Cannabis Users Prefer Marijuana to Conventional Sleep Aids
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A recent study reveals that a majority of medical cannabis users grappling with insomnia and sleep quality issues are replacing conventional over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids with the drug for addressing their sleep-related problems. Despite the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advocating for seven or more hours of nightly sleep for adults, both acute and chronic insomnia remain prevalent, impacting a significant portion of the global population. Poor sleep is associated with various health risks, including dementia, cardiovascular disease, and an elevated risk of death from chronic illnesses.
In the United States, the surge in insomnia and diminished sleep quality has resulted in an increased reliance on over-the-counter remedies such as melatonin and prescription sleep aids like benzodiazepines. These medications are linked to a high risk of addiction and come with unwanted side effects, including drowsiness, reduced concentration, and memory impairment. However, recent findings suggest a growing trend of adults turning to cannabis to address their sleep concerns.
Examining Cannabis Integration into Sleep Routines
Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) conducted a study to investigate how and why medical cannabis users are incorporating the drug into their sleep routines and how it impacts their reliance on traditional sleep aids.
Carrie Cuttler, the corresponding author of the study, noted, “In general, the use of cannabis for sleep-related issues was perceived as more advantageous than over-the-counter medications or prescription sleep aids. Unlike long-acting sedatives and alcohol, cannabis was not associated with a ‘hangover’ effect. However, individuals reported some lingering effects such as sleepiness and mood changes.”
The study involved 1,216 cannabis users, with a majority being female (55.9%) and spanning ages 18 to 77. Data were collected regarding participants’ sleep challenges, the duration of these issues, and the frequency of cannabis use as a sleep aid.
A significant proportion reported struggles with falling asleep (82.2%), experiencing fatigue the next day (68.1%), waking during the night without reason (67.1%), difficulty returning to sleep (61.6%), and impaired functioning the following day due to poor sleep (53.9%). The majority (64.9%) had dealt with sleep issues for over five years, and 70% had been using cannabis to aid sleep for at least one year.
Exploring Cannabis Consumption Patterns for Sleep Enhancement
Regarding the types of cannabis employed, 46.1% used smoked joints, 42.5% opted for cannabis oil, 42.6% utilized vaped flower, 34.9% consumed edibles, 33.9% employed a vape pen, and 14.6% ingested THC-containing capsules. The majority (60%) favored high THC products to aid sleep, followed by 21.7% who chose a balanced combination of THC and CBD.
Among the participants, 81.8% of cannabis users reported discontinuing the use of over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids, with over 60% indicating they obtained six to eight hours of sleep when relying solely on cannabis. Conversely, less than 20% of participants reported achieving the same amount of sleep when using a prescription or over-the-counter sleep aid or combining cannabis with a sleep aid.
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Surprisingly, 49% of respondents expressed a preference for the terpene myrcene in the cannabis they used for sleep. Myrcene, the most abundant terpene in cannabis, collaborates with cannabinoids and other terpenes to enhance the plant’s health benefits, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties.
Carrie Cuttler remarked, “One of the findings that surprised me was the fact that people are seeking the terpene myrcene in cannabis to assist with sleep. There is some evidence in the scientific literature to support that myrcene may help to promote sleep, so cannabis users seemed to have figured that out on their own.”
A Spectrum of Experiences Among Cannabis Users
Participants reported diverse morning outcomes and side effects. Cannabis users commonly mentioned feeling refreshed, focused, and better able to function in the morning, experiencing fewer headaches and less nausea compared to when using conventional sleep aids. However, cannabis users also reported feeling sleepier and more anxious and irritable the morning after, in contrast to other sleep aids. They were also more likely to report a dry mouth or reddened eyes.
The study acknowledges certain limitations, including a notable selection bias toward individuals already using cannabis due to perceived benefits. However, the researchers assert that the study’s strengths, such as a substantial sample size of medical cannabis users employing various cannabis products for diverse sleep-related issues, mitigate these limitations.
Carrie Cuttler stated, “Not everyone is going to find that cannabis helps with their sleep, and future research needs to employ more objective sleep measures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of cannabis for sleep.”
Additionally, further research is needed to validate the efficacy of myrcene and other isolated cannabis compounds for sleep without the intoxicating effects of THC.
Read the original article on: New Atlas
