What Is the Best Cannabis for Sleep?

Do you toss and turn all night? Stare at the ceiling while your mind races? You're not alone. Millions of Americans struggle with sleep issues, and a lot of them are turning to cannabis as a natural alternative to habit-forming and sometimes harmful sleep medications. 

Cannabis is, however, a bit of a black box for many Americans. What is the best cannabis for sleep? Should I try edibles or flower? How much do I really need for sleep?

While some varieties can leave you energized and alert (the last thing you want before bed), others are specifically cultivated to help your mind and body wind down for the night. Understanding which cannabinoids, terpenes, and strain types work best for sleep can help you wake up refreshed rather than groggy — but the information barrier can be massive. Another tough truth is that not all cannabis is created equal, and neither are all dispensaries. 

Flower House, a Houston dispensary you can trust, is here to cut through all the noise. In this article, we'll explain how cannabis and sleep interact, run down which strains might be best for sleep, and — for those really doing their homework — which cannabinoids, terpenes, and effects to look out for.

Keep reading about all things cannabis and sleep, start shopping at the link below, or get in touch with us today for a consultation.

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Is it good to use cannabis for sleep?

Research suggests that cannabis can be an effective sleep aid for many people, but like any therapeutic approach, it comes with both benefits and things to consider. Some research suggests that cannabis may help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, increase total sleep time, and improve sleep quality for those dealing with insomnia or sleep disruptions.

Some of the potential benefits of using cannabis for sleep include: 

• Natural relaxation without the harsh side effects often associated with prescription sleep medications
• Reduced anxiety and racing thoughts that commonly interfere with sleep onset
• Pain relief for those whose physical discomfort keeps them awake

Many users also report that cannabis helps them achieve deeper, more restorative sleep cycles. Cannabis does, however, affect everyone differently. What works for one person does not always work for another. Some people may experience improved sleep immediately, while others might need to experiment with different strains and dosages to find their preferred combination — which is why having a cannabis expert in your corner while exploring cannabis for sleep is essential. 

What happens when you sleep high?

Sleeping while under the influence of cannabis can significantly change your normal sleep patterns. Most people report falling asleep faster and experiencing fewer middle-of-the-night wake-ups on cannabis. The relaxation and sedative effects of certain cannabis compounds help quiet both physical tension and mental chatter that often prevent quality rest.

Smoking before sleep can also affect your dream patterns and REM sleep cycles. A lot of cannabis users have fewer vivid dreams or difficulty remembering their dreams when using cannabis regularly before sleep. This is because THC can suppress REM sleep, the stage associated with most dreaming activity. While this might not be a positive for everyone, some people with recurring nightmares or PTSD-related sleep disturbances use cannabis before sleep for exactly these reasons.

What happens to your brain when you sleep high?

Cannabis interacts with your brain's endocannabinoid system, which plays a huge role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, mood, and various physiological processes. 

1. When you consume cannabis before sleep, cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout your brain and body, triggering responses that promote relaxation and drowsiness.
2. THC can initially increase dopamine levels, which might create a temporary sense of euphoria or heightened awareness.
3. As these effects subside, THC's sedating properties typically take over, helping to slow down racing thoughts and promote the transition into sleep.
4. CBD works in tandem with THC, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm alongside the psychoactive effects of THC.

Research suggests that strains high in CBD may help normalize disrupted sleep patterns and could be particularly beneficial for those whose sleep issues stem from anxiety or stress rather than physical discomfort.

What is the best cannabis product to help with sleep?

Before we get into it, we have to say that the best cannabis product for sleep will depend mostly on your specific needs, preferences, and tolerance levels. How you consume cannabis and what type of cannabis product you consume will also play a huge role. Here's a short breakdown:

Flower is the most popular choice for most users because it provides relatively quick effects. You can easily control how much you smoke and stop when you've reached your perfect level of relaxation. The effects last long enough to help you fall asleep, without leaving you groggy the next morning.

Edibles offer the longest-lasting effects, which makes them ideal for people who struggle with staying asleep through the night. The delayed onset time does mean you'll have to do some planning, as you'll want to take them 1 or 2 hours before you want to go to bed. It's also worth noting that the extended duration can sometimes result in morning grogginess, so starting with lower doses is usually smart.

Should I use indica or sativa for sleep?

Indica and indica-dominant strains are generally the preferred choice for sleep because of their relaxing and sedating effects. Traditional indica varieties have been cultivated to promote physical relaxation, reduce anxiety, and encourage sleepiness — exactly what most people need for quality rest.

These relaxing effects stem from higher concentrations of certain terpenes and cannabinoids — more on that later — that work together to create sedating experiences. The mental effects of indica strains also tend to be more calming and introspective rather than energizing or stimulating.

Modern hybrid strains offer a middle ground that can be particularly effective for sleep when they lean heavily toward indica genetics. Many contemporary sleep-focused strains are technically hybrids but express primarily indica characteristics with carefully selected sativa traits that might help with mood elevation or mild pain relief without causing unwanted stimulation — though weed strain effects vary massively from strain to strain and user to user.

Read more about hybrid strain effects

What is the best strain for sleep? What strain will knock you out?

Many strains have earned reputations as powerful sleep aids for their potent sedating effects and ability to produce couch lock. The most effective sleep strains typically combine high THC content with sedating terpenes like myrcene, linalool, and caryophyllene. A few sleepy strains that we offer at Flower House are:

• Kush Zkittlez x Knockout combines award-winning genetics to create powerful sedating effects. This indica-dominant hybrid marries the flavorful Zkittlez lineage with Knockout's potent relaxation properties, resulting in a strain that's particularly effective for evening use and sleep preparation. I mean… it's called “knockout.”
• Blue Repasado is another killer choice for sleep seekers. This indica-dominant hybrid combines Sunset Sherbet and Biscotti genetics to create a strain known for both its great flavor profile and strong, relaxing effects. The combination of these genetics produces a strain that can help quiet both physical tension and mental activity.

Other legendary sleep strains include varieties in the Purple family, which often feature high myrcene content, Kush varieties known for their deeply relaxing effects, and strains with "knockout" or similar descriptors that indicate strong sedating properties.

Which cannabinoid is known for sleep?

While THC often gets the most attention among the cannabinoids in cannabis, several contribute to better rest. Here are some of the main cannabinoids associated with sleep:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): The most well-known cannabinoid for sleep assistance. It can help reduce the time needed to fall asleep and may increase the duration of deep sleep phases. As we mentioned, THC can also suppress REM sleep, which might affect dream patterns and overall sleep.
• CBD (cannabidiol): Offers a different approach to sleep support by potentially reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation without psychoactive effects. Research suggests that CBD might help regulate sleep-wake cycles and could be particularly beneficial for those whose sleep issues stem from anxiety or stress rather than physical discomfort.
• CBN (cannabinol): Often called "the sleepy cannabinoid," CBN is actually a degradation product of THC that forms when cannabis is aged or exposed to heat and light. While research is still limited, many users report that CBN produces notable sedating effects without the intense psychoactivity of THC.

Tips and side effects of using cannabis for sleep

Developing a good relationship with cannabis and sleep means developing a good relationship with sleep in general — you can't neglect other sleep essentials and just smoke yourself restful.

Some essential tips for using cannabis for sleep include:

• Start low and go slow: Getting too stoned can actually keep you up instead of putting you down.
• Time your consumption: Smoke half an hour to an hour before you want to go to bed, to allow the effects to onset.
• Create consistency: Establish a routine that signals to your body it's time to sleep.
• Choose the right environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and comfortable for optimal sleep, and keep screens off for a window before bed.

There are also some side effects to be aware of:

• Morning grogginess: "Hangover" effects are possible, especially with higher doses or longer-lasting consumption methods.
• Tolerance buildup: Some users require higher doses over time to achieve the same sleep-inducing effects.
• Sleep pattern changes: There can be serious alterations in natural sleep patterns when cannabis use is discontinued, so be prepared for your “new normal.”
• Rebound insomnia: This is what it's called when you have difficulty sleeping if you stop using cannabis after regular use.

Looking for a green night's sleep? Flower House has you covered.

Finding the best cannabis for sleep requires not just access to the best quality cannabis money can buy, but access to expert guidance from cannabis professionals who can walk you through the process — which is exactly what Flower House provides Houston. 

Finding the best cannabis for your desired experience, no matter what that experience is, often requires some trial and error. Our expert advice and carefully curated selection make sure that the process goes smoothly, and puts the best possible flower in your hands. 

Looking for weed delivery in Houston? We bring expertly selected sleep strains directly to your door with the discretion and professionalism you deserve. Same-day delivery for local orders placed before 1 PM means you can have quality sleep aids in hand when you need them most.

Don't let another restless night affect your well-being. Start looking out for #1 by calling Flower House today. Our cannabis specialists are standing by to provide personalized recommendations that will have you sleeping soundly and waking refreshed.

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