Science tells us that getting a good night’s sleep is the key to staying healthy. But for many people, that’s an elusive goal.
Recent research shows that more than 35 percent of American adults sleep less than the recommended seven to nine hours, thanks to issues such as anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. And, then there is COVID!
Cannabis Can Help You Sleep Better
Standard treatments for insomnia include non-prescription aids and a variety of prescription medications that come with various side effects. But many people are finding relief from an old source – cannabis, a plant that works with our body’s systems to provide relief from a long list of health conditions.
Cresco offers ‘Rest’ an Indica flower for sleep
And now, Illinois residents can choose from a range of new cannabis products designed to ease anxiety, promote relaxation and relieve the pain and discomfort that can interfere with sleep.
An Epidemic of Insomnia
The world is experiencing an insomnia epidemic, with more people than ever reporting problems with getting – and staying – asleep. Common causes of poor sleep include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Health conditions of all kinds
- Chronic pain
- Irregular sleep schedules, such as rotating shift work
- Medications
- Neurological conditions
- PTSD
- Sleep apnea
Insomnia can cause daytime sleepiness and problems with focus and concentration. More significantly, recent research suggests that chronic lack of sleep might also contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia because the brain uses sleep time to cleanse and reset itself.
Alternative Ways to Get a Good Night’s Slumber
For some people, therapy can be helpful to address issues that interfere with sleep. Other remedies for sleep disorders range from a soothing cup of chamomile tea before bed to powerful prescription aids like temazepam or Ambien.
But both prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause a range of side effects, including a “hungover feeling,” constipation or diarrhea, muscle weakness, and dizziness. Some can cause a condition called parasomnia, in which a person can engage in hazardous activities such as driving or taking medications without being fully awake. These medications can also be addictive.
Cannabis a Safe Way to Rest Better
Now, though, cannabis offers a safer, more natural alternative for restful, pain-free sleep.
The cannabinoids within cannabis – THC, CBD, and CBN work with the body’s natural systems and help to promote a better night’s sleep. The cannabis plant acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of cell receptors that respond to cannabinoid receptors naturally produced by the body. In this way, cannabis can activate neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system to reduce anxiety and depression, block pain signaling, and promote relaxation.
Buying Cannabis in Illinois
Today, Illinois residents can choose from various legal cannabis products which promote restful sleep. Since January 2020, cannabis has been legal in the state for both recreational and medical purposes. Anyone over the age of 21 can buy cannabis flower, tinctures, or other products from state-approved retailers.
Here’s a look at five of the best cannabis products for getting more shut-eye that adults in Illinois can buy, available at Verilife dispensaries in cities throughout the state.
Snoozzzeberry Gummies
Verilife’s Snoozzzeberry Gummies combine THC and CBN in a tasty ten pack edible that supports refreshing slumber. Each gummy contains 10 mg of THC and 2 mg of CBN, including some CBD. Snoozzzeberry Gummies are made with pure THC distillate in a homogeneous mixture for easy dosing every night.
Downtime Vape Pen
The Downtime Vape Pen by Beboe contains 60 percent THC and 15 percent CBD along with a cocktail of the minor cannabinoids CBN, CBG and CBDV, plus the relaxing terpenes myrcene, linalool, and alpha-bisabolol. Available in blueberry and lavender flavors, this disposable vape pen delivers relaxation and calm for unwinding at the end of the day,
Midnight Drops
Midnight Drops from 1906 deliver restful sleep in a swallowable pill that contains a 1:1 combination of THC and CBD. Each Midnight Drop has 5mg THC and 5 mg CBD in the fastest acting edible in the world, with an onset of relaxing effects in 20 minutes or less.
Rest Tincture
Rest is a sleep-supporting tincture containing 1 mg of CBD to 5 mg of CBD THC per serving, or 20 mg CBD and 100 mg THC for a whole bottle. Tinctures are fast-acting and easy to dose for a relaxing way to ease into sleep.
The compounds and terpenes in cannabis work with the body’s natural systems to support sleep without standard sleep medications’ risks and side effects. And now, the best cannabis products for sleep can help Illinois residents get the quality sleep essential for good health.
Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis
It’s easy to get your medical document with the online Telehealth service HelloMD. Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.