We know that a good night’s sleep is essential to overall health. However, a recent study has found that cannabis, often used by individuals seeking relaxation or sleep, may actually disrupt healthy sleep patterns and potentially impair memory. This new insight is valuable for both providers and patients, especially as cannabis use grows in popularity.

Cannabis and Sleep: Understanding the Risks

Many people use cannabis as a sleep aid, unaware of its potential negative effects. While it may initially promote relaxation, this study highlights that cannabis can interfere with sleep quality, leading to memory issues over time. Additionally, the use of cannabis carries risks, including the potential for addiction and acting as a gateway to other substances.

Educating Patients on Alternative Sleep Solutions

Given the impact of cannabis on sleep, it’s essential for healthcare providers to offer safe, effective alternatives for patients who seek to improve their sleep. Here are some tried-and-true methods to promote relaxation and support restful sleep without relying on substances like cannabis:

1. Acupuncture for Sleep: Targeted acupuncture points can help relax the body and promote sleep, making it a powerful natural option.
2. Chiropractic Alignment: Proper spinal alignment may help alleviate discomfort and tension that disrupts sleep, leading to more restful nights.
3. Relaxing Massage: Massage therapy is known to reduce stress, tension, and anxiety—factors that often hinder sleep.
4. Walking: A gentle walk focusing on surroundings rather than thoughts can quiet the mind and prepare it for sleep.
5. Breath Counting: Counting breaths in a relaxed manner can calm the nervous system, aiding the transition to sleep.
6. Box Breathing: This breathing technique (inhaling for four seconds, holding, exhaling, and holding) is an effective relaxation tool.
7. Magnesium Supplementation: Calm magnesium, a natural supplement, may help support relaxation and sleep.
8. Hot Baths: Winding down with a hot bath can relax the muscles and ease the mind into a restful state.
9. Soothing Audio: Listening to calm fairy tales or audiobooks can lull the mind into sleep. Alternatively, some find success with monotonous voices on topics like astrophysics or quantum physics.

Encouraging Informed Choices for Better Health

By educating patients on the effects of cannabis and providing healthier alternatives for sleep, we can guide them toward better sleep habits without unintended side effects. As healthcare providers, our role is to share these insights and offer options that contribute to our patients’ well-being, making this a crucial topic for ongoing discussion.

For more details, you can refer to the recent study shared by UT Dallas on WFAA’s website.

👉 BOOK ONLINE