According to figures from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, upwards of 40 million Americans are struggling with long-term sleeping complications with a further 20 million occasionally plagued by such difficulties.
Consequently, many have turned to sleep pills and, in more recent times, Indica (a short, wide variation of the cannabis plant) which has been found to a more effective remedy. In line with that, today we take a look at why Indica makes you sleepy and how it’s the key to unlocking a good night’s rest.
More THC than CBD
Usually, marijuana contains two essential compounds i.e. THC and CBD with the latter being the non-psychoactive compound that won’t get you high but will instead increase your alertness more like coffee with THC having the opposite effect.
The Indica strain is imbued with high levels of THC with CBD taking the content minority hence it induces the sensations of feeling high accompanied by that sedative effect that comes along the endearing sensation.
Induces Relaxation
which is the primary requirement for triggering sleep Falling asleep is usually the uphill task for many struggling with insomnia or other sleeping disorders and if your body is not in the “mood” to go to bed, then your mind will also follow suit.
Factors that lead to such a standoff include stress and anxiety/nervousness, all of which can be downplayed by the terpenes in the Indica alteration that react with various neuroreceptors in the brain to trigger the calm, happy-go-lucky state key to soothing and fulfilling sleep.
Sustains Optimal Sleeping Conditions
This ensures that you stay asleep Falling asleep is one thing but staying asleep for the recommended hours is another. Most people struggling with sleeping complications have a start-stop cycle due to body conditions such as temperature spiking below and above the requisite threshold levels.
The endocannabinoids in this strain of cannabis work to affect CB1 and CB2 receptors- located in the stomach and other nervous links throughout the body- and thereby control vital body organs such as the hypothalamus that is tasked with tweaking bodily temperatures to maintain comfort.
Induces REM sleep
Aside from just instigating sleep, the indica strain also tends to affect the quality of sleep you get and in particular REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Vivid dreaming, low muscle tone, and random bodily movements are a few of the traits of this kind of sleep that normally make it undesirable as it degrades sleep quality.
By alleviating this stage of the natural sleep cycle, your body will spend most of the time in “deep sleep” which is believed to be the most restful and restorative phase.
Parting shot
If you are struggling with insomnia and rarely put in all the hours you need to get ready for the next day, then indica is a great solution to all your troubles, that is if it is legalized in your state. Be sure to subscribe to our blog for unlimited access to other informative articles such as this and remember to use cannabis responsibly and with utmost moderation.