In a world where the quest for a good night’s sleep has become a public health concern, a quiet revolution is unfolding.
Insufficient sleep, a pervasive problem affecting 35% of U.S. adults, is officially recognized as a public health epidemic.
The increasing prevalence of insomnia has led to a surge in the use of prescription sleep aids (PSAs), with many turning to various benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines.
However, these conventional sleep aids often come with a high potential for addiction and undesirable side effects like drowsiness, decreased alertness, and even more severe risks such as respiratory depression and cancer.
Cannabis. A Beacon of Hope in Sleep Management
Amidst this scenario, cannabis emerges as a beacon of hope. A large-scale survey conducted on 1,216 individuals using cannabis for sleep reveals a significant shift in preferences.
Cannabis is increasingly perceived as an effective sleep aid, often chosen over conventional sleep aids.
The legalization of cannabis in North America correlates with a 236% decline in over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aid sales, indicating a strong preference for cannabis.
Among cannabis users, a high percentage—74% of recreational and 45-80% of medical users—report using it for sleep, often leading to a reduction or complete cessation of conventional sleep aids.
Understanding the Cannabis-Sleep Connection
This study aimed to explore the aspects of sleep that cannabis improves, the types of cannabis products used, and the comparison of its effects with OTC and PSAs.
The participants predominantly reported using joints or vaping flower, seeking compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and the terpene myrcene. The majority (60.0%) preferred high-THC products.
These findings align with broader medical cannabis studies and suggest that THC, CBD, and myrcene may be beneficial for sleep-related issues.
The Comparative Advantages of Cannabis
The survey findings are a revelation in terms of the advantages of cannabis over other sleep aids. Participants reported feeling more refreshed, focused, and better able to function after using cannabis compared to conventional sleep aids.
They also experienced fewer headaches and less nausea. Interestingly, a small percentage combined cannabis with OTC sleep aids or PSAs, highlighting the potential drug-sparing effect of cannabis.
Despite some reports of feeling more sleepy, anxious, and irritable after cannabis use, these effects were less significant compared to those of conventional sleep aids.
A Ray of Light in Sleep Wellness
Cannabis is not just another sleep aid; it’s a ray of light in sleep wellness. Its perceived effectiveness in relaxing the mind and body, achieving deeper, longer, and more uninterrupted sleep, is reshaping sleep management.
As we slowly step into a world where cannabis takes center stage in sleep wellness (in come countries at least!) it’s crucial to continue research to fully understand its efficacy and potential side effects.
The findings from this study not only contribute to a better understanding of cannabis as a sleep aid but also pave the way for more controlled, objective research in the future.
A Bright Future Awaits
Our journey towards better sleep wellness is illuminated by the potential of cannabis.
As research continues to unravel its mysteries, we stand on the brink of a new era in sleep management, where cannabis could play an important role.
