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Tag: REM sleep

  • Another Benefit for Cannabis Users

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    Joining thousands of mom-and-pop businesses and American households, cannabis is another industry hit hard by the shutdown

    As more Americans reexamine their relationship with alcohol, a growing number are discovering another benefit from cannabis users.  The green plant might offer a surprising nighttime benefit — better, more restful sleep. While both substances can make you feel relaxed, the way they affect your body and brain overnight couldn’t be more different. For many users, the difference is showing up as deeper sleep, clearer mornings, and better mental health overall.

    RELATED: Making Your Cannabis Dollars Stretch During The Shutdown

    When you drink alcohol, it can initially make you drowsy and help you fall asleep faster. But studies show alcohol disrupts normal sleep cycles — particularly the REM (rapid eye movement) stage vital for memory, mood, and brain restoration. As alcohol is metabolized, it can cause restless tossing, dehydration, and frequent awakenings throughout the night. The result? You might “sleep” for eight hours but wake up feeling like you barely rested.

    Cannabis, on the other hand, tends to work differently. Certain cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system — the network that regulates stress, pain, and sleep. THC can help shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and extend deep, slow-wave sleep, the stage associated with physical repair. Meanwhile, CBD, the non-intoxicating compound, can ease anxiety and reduce nighttime rumination, two of the biggest barriers to drifting off. Unlike alcohol, cannabis does not interrupt REM sleep in the same way, and users often report waking up feeling more refreshed and alert.

    Of course, not all strains or consumption methods affect sleep equally. Heavy THC use or stimulating sativa strains may have the opposite effect, increasing alertness or vivid dreams. Experts recommend lower doses and indica-dominant or balanced strains for bedtime.

    RELATED: The Feds Foul Play Around Cannabis

    The growing interest in cannabis as an alcohol alternative ties into a broader trend: the prioritization of mental wellness and recovery. Quality sleep is foundational to health — it improves immune function, mood regulation, memory, and even metabolism. When people trade late-night drinks for mindful cannabis use, they may not only avoid the hangover but gain one of life’s most underrated luxuries: truly restorative rest.

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    Amy Hansen

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  • How Marijuana Effects Dreams

    How Marijuana Effects Dreams

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    They are good for your mental health and most occasionally remember them, here is how marijuana effects dreams.  

    Dreaming is a universal human experience involving a state of consciousness during sleep characterized by sensory, cognitive and emotional occurrences. Dreams are stories the brain creates during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Time spent in dream sleep is healthy. REM-sleep dreaming appears to take the painful sting out of difficult, even traumatic, emotional episodes experienced during the day, offering emotional resolution when you awake the next morning. Nearly 11% of people remember their dreams every night. Only 6% of people report never remembering their dreams. About 29% of people report remembering dreaming a few times a week. Not all is happy though, 80–90% of adults have had a nightmare at some point in their lives. Considering how cannabis helps with sleep, here is how marijuana effects dreams.

    Marijuana has a complex relationship with sleep and dreaming, affecting various aspects of our nightly rest. Understanding these effects is crucial for both recreational users and those considering cannabis for medical purposes.

    Cannabis, particularly strains high in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), can significantly alter sleep architecture. THC is known to decrease the duration of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the stage where most vivid dreaming occurs. This reduction in REM sleep often leads to fewer and less memorable dreams for regular cannabis users.Conversely, marijuana tends to increase the time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. While this might sound beneficial, it’s important to note that a balance between all sleep stages is crucial for optimal rest and cognitive function.

    One of the most intriguing phenomena related to marijuana and dreaming is the “REM rebound” effect. When heavy cannabis users stop consuming, they often experience a surge in REM sleep, leading to more vivid and intense dreams. This effect is typically temporary, lasting for a few weeks as the brain adjusts to the absence of THC.

    While THC is primarily responsible for suppressing REM sleep, CBD (cannabidiol), another major component of marijuana, may have different effects. Some research suggests that CBD might actually increase dream vividness. This highlights the complexity of cannabis’s impact on sleep and dreams, as different strains and consumption methods can yield varying results.

    The dream-suppressing effects of marijuana have sparked interest in its potential therapeutic use for certain sleep disorders. For instance, it may help manage nightmares associated with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

    It’s crucial to note altering  the natural sleep cycles can have long-term consequences on cognitive function and emotional regulation. While marijuana can significantly impact dreaming by suppressing REM sleep, its effects are not uniform and can vary based on usage patterns, individual physiology, and the specific cannabis strains used. As research in this area continues to evolve, it’s essential for users to be aware of these potential effects and consult healthcare professionals when considering cannabis for sleep-related issues.

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    Amy Hansen

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