{"id":39555,"date":"2025-09-11T06:00:29","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T10:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=39555"},"modified":"2026-03-26T01:29:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T05:29:04","slug":"best-marijuana-strains-for-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/best-marijuana-strains-for-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to the Best Marijuana Strains for Sleep: Fall Asleep and Stay Asleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

For people who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night, cannabis may provide a natural alternative to traditional sleep aids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies show that cannabinoids like THC and CBD <\/span>influence sleep cycles<\/span><\/a> by interacting with the body\u2019s endocannabinoid system.<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide explains how cannabis supports better sleep, highlights the most effective strains for both falling and staying asleep, and offers practical tips for using cannabis to improve your nightly rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How Cannabis Supports Falling and Staying Asleep<\/b><\/h2>\n

Cannabis can help people fall asleep faster and sleep better overall. Depending on the cannabinoid and dose, it can increase the time spent in deep (slow-wave) sleep and reduce the time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, potentially leading to fewer dreams and nightmares.<\/span><\/p>\n

The body\u2019s natural cannabinoid system, known as the <\/span>endocannabinoid system (ECS)<\/span><\/a>, controls sleep by affecting brain chemicals and internal rhythms. It produces compounds, <\/span>such as anandamide<\/span><\/a>, that bind to CB1 receptors in the brain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When anandamide binds to CB1 receptors, it influences brain activity by regulating mood, pain, appetite, and sleep. This binding works like a key fitting into a lock, triggering signals that promote relaxation and help you fall and stay asleep more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research shows that activating CB1 receptors\u2014particularly with THC\u2014helps people <\/span>fall asleep faster<\/span><\/a>, stay asleep longer, and experience deeper, more restorative sleep. Animal studies support this by showing that <\/span>anandamide<\/span><\/a>, a natural endocannabinoid, increases both REM and non-REM sleep while reducing wakefulness. CBD also naturally increases anandamide levels to boost CB1 activity indirectly, and contributes direct pro-sleep functions on non-CB targets.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to the ECS, cannabis also targets the <\/span>endocannabinoidome<\/span><\/a>\u2014a vast system of receptors, enzymes, and signaling molecules\u2014not just the traditional CB1\/CB2 receptors. By engaging this complex network, cannabinoids like THC and CBD can target serotonin, dopamine, cortisol, and more pathways to help regulate sleep-wake cycles, balance circadian rhythms, and reduce inflammatory or stress-related disruptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many cannabis users confirm they have better overall sleep quality, fewer nighttime awakenings and nightmares, and deeper slow-wave sleep after consumption. Unlike traditional sleep medications, cannabis often leaves <\/span>users feeling more refreshed<\/span><\/a> and alert with fewer side effects like grogginess or nausea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

People who use cannabis as a sleep aid commonly prefer inhalation methods like smoking joints or vaping flower because these methods deliver fast relief, making it easier to fall asleep quickly. However, many still choose to <\/span>avoid airway effects<\/span><\/a> and instead opt for discrete tinctures and gummies about 30\u201360 minutes before bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also common for people who use cannabis for sleep to choose products high in THC, especially those that contain calming terpenes like <\/span>myrcene found in indica varieties<\/span><\/a>. Keep in mind that studies note how <\/span>overconsuming THC over time<\/span><\/a> can actually lead to poorer sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Person<\/p>\n

Some people, however, prefer <\/span>strains higher in cannabidiol (CBD)<\/span><\/a> and lower in THC to support sleep without feeling impaired. CBD also does not cause the tolerance effects of THC over time. These strains offer a natural way to improve sleep, especially for evening use or for managing anxiety-related insomnia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral CBD helps people <\/span>sleep longer<\/span><\/a> by extending total sleep time. It also positively affects brain activity during non-REM sleep, promoting deeper rest and more stable sleep patterns. A 2019 large case series <\/span>studied the effects<\/span><\/a> of CBD on anxiety and sleep, offering promising results within just the first month.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Researchers administered CBD over several weeks and monitored participants\u2019 anxiety and sleep scores. The results showed that CBD significantly reduced anxiety and improved sleep, with benefits appearing within the first month and lasting through the 3-month study.<\/span><\/p>\n

An <\/span>updated 2023 review<\/span><\/a> looked at 34 similar studies and recommends either CBD alone or in equal quantities of CBD. This helps balance out THC\u2019s effects and complements each other. A reasonable approach is to try CBD first, and then add-on equal (1:1) THC and CBN if needed for more pain and sleep relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

A lesser-known cannabinoid, <\/span>CBN (cannabinol)<\/span><\/a>, is <\/span>formed over time as THC is exposed to oxygen, UV light, or heat <\/span>and degrades<\/span><\/a>. Compared to THC, it is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid with about <\/span>10% the affinity for CB1<\/span><\/a>. Studies suggest CBN may have <\/span>sedative effects<\/span><\/a> and may support deeper and longer sleep by influencing key sleep stages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is why CBN is often marketed as a sleep aid and commonly referred to as \u201c<\/span>the sleepy cannabinoid<\/span><\/a>.\u201d The truth is that CBN works best when paired with cannabinoids like THC, as it synergizes with THC to increase sleep time in animals. Concentrated CBN or CBN-rich products may also help reduce inflammation and pain, further promoting more comfortable sleep. Recent clinical studies suggest that just <\/span>20 mg of CBN<\/span><\/a> is effective for several aspects of sleep, including awakenings, disturbances, and no daytime fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Terpenes That Promote Sleep<\/b><\/h2>\n

Terpenes are natural compounds in cannabis that give each strain its unique smell and flavor. They also play a crucial role in how the <\/span>strain affects your body<\/span><\/a>, particularly in terms of sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Terpenes work together with cannabinoids like THC and CBD in what\u2019s called the <\/span>entourage effect<\/span><\/a>, which can boost their ability to help you sleep better. Generally speaking, the terpenes that are <\/span>best for anxiety<\/span><\/a> are also best for sleep because of the shared targets and functions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the terpenes, among many, that can help best promote sleep include:<\/span><\/p>\n