Day: June 2, 2018

Can Marijuana Help You Sleep Better?

Legal hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to have several benefits. CBD is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis, and it makes up over 40 percent of the plant’s extract. CBD is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-seizure properties, the reason why it is now used for relief from pain. Cannabis is also quite popular for another reason – aiding in sleep. Cannabis is used widely by CBD lovers for getting a good night’s sleep. Cannabis is the most popular natural remedy used for battling insomnia, and it is known to be effective. However, not many know why CBD is so helpful in making people doze off.

THC and CBD are both compounds found in cannabis, but they work differently. While THC causes euphoria and a feeling of being ‘high’ CBD is more calming and soothing. That is the reason why it is also used for treating anxiety. In a study held in 2006, it was found that non-intoxicating CBD increased alertness during the day and aided in sleep at night. This led researchers to believe that CBD could be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia and daytime sleepiness.

But how does this happen? A large number of people who aren’t into any other form of drugs smoke cannabis every night for better sleep. Although the science behind this isn’t completely clear, one reason is the terpenes in cannabis. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds which reduce stress and anxiety levels and bring in calmness. Terpenes are also found in lavender and chamomile, both of which promote sleep. In fact, cannabis along with a lavender bath or chamomile tea works even better to aid in sleep.

It has also been found that aged cannabis work better in promoting sleep. This is because as cannabis grew old, there forms a compound called cannabinol or CBN. This compound is known to be five times more sedating than THC or CBD, although it forms very slowly. Therefore old weed is stronger in promoting sleep, as compared to newer weed.

On the flipside, cannabis also may produce a mild hangover in the morning. If you ever notice that your head is a little groggy in the morning, it is probably from the cannabis you took at night. Although it is never like the hangovers caused by alcohol, it might still make you feel a little foggy, tired, and dehydrated. Some people may never experience this. Others usually get it from taking bad weed. The best way to avoid a hangover is to take it in moderation and drink plenty of water.

A significant and noticeable thing about consuming cannabis for sleep is the inhibition of dreams. This is because cannabis reduces the time spent in REM sleep, the final phase of sleep when dreams occur. When cannabis is consumed before bedtime, it inhibits the formation of vivid dreams. On the other hand, if you stop long-term use of cannabis, you will most likely experience REM rebound, when you have very lucid and vivid dreams.

Although the relationship between sleep and cannabis isn’t yet completely clear, it is definite that cannabis has a calming and soothing effect on the brain, causing drowsiness and sleep. Cannabis isn’t addictive and can be given up more easily than other means of inducing sleep. In coming days, cannabis as a sleep aid is likely to gain more popularity.

Fragmented Sleep Causes, Treatment, and Lifestyle Changes

After the end of a day, sleep is supposed to replenish the lost energy and recharge us for the next day. But when you keep waking up many times at night and struggle to fall back asleep, it doesn’t help you relax or recharge. Most people think waking up multiple times a night is normal, but this condition is called fragmented sleep. The awakenings during your normal sleep cycle may range from brief episodes after which you fall back asleep, or longer periods of wakefulness followed by difficulty going back to sleep.  People who have fragmented sleep wake up feeling tired in the morning. Other common symptoms of fragmented sleep include daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, foggy memory, and difficulty concentrating.

Why does fragmented sleep matter?

Recent studies have found that fragmented sleep is equal to getting no sleep at all because both cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue the next day. Many people who experience fragmented sleep hardly consider it a problem, and then they wonder why they wake up with a headache or have difficulty staying awake through the day. The average person needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Anything less than this is insufficient. Those who think they only need four hours of sleep may not feel the consequences immediately, but soon the effects of insufficient sleep will catch up.

Lack of sleep elevates stress levels, increases appetite and suppresses the ability to burn calories. It also causes forgetfulness and inefficiency at work, while daytime sleepiness may also cause accidents. When a person is fatigued for days or weeks in a row, it can lead to various illnesses. Increased blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and elevated blood sugar levels are some of the long-term problems that can arise from lack of sleep.

Causes of fragmented sleep

There are a few types of fragmented sleep. Short term fragmented sleep can be due to waking up to care for a new baby or because of an illness like a cough or a sore back. This kind of fragmented sleep is situational and goes away after some time. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the person. Once the disturbances are gone, normal sleep can restore.

Fragmented sleep can also result from sleep disorders like sleep apnea, snoring, or periodic limb movements (restless leg syndrome). Fragmented sleep is known as sleep-maintenance insomnia, which is difficulty staying asleep. This is different from sleep-onset insomnia, which is difficulty falling asleep.

Poor sleep is also caused by lifestyle habits such as caffeine and alcohol consumption, exercising close to bedtime, or napping for a long time in the day. There may be other causes of chronic fragmented sleep, but they can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

Fragmented sleep remedies

Sleep-maintenance insomnia is easier to treat than sleep-onset insomnia. The first thing you have to do is to allow yourself to be tired and sleepy. This includes avoiding a nap during the day. As the fatigue accumulates through the day, it is easier to fall and stay asleep at night. Really sleepy people are less likely to have a fragmented sleep.

It is also necessary that distractions are removed before bedtime. Switch off the phone, fix the leaking faucets, and wear an eye mask to prevent any light from distracting you. If possible, shut the windows to prevent noises from outside to wake you up. Also drink less fluid close to bedtime to avoid getting up for the bathroom.

If you always wake up several times at night, consider consulting a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions like sleep disorders or snoring.