If you’re a PTSD patient struggling with sleep, you may be wondering if cannabis could help. A recent study found that self-reported improvements in falling asleep and fewer nightmares were linked to cannabis use. In particular, CBD was found to keep people from waking up too early. This study gives us a solid foundation for learning more about how cannabis affects sleep problems in people with PTSD.
So far, studies on cannabis and PTSD have been limited, but the results have been promising. One study found that cannabis use was associated with reduced levels of anxiety and flashbacks. Another study found that CBD may help to regulate fear memories. These results show that cannabis may help people with PTSD deal with their symptoms.
Of course, more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. But for now, it’s worth considering whether cannabis could help improve your sleep. If you’re interested in trying cannabis for sleep, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional about finding the right product for you.
What is PTSD and what are the symptoms?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can happen after someone goes through or sees something scary. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
PTSD can lead to sleep problems such as insomnia, night terrors, and restless sleep. These problems can make it hard to get the restorative sleep you need to heal from the trauma.
How does cannabis help improve sleep for PTSD patients?
According to research, people with post-traumatic stress disorder who use cannabis before bedtime feel like they sleep better. The study showed that subjects who consumed CBD-rich products were less likely to report early awakenings. This gives us a solid base for testing future ideas about the effects of medical cannabis and CBD on sleep, possibly through clinical trials. It’s been found that cannabis products may be associated with increased sleep duration and reduced insomnia. The legalization of adult-use marijuana has also been linked to a decrease in the sale of over-the-counter sleep aid medications.
The relationship between cannabis and sleep
Cannabis products can contain many different cannabinoids, each with its own effects. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC is the cannabinoid that gets you “high,” while CBD does not have psychoactive properties.
CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. CBD may also help to regulate fear memories. This makes it a promising option for people with PTSD who are struggling with sleep problems. As we learn more about cannabis and its potential therapeutic benefits, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different. What works for one person may not work for another.
While more research needs to be done in order to draw definitive conclusions, it may be worth considering using cannabis to help with PTSD-related sleep problems. If you’re struggling with insomnia or nightmares due to PTSD, contact one of our doctors to find out if this is the perfect option for you.
