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Combating Insomnia with Cannabis by Peter Kershaw, contributing writer
Insomnia can adversely affect our quality of life, resulting in problems functioning well during the day, such as tiredness and low energy( fatigue), difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, and irritability. These problems can escalate into psychological disorders such as chronic depression and anxiety, which in turn can result in worsening insomnia. Our bodies and minds require restful, restorative sleep each night. When deprived of good sleep over weeks and months, we risk physical and mental breakdown.
Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep with one or more of the following symptoms:
● Difficulty falling asleep
● Repeated waking with difficulty returning to sleep
● Waking up too early in the morning
● Un-restorative sleep
According to the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine,“… approximately 30 % of a variety of adult samples drawn from different countries report one or more of the symptoms of insomnia …” 1 This figure represents what is known as“ transient insomnia”( lasting a few nights per week, totaling no more than several weeks per year). Though transient insomnia is likely to interfere with our focus and productivity the next day, as long as it remains transient, it may not be a cause for great concern. However, when insomnia becomes the nightly routine for a month or more, it’ s classified as Clinical Insomnia Disorder( or Chronic Insomnia).
Around 12 % of Americans have been diagnosed with Chronic Insomnia. 2 The true percentage is likely much higher since so many cases go unreported. According to Sleep Medicine Research,“… less than 20 % of individuals with insomnia are correctly diagnosed and treated.” 3 Where medical comorbidities, such as diabetes, are present, around 33 % also suffer from insomnia. 4
Lack of quality sleep often results in“ daytime functional impairment.” The risk of serious accidents and injuries while on the job site, e. g., operating heavy machinery, increases significantly. Many, if not most, highway accidents caused by 18-wheelers are directly due to
Cannabis is one of the most beneficial of all sleep aids. Not only is it a sedative, but it also addresses many of the underlying causes that interfere with sound sleep.
so-called“ drowsy driving” by big-rig drivers, with some estimating 6,000 or more fatalities per year. Not only is our insomnia a risk to our health and safety, but even the insomnia of total strangers poses a risk to us and our families.
There are many potential causes for insomnia, including long-term stressful life circumstances, chronic pain, environmental toxins( household mold, heavy metal poisoning, etc.), prescription drugs such as anti-depressants, obesity, poor diet, irregular meal times, lack of exercise, poor hydration, etc. Caffeinated drinks in the afternoon often cause restless sleep. While a single glass of wine may aid sleep, several glasses can be counterproductive( alcohol is a sedative but is also biphasic, i. e., a little is beneficial but too much interferes with sleep). 5 Pre-bedtime practices can also have a big impact on sleep. For example, eating late at night is a bad idea. Investing in a quality mattress and pillow is essential to getting a good night’ s sleep. Taking steps toward good“ sleep hygiene” is critical to a good night’ s sleep. Yet even after implementing good sleep hygiene practices, millions of Americans still suffer each year from insomnia.
Cannabis for Insomnia
In a 2022 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, 29 insomnia patients over two weeks orally received cannabis oil before bedtime. The oil consisted of 10 mg / ml tetrahydrocannabinol( THC) and 15 mg / ml cannabidiol( CBD) and was titrated to 0.2-1.5 ml / day. Even at this remarkably low dose, the“… medicinal cannabis oil was generally well tolerated, and was effective in improving sleep, whereby 60 % of participants no longer classified as clinical insomniacs at the end of the 2-week intervention period.” 6
Cannabis is one of the most beneficial of all sleep aids. Not only is it a sedative, but it also addresses many of the underlying causes that interfere with sound sleep. For example, chronic pain can make it impossible to sleep well. Patients may find themselves tossing and turning in a futile effort to get comfortable. The right strain of cannabis, properly administered, will give many hours of pain relief. A stressful lifestyle can leave one’ s brain racing while trying to fall
18 October 2025