There are three categories of people in this world: those who went through a Bob Marley phase in high school, those who were dragged into a Bob Marley phase in high school by their friends, and the others.
If you belong to one of the first two categories, you are not in bad company (despite what your mother would say if she knew. Note that given the statistics, she might have her little secrets too): 78.9 million Europeans already say they have smoked cannabis at least once, including 42% of the French population in 2014.
However, is it 42% of the French population who definitely know how to fall asleep quickly thanks to this miracle (and completely illegal) remedy? Not sure. Also, there might be some side effects... a little point before the joint to know how to sleep well. :D
First, you should know that there are several kinds of cannabis that do not all have the same effect.
- The Sativa variety
Because of its high THC content, a molecule that affects the brain, the Sativa variety makes you... trip. Yes, THC is a psychoactive substance! It is the Sativa that smokers who want a psychedelic adventure take.
- The Indica variety
On the other hand, the Indica variety is richer in CBD, a molecule that knocks you out. By counteracting the effects of THC, it puts you in a lethargic, anti-stress and anti-anxiety state, where heaviness and sleepiness would be present, a bit like being super zen all the time.
In the short term, cannabis would indeed be more conducive to falling asleep.
- Falling asleep faster
Despite the many harmful effects of cannabis (those reading this article hoping to feel validated will be sadly disappointed), it has at least this merit: in the short term, it makes you fall asleep faster. Note, however, that the American study proving this effect dates from 1973 (no news since, as if studies on cannabis are not a priority)... and even if the subjects slept well, the next day they were a bit... high.
- Reduction of REM sleep phase
Cannabis cuts short your REM sleep, the phase of your sleep cycle during which you dream. Instead, it lengthens your deep sleep time, which gives the impression upon waking of having slept well with restorative sleep. We are not very sure about the harmfulness of this effect, but if you suddenly stop smoking, expect a reversal with vivid psychedelic dreams.
- Shifted sleep rhythm
By putting you in an almost permanent lethargic state, cannabis makes you want to sleep... anytime. By stimulating the secretion of melatonin, you are always in a second state and may have trouble waking up.
- An effect that fades
If you thought you found the solution to your sleep disorder with cannabis, it might be true — for a certain time. But don’t shout victory too soon: with repeated use, your body gets used to it and the “treatment” loses its effectiveness.
- Memory problems
Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, strong anxiety... it is even suspected to trigger schizophrenia in predisposed cases (but this needs to be better verified). Replacing a sleep disease with a psychological disease, not great!
- The harmful effects of tobacco
In addition to its knocking-out effects, cannabis does two in one: it also accumulates the harms of tobacco because it contains the same carcinogenic substances, sometimes in higher concentration levels. Insomnia or lung cancer, between the two your heart swings... not. :/
- Dependence and difficulties in regaining a normal rhythm
To top it all off, if you get your body used to taking this psychoactive drug, it will have trouble letting go if you leave it to itself. Paradoxically, if cannabis helped you fall asleep, in the long term it can create insomnia problems!
Even if cannabis is already legal in Spain or the Netherlands, this is not the case everywhere. Let us remind you that in France, possessing cannabis can lead up to 1 year in prison and a 3,800 euro fine...
And otherwise, Dodow is guaranteed over-the-counter and without psychotic tendencies. We rather advise you to favor a good breathing exercise, which will also give you a smile! :)
On the same subject:
Your diet affects the quality of your sleep!
How to fall asleep quickly by avoiding screens!
A positive attitude influences your life for the better, including sleep!
Sport to help you fall asleep faster, a solution!
