Good sleep is an elusive luxury
People with insomnia tend to have difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep as long as desired. Insomnia can be short term, lasting for days or weeks, or long term, lasting more than a month.
Insomnia can occur independently or as a result of another problem. Conditions that can result in insomnia include psychological stress, chronic pain, chronic health conditions, certain medications, and drugs such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Other risk factors include working night shifts and sleep apnoea.
Sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes are typically the first treatment for insomnia. Sleep hygiene includes a consistent bedtime, exposure to sunlight, a quiet and dark room, and regular exercise. While sleeping pills may help, they are associated with significant side effects, particularly with long term use. These medications are not recommended for more than four or five weeks.
Does cannabis help with sleep?
Cannabis has been used by people for sleep for a long time. However, it seems there may be factors in cannabis that cause it to be more or less useful.
One known (side) effect of cannabis is that it can cause sleepiness, or lethargy (tiredness). Although this may be seen as a side effect, especially for people who are working during the day and need to get out and about, it can actually be beneficial if it is taken before bedtime, as it can help with getting to sleep.
