include medical marijuana in your treatment plan because it will protect you from any legal ramifications.

Marijuana use before bed can have an impact on sleep cycles, dreams, and other things. Let’s examine the effects of inducing a trance and the scientific basis for the superiority of certain strains over others when it comes to promoting sound sleep.

How Marijuana Influences Your Sleep Patterns

Cannabis comes in a wide variety of strains, or cultivars, and each will have a unique effect on you. For instance, strains containing high levels of THC will make you feel high, but strains containing high levels of CBD won’t. These two substances also affect sleep in different ways.

THC and CBD both have an impact on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex system is made up of a network of neurotransmitters and receptors that interact with the nervous systems of the body to keep them operating normally. The regulation of bodily processes such as temperature, appetite, sleep, memory, and emotional processing depends heavily on the ECS.

It also has a significant impact on hormone secretion. It is believed that both THC and CBD consumption affect these internal bodily functions by changing how the ECS operates.

For instance, it has been discovered that CBD reduces blood cortisol levels. The stress hormone cortisol causes a wakeful, alert feeling. It can be difficult to fall asleep if your system is overloaded with cortisol. For this reason, consuming high-CBD cannabis strains may facilitate falling and staying asleep. Some low-THC strains have similar effects, and low-dose CBD might give you a boost in energy.

Sativas, Indicas, and Sleep

A lot of people think that indica strains make you feel drowsy, blissful, and heavy. It’s said that sativa strains make you feel euphoric and happy. This isn’t always the case, though, as sativa and indica strains can both induce sleep.

Myrcene is a terpene that appears to be important. The distinct scent of each cannabis plant is attributed to terpenes. These substances also affect your mood after ingesting specific cannabis strains. Myrcene-rich cannabis strains are typically more sedative, while myrcene-lower and other terpene-rich strains (like limonene-rich) tend to be more uplifting.

Does Getting High Improve Your Sleep Quality?

The short answer? Yes, and no. Once more, a lot depends on the kind of cannabis you’re using. For instance, you probably wouldn’t get much or no sleep if you slept high on a low-myrcene, high-limonene strain because you would probably just lie there staring at the ceiling while a million ideas ran through your head.

Some cannabis strains work incredibly well to prevent nighttime awakenings and help you go to sleep more quickly. Additionally, marijuana may alter the duration of each sleep stage or the architecture of your sleep. Short-term use of THC-rich marijuana appears to extend our deep sleep phases, resulting in a more rested and rejuvenated wakefulness.

The duration of the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage can also be shortened by marijuana use. Random, fast eye movements, sensory deprivation, and vivid dreams are the hallmarks of this phase. A vital stage of the sleep cycle, REM aids in the processing of emotions and the formation of new memories.

Although you might believe that not getting enough REM sleep has negative effects, research suggests that individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may benefit from having less REM sleep. Cannabis use for sleep may be beneficial for those with REM sleep behavior disorder, or PTSD, as REM is the phase during which dreams and nightmares occur. 

Can Excessive Marijuana Use Lead to Insomnia?

As previously mentioned, strains with high levels of CBD and low levels of THC can improve sleep by reducing blood cortisol levels. Decreased cortisol levels can also lessen anxiety, making you feel at ease, and prepared for a restful night’s sleep.

Nevertheless, using the incorrect strain or smoking excessively can have unfavorable side effects. For instance, research indicates that some THC users experience increased anxiety and paranoia after high doses, which has a detrimental effect on their ability to sleep.

Moreover, THC may raise cortisol levels, which typically result in feelings of alertness and vigor. Those who are new to cannabis may find these more intense effects overwhelming. On the other hand, high doses of THC may have sedative effects on people who have developed a tolerance to it.

It may be wise to avoid smoking some strains after mid-afternoon if you have trouble falling asleep. Lower myrcene and higher limonene or terpinolene content are characteristics of energizing strains. It’s also critical to pace oneself because excessive THC smoking can cause anxiety and paranoia. A few puffs are you need at times. 

It is usually advisable to speak with a medical marijuana doctor prior to beginning medical marijuana use. A physician will determine whether or not marijuana is helpful in your situation, give you information about your state’s medical marijuana laws, and grant you legal access to marijuana. 

6 Weed Strains for Better Sleep

After discussing the connection between marijuana and sleep, let’s examine the best strains to use if you have sleep problems. Note that this information about these strains is based on anecdotal reports, so you might find a different strain that suits you better.

In general, you should look for cannabis cultivars that have moderate to high levels of CBD, low to moderate levels of THC, and more calming terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and humulene.

• Northern Lights

One of the most well-known indica strains ever is Northern Lights. Its flavor profile includes earthy, spicy, herbal, and floral notes. Users report feeling euphoric, relaxed, and sedated after using it.

The THC and myrcene content of the Northern Lights facilitate deeper sleep and may enhance the quality of sleep in general.

• Girl Scout Cookies

This hybrid cannabis strain, derived from OG Kush and Durban Poison, is predominantly indica. Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) frequently induce a euphoric rush that is followed by profound, total relaxation. Although significant, GSC’s 19% THC potency isn’t necessarily overwhelming for a novice, especially when taken in small doses.

GSC may help you fall asleep more quickly if you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing other sleep-related problems. It might also help those who are in chronic pain by relieving their pain and facilitating a restful night’s sleep.

• Bubba Kush

The last few years have seen a rise in the popularity of this indica strain in the US. Due to its strong sedative and calming properties, Bubba Kush is highly recommended for those who struggle with sleep disorders. This strain tastes sweet, like coffee and chocolate. You may get hungry after smoking Bubba Kush, so make sure you have some snacks on hand.

Many people choose Bubba Kush as their sleep aid strain because it relaxes muscles and promotes a calm, fuzzy mind when smoked. Play some relaxing music, turn on some ambient lighting, and let Bubba Kush lull you into the sound sleep you deserve.

• Gelato

A well-balanced hybrid cannabis strain that promotes non-REM sleep is called Gelato. Gelato provides the best of both worlds because of the genetic balance between sativa and indica.

A euphoric head high and a relaxed, whole-body state are brought on by this strain. People with chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and other conditions that impair sleep would benefit greatly from its potent effects.

• Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is a hybrid of Afghanistan, Skunk, and Mendo Purps—all well-known strains on their own. Matrimony thus produced is a strong indica strain with a strong THC profile.

Either smoking or dabbing this potent flower will make you feel cozy, dreamy, and at ease. Granddaddy Purple might be the right strain for you if you have problems falling asleep or are a lighter sleeper.

• Harlequin

Harlequin is a 1:1 cannabis strain, meaning that its THC and CBD contents are the same (8–10% CBD and 7–15% THC). These strains are perfect because these two cannabinoids both balance and counteract each other.

The entourage effect is something that happens while you’re high on harlequin. When two or more cannabinoids interact harmoniously to create novel and distinctive effects, this phenomenon takes place.

Harlequin’s relatively low THC content results in a gentle buzz as opposed to a potent, overwhelming high. This may be a useful substitute for managing insomnia and reduces the likelihood that anxiety will develop after using it.

Ending Words!

Take note of the types that are suggested for relaxation if you want to increase the quality of your sleep. Seek out myrcene-rich strains with high CBD dosages and low-to-moderate THC levels.

If you experience anxiety or alertness when smoking marijuana before bed, cut back on the amount of the drug. These strains may be sedatives for those who have a high tolerance for THC. Cannabis can be a natural and useful solution for maximizing your sleep schedule if you use the proper strain and dosage.