Cannabis and Sleep Hygiene: Tips for a Restful Night
Achieving a restful night's sleep involves more than just the substances we consume—it's also about cultivating good sleep hygiene practices. When it comes to cannabis and sleep, a harmonious blend of responsible use and sleep hygiene can pave the way for more rejuvenating nights. In this short blog post, let's explore tips for incorporating cannabis into your sleep hygiene routine for a truly restful experience.
- Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule:
Maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and promotes better overall sleep quality.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine:
Wind down before bedtime with calming activities such as reading, gentle stretching, or practicing mindfulness meditation. Integrate cannabis use responsibly during this routine, choosing strains or products known for relaxation.
- Optimize Your Sleep Environment:
Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in comfortable bedding and consider using blackout curtains to block out external light.
- Be Mindful of Cannabis Strain Selection:
When incorporating cannabis into your bedtime routine, choose strains that are known for their relaxing and sedative effects. Indica-dominant strains are often favored for their potential to induce relaxation and ease into sleep.
- Limit Screen Time Before Bed:
Exposure to screens emitting blue light can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Aim to limit screen time at least an hour before bedtime.
- Consider CBD for Anxiety and Stress:
If anxiety or stress is contributing to sleep difficulties, consider incorporating CBD into your routine. CBD is renowned for its calming and anti-anxiety properties, potentially promoting a more relaxed state.
- Avoid Heavy Meals and Stimulants Before Bed:
Refrain from consuming heavy meals, caffeine, and nicotine close to bedtime. These substances can disrupt sleep patterns and hinder your ability to fall asleep.
- Practice Moderation with Cannabis Use:
While cannabis may offer relaxation benefits, it's essential to practice moderation. Avoid excessive use, and be mindful of your body's response to different strains and doses.
- Stay Active During the Day:
Engage in regular physical activity to promote better sleep, but avoid intense exercise close to bedtime. Moderate exercise can help regulate sleep patterns and reduce stress.
- Consult with Healthcare Professionals:
Before incorporating cannabis into your sleep routine, especially if you have pre-existing conditions, consult with healthcare professionals. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history.
By combining responsible cannabis use with healthy sleep hygiene practices, you can create a bedtime routine that promotes restful nights and overall well-being. Remember, individual responses to cannabis vary, so it's crucial to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. Sweet dreams await those who approach cannabis and sleep with mindfulness and balance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CBD capsules, pills or softgels support your body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which helps regulate your natural inflammatory response, stress response, immune function, and sleep cycle so you can better manage stress, burnout, irritation, and discomfort.
Each form of CBD takes a different route through your body, impacting how long it takes to interact with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and how long it takes to work varies depending on a combination factors: metabolism, weight, and whether you've recently eaten can influence how long it takes CBD capsules to take effect. It is important to note that CBD builds up in the body over time, meaning that committing to your daily suggested amount is key to the long-term success with your CBD product of choice. Try taking the recommended amount on the packaging for 30 days. You can always adjust the amount as needed — you know your body best.
Understanding the suggested amount of CBD for you starts with understanding how CBD interacts with the body and brain, and particularly with the Endocannabinoid System, also called the ECS. To learn more, checkout How Long Do CBD Capsules Take To Work?
CBD capsules and CBD softgels are best taken at a consistent level for you to understand what works best for you — you know your body best. Try starting with the recommended amount on the packaging, and monitor how you feel over the next 30 days. If you aren't satisfied with the results, try gradually increasing or decreasing the number as needed.
Selecting a CBD product is an individual decision based on your overall wellness goals. CBD capsules are easy-to-swallow pills similar to a vitamin so you don't need to guess how much to take. CBD oils, such as tinctures, commonly use carrier oils including olive oil or medium-chain triglyceride (MTC) from coconut or hemp seed oil which might not taste good. And let's face it, oils are a little messy, and measuring out a precise amount from a small bottle with a dropper might not be an easy task. Unless the CBD in a CBD oil has been optimized for bioavailability, CBD oils won't be absorbed by the body and all the benefits may not be felt.