A significant population experiences sleep disorders. The National Sleep Foundation reports indicate over 50 million adults in the USA experience symptoms of a sleep disorder. This has led to increased interest in cannabis as a significant help for persons experiencing insomnia and stress. Many experts in the medical marijuana community recommend cannabis as an helpful treatment with minimum side effects for a scope of sleeping disorders.
Medical marijuana physicians support using marijuana as a sleeping aid since it restores one’s natural sleeping pattern which in most cases does not synchronize with one’s schedule in the current modern lifestyle (Ferguson). Persons finding it problematic to sleep after a stressful day as well as the ones with sleeping disorders could find cannabis effective in treating such disorders. The analgesic elements within marijuana provide some relief to individuals experiencing chronic pain while its anti-anxiety elements aid in soothing the stressed-out body and mind.
Various studies also indicate the influence of marijuana on reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A review conducted in 2019 points out that cannabis products minimize nightmares and insomnia associated with PTSD (Beadle).
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is one of the core intoxicating compounds making up cannabis has been identified to generally improve sleep quality. Research held in 2008 shows that administering THC orally as well as smoking minimizes the amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and also intensifies the percentage of time one spends while in stage 4 sleep, which is the deepest level of sleep.
A significant number of casual cannabis product users claim that marijuana effectively breaks up their anxiety and stress making them relax better and sleep more peacefully during the night. Therefore, the therapeutic elements of marijuana make it appropriate in treating sleeping disorders and related conditions including stress.
Some people have reported that CBD, a cannabinoid found in both marijuana plants and hemp plants are also helpful for sleep and stress.