THC is the compound in marijuana responsible for the “high feeling.: It causes central drowsiness and sedation. One study conducted in 2004 showed that high doses of THC (15mg) cause daytime sedation. Another study conducted in 2008 showed that THC reduces REM sleep; this is the active phase of sleep where you have dreams. By reducing REM sleep, one is able to have a more restful sleep and wake up feeling rejuvenated.
However, regular use of THC may impair one’s sleep quality in the long run. REM sleep is vital for development and so is nighttime sleep. One study showed that daily marijuana use resulted in more sleep disturbance as compared to non-regular use.
High THC strains may provide a quick fix for insomnia. In the long run, this may not work. First, high THC will first cause your mind to race before you can eventually drift to slumber. This definitely requires that you plan ahead and have sufficient time to wait-out. But before you rule out cannabis as your alternative sleep aid, let’s look at what CBD has to offer.
