Top 6 Cannabis Strains for Sleep Problems and Insomnia
“Wanna hear a joke?
Sleep.
I know; I don’t get it either.”
– Anonymous –
Laugh as much as you can at the joke, but lack of sleep is no laughing matter.
Sleep plays a very important role in our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It is, after all, during that time that our cells start healing and repairing themselves. So imagine what happens if you don’t get enough sleep.
Experts say that adults need at least seven to eight hours of a good night’s sleep. But not everyone gets to enjoy a deep, restful sleep though. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 10% to 30% of the general population worldwide suffers from insomnia and sleep disruption. This statistic can even go as high as 50% to 60%.
Medications are usually given to control insomnia. But while these drugs can help you sleep, you should know that they do have side effects. In some cases, too, these drugs don’t work at all. So you increase your dosage, but you suffer more from their side effects as well.
These reasons are why an increasing number of insomniacs are switching to cannabis to help them sleep better. Not only can cannabis address their insomnia, but it can also help control some of their other chronic medical conditions as well.
What are the factors to consider in using cannabis for insomnia?
Before you buy indica cannabis for insomnia though, there are some important things that you need to know.
- • Method of administration: Are you more comfortable smoking or vaping cannabis? Or are you more comfortable eating cannabis edibles?
While you can expect faster results when you inhale cannabis, you should know that cannabis edibles’ sleep effects last much longer. This is because cannabis edibles stay longer in the system compared to inhaled cannabis.
- • Different cannabis strains: Not all strains produce the same effects. Sativa-dominant strains produce an energizing effect, while Indica-dominant strains produce a sedating effect. Then there are all the different cannabis hybrids in between, which makes choosing strains a very difficult one.
- • Cannabinoid content: As if choosing the best strain isn’t difficult enough, but you still have to look at their cannabinoid content. Does it contain a high THC? How about the levels of other cannabinoids like CBD and CBN?
Strains with high THC level can induce anxiety and paranoia. These are side effects that won’t help you get any sleep. However, some strains though that have high THC with some CBD in it can promote better sleep. This is because CBD can counteract the anxiety and paranoia produced by THC.
It would also do you well if you choose aged cannabis compared to fresh ones. Its aroma and flavor may not be as appetizing as fresh ones, but aged cannabis contains high CBN levels. This cannabinoid has powerful sedating effects that can help you sleep.
Choosing a good strain for sleep is really hard. Fortunately, we have prepared a list for you.
What are the best cannabis strains for insomnia?
You definitely don’t want the energizing effects of Sativa-dominant strains, so cross them out of your list. Just focus on these Indica-dominant and hybrid strains we have listed for you:
- Granddaddy Purple
An Indica classic strain made by crossing Big Bud with Purple Urkle, Granddaddy Purple is considered one of the top sleepy and relaxing strains. It induces a potent relaxing effect that can not only induce sleep but improve mood as well.
Granddaddy Purple has a THC level of about 17% to 27% with a 1% CBD level. It also contains myrcene, a terpene known for its sedating effect.
Granddaddy Purple can help improve chronic insomnia. Its analgesic effect can also keep chronic pain away, so you can get a restful sleep.
- Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a 100%, pure Indica strain with a 16% to 21% THC level, 0.10% to 0.21% CBD level, and 0.30% to 0.70% CBN level. Its genetic makeup can be traced back to Afghani landrace and Thai landrace strains. An all-time favorite Indica strain, Northern Lights has been used in the creation of popular strains like Super Silver haze as well as Shiva Skunk.
This strain produces powerful euphoric, sleepy, and relaxing effects. It can help stabilize your mood and emotions and wash away stress and anxiety. At the same time, it can also control pain and muscle spasms. All these symptoms can prevent you from having a restful sleep. But one deep lungful of Northern Lights though and you will feel all these melt away, leaving you completely relaxed and sleepy
- Afghan Kush
Also called Afghan OG, Afghan Kush is a pure, 100% Indica with 21% THC level, 6% CBD level, and 1% CBD level.
Afghan Kush is known for its potent whole body relaxing and sleepy effects. It can reduce anxiety and stress, improve mood, control chronic pain, and induce deep sleep.
- 9-Pound Hammer
A popular Indica-dominant strain, 9-Pound Hammer is 80% Indica / 20% Sativa. This strain is a cross between three potent cannabis strains. You have Gooberry, Jack the Ripper, as well as Hells OG.
9-Pound Hammer has a moderately high level of THC at about 18% to 23% with 0.30% CBD and less than 0.01% CBN levels.
9-Pound Hammer is aptly named. It produces a potent relaxing, sedating, and sleepy effect. Not only can it calm your mind, but it can also relax your body. One deep toke and you’ll feel its gentle sedating and relaxing effects slowly wash over your whole body, leaving you in a peaceful couch lock. Pretty soon, you’ll be lulled into a deep, rejuvenating sleep.
- Ogre
This is one ogre that won’t keep you up a night. An Indica-dominant strain, Ogre has a THC level of about 155 to 22%, CBD level of about 0.15% to 0.23%, and CBN level of about 0.44% to 1.25%.
Ogre’s genetic makeup can be traced back to Sensi Star, a legendary and all-time favorite Indica strain known for its potent full-body relaxing effects. Like its parent strain, Ogre can scare the insomnia out of you. Its calming effect can improve your mood and leave you feeling happier and uplifted, while its potent relaxing and sleepy effects can set the mood for sleep.
- God’s Gift
God’s Gift is almost a pure Indica strain at 90% Indica / 10% Sativa. Its THC level is about 27% with a CBD level of 0.25% to 1.46% and CBN level of about 0.10% to 0.30%. This strain is a cross between OG Kush as well as Granddaddy Purple.
God’s Gift is indeed a godsend to insomniacs. Its long-lasting sedating, relaxing, and sleepy effects are so potent that you will want to do nothing but stay in bed and sleep. It also has a potent analgesic effect that reduces chronic pain and allows you to sleep better.
These are just six of the best cannabis strains for sleep. Other strains that can help improve your sleep and reduce insomnia are Tahoe OG Kush, Querkle, Big Bud, Skywalker, Girl Scout Cookies, A-Dub, Death Star, Bubba Kush, Vanilla Kush, and Blue Mystic.
All these pure Indica and Indica-dominant strains have potent relaxing and sedating effects. They can help improve mood, control chronic pain and inflammation, calm the nerves, and relax the body. With all these effects combined, you’re sure to get a very deep, restful sleep.
