Do you struggle to fall asleep at night and find yourself hitting snooze on your alarm every morning? You’re not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 35% of Americans report getting less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep each night. While there are plenty of sleep aids on the market, some people turn to cannabis as a natural way to help them get some shut-eye. But can weed actually help you achieve better sleep and turn you into an early bird?
The Science Behind Cannabis and Sleep
To understand the relationship between cannabis and sleep, it’s important to know that the plant contains compounds called cannabinoids. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive compound that gives you the “high” feeling, while CBD is non-psychoactive and is believed to have a range of therapeutic benefits, including helping with sleep.
When it comes to sleep, THC is believed to be the more effective of the two cannabinoids. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, THC decreased the time it took participants to fall asleep and increased their total sleep time. However, the same study found that THC also decreased the amount of REM sleep, which is important for cognitive functioning and memory consolidation.
On the other hand, CBD is believed to have a more subtle effect on sleep. According to a study published in the Permanente Journal, patients with anxiety and sleep issues who took CBD reported improved sleep and decreased anxiety.
Can Weed Help You Become a Morning Person?
While cannabis may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, it’s important to note that it can also have a “hangover” effect. THC can cause grogginess and impaired cognitive function the next day, which may make it harder to wake up early and be productive. Additionally, regular cannabis use can lead to a tolerance, which means you may need to use more and more to achieve the same sleep benefits.
So, can weed help you become a morning person? The answer is not clear-cut. While it may help you get better sleep, it’s important to weigh the potential downsides. If you’re using cannabis solely as a sleep aid, it may be worth considering other options such as cognitive behavioral therapy or sleep hygiene practices.
In Conclusion
While cannabis may offer some benefits for sleep, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides and to talk to your doctor before using it as a sleep aid. Additionally, if you’re looking to become a morning person, there are other strategies you can try such as establishing a consistent sleep routine, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and getting regular exercise. Ultimately, the key to getting better sleep and becoming a morning person is finding what works best for you.
