There is ample evidence that sleep and pain are related; and that sleep impairment reliably predicts exacerbations of chronic pain. Even when it is not severe, pain is a daily struggle for patients suffering from chronic health conditions, cancer, and other diseases or injuries. Constant debilitating pain and lack of sleep can significantly impact the patient’s physical and mental well-being and threaten their quality of life. Patients suffering from pain cannot enjoy everyday activities and frequently report significant interference with sleep. Research has demonstrated that lack of sleep can exacerbate chronic pain, and lack of restorative sleep also hampers the body’s immune response and can affect cognitive functions.
There are still questions about the exact association between pain and sleep. However, the prevailing notion amongst the scientific fraternity is that they are reciprocally related. Micro Longitudinal studies employing assessments of pain state that sleep impairments are a more reliable predictor of pain than pain is of sleep impairments.
Since its legalization, Marijuana is being used to manage many conditions that the State qualifies to receive Cannabis treatment and is giving excellent results. Marijuana’s ability to improve the quality of sleep is one of the reasons it is able to reduce stress and anxiety in patients suffering from mental health disorders. However, research is still trying to understand its healing abilities. But scientists believe that if qualified patients take Marijuana under the guidance of an experienced physician, its benefits outweigh the risks.
At My Florida Green, we understand the daily struggles of patients with chronic health conditions. And how lack of sleep can make their life more challenging. Our physicians strongly believe that Marijuana can help patients with a broad range of conditions, and these illnesses are on the qualifying list for medicinal use of Cannabis. Our experts strive to help these patients get the relief they deserve without using traditional pharmaceuticals. Which may lead to organ damage and dependency.
What is the connection between pain and sleep?
One finding that has consistently come up during clinical studies indicates that chronic pain is one of the main reasons for poor sleep patterns and quality of sleep-in patients. This includes difficulty initiating sleep, disrupted sleep, early morning awakenings, and waking up tired. There is also a steadily emergent view supported by studies that pain and sleep are reciprocally related and that acute sleep loss increases pain sensitivity. This relationship between sleep and pain has important implications for the clinical management of patients but also for the prevention of chronic pain.
Sleep regulates homeostasis, while pain is a physical and emotional signal of bodily harm that strongly motivates behavior. We require an adequate amount of sleep and functional pain signals for survival; however, chronic impairments in the systems regulating pain and sleep can have a broad negative impact on health and well-being.
Studies have shown that lack of sleep and insomnia increases the risk of new cases of chronic pain in individuals. Who do not have any underlying condition. Sleep disturbance also worsens the long-term prognosis of existing headaches, chronic musculoskeletal pain and impacts daily fluctuations in clinical pain. To add more, good sleep appears to improve the long-term prognosis of individuals suffering from tension headaches, migraines, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Hence, it has been clinically proven that adequate sleep plays a pivotal role in improving the overall quality of life. And healing for those suffering from many health conditions, including pain and mental health disorders.
How does Marijuana improve sleep?
Marijuana owes its healing abilities to the chemicals it contains. The two most commonly known derivatives are Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC and CBD are similar to the body’s endocannabinoids in structure and their mode of action. Hence; they can improve sleeping patterns by interacting with the receptors present in our system. CBD is the nonpsychoactive component and is widely used as an alternative treatment option. It is used to reduce depression, anxiety, chronic pain and to improve focus and attention. When CBD is taken in higher doses, it can induce sleep. While it increases alertness and focus when used in lower doses.
The psychoactive component, THC, is why people feel high with Cannabis use. THC’s ability to cause sedation is the reason it makes it easier for individuals to fall asleep. Studies have revealed that THC changes the time spent in each stage of the sleep cycle, especially the time spent in REM sleep. It decreases the time spent in REM sleep, ultimately reducing dreaming and causing individuals to sleep peacefully. By limiting dreams, THC can help patients with PTSD by reducing night terrors and nightmares. Which include traumatic memories, consequently improving their sleep cycle.
How does Marijuana help to manage pain?
Most of us seek medical advice when we are in pain; hence it is also the most common symptom for which patients seek Marijuana treatment. Pain has established itself as an excellent alternative choice for reducing pain, especially chronic pain. Chronic pain is debilitating, rendering people unable to work making normal life activities challenging. Another advantage that adds to Marijuana’s allure is that it is a lot safer than other pain-reducing medicines like opiates.
Marijuana is very effective against nerve pain, the most debilitating form of pain. The most widely used pharmaceutical products for nerve damage are Neurontin and Lyrica, which cause sedation. People taking pain-reducing medications often feel detached from their families and find it challenging to work and complete everyday activities. In contrast, patients who add Cannabis to their treatment can continue with their daily lives without feeling disengaged. In addition to improving their chronic pain. Marijuana infused drinks can also help to reduce pain.
If you are looking for an effective pain reliever, I can recommend taking Tramadol. I use it for a couple of weeks, and the effect is better than I could have expected. Though pain does come back sometimes, I can cut it fast with a pill of Tramadol. I guess its main benefit is the speed of action. Anyway, this is the reason why I have stopped the choice on this medication.
How to get a Marijuana recommendation to improve sleep and reduce pain?
As discussed, there is enough evidence that implies that poor sleep compounds the pain experience of many individuals. There is growing awareness that sleep is essential to allow patients to cope with persistent discomfort and pain. Research has also shown that pain and sleep have a reciprocal, interdependent relationship; therefore, it is clinically important for all pain providers to assess sleep quality for all patients living with chronic pain.
Patients in Florida can seek the assistance of qualified physicians in our network to complete their Marijuana certification. So they can effectively manage their chronic pain. Once you have received your Marijuana Card, our physicians can give a tailored recommendation based on your symptoms, past medical records, and current medication to ensure you receive the most suitable Marijuana product that can reduce your pain and improve your sleep.
