The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the first two things that therapists investigate during any introductory session are eating habits and sleeping habits. This is because sleep is necessary for healthy brain functions and physical health. While asleep, your body heals and repairs your heart vessels while also preparing your brain for the next day of work.
The importance of a healthy sleeping schedule is obvious. There are numerous studies released every year that backs up the importance of sleep. The more difficult question is, how do I get to a healthy sleep schedule and how do I maintain it?
Although there are several ways to improve your sleep (melatonin, exercise, etc.), some studies suggest that Indica strains of marijuana can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
In this article, we will explore Indica strains and identify the best Indica strains for sleep.
10 Best Indica Strains for Sleep
Here are 10 of the best Indica strains for better sleep, each known for their unique ability to promote relaxation and restful nights:
- Tahoe OG Kush: Indica-dominant hybrid; strong body relaxation, ideal for sleep.
- Afgoo: Indica-dominant; calming effects and earthy aroma aid sleep.
- White Widow: Balanced hybrid; relaxing effects, often used for sleep.
- God’s Gift: Indica; soothing, relieves stress, promotes sleep.
- Afghan Kush: Pure Indica; heavy body high, excellent for inducing sleep.
- Northern Lights: Pure Indica; sedative, great for sleep and pain relief.
- Blue Cheese: Indica-dominant hybrid; muscle relaxation, aids sleep.
- Critical Kush: Indica-dominant hybrid; deep relaxation, helps sleep.
- Cannatonic: Balanced hybrid; high CBD, calms anxiety, aids sleep.
- Grape Ape: Indica; strong body high, promotes relaxation and sleep.
1. Tahoe OG Kush Strain
Photo from Wikipedia Commons
Tahoe OG Kush is an Indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain that could be your secret weapon for a good night’s sleep when insomnia strikes. If you are an insomniac or have a racing mind, the Tahoe OG Kush strain can help you slow your thoughts and put you to sleep. Tahoe OG is a strain that is fast-acting and relaxes your muscles and mind. The combination of feeling both physically and mentally relaxed has a synergistic effect that could help you regulate your sleep schedule.
2. Afgoo Strain
Afgoo is an earthy Indica strain with strong sleep-inducing properties, perfect for helping you settle into bed for a restful night’s sleep. Afgoo strain isn’t as fast-acting as some of the other strains on this list, but it is known for its strong body high and distinctive earthy aroma. It’s also high in terpene myrcene, which has both relaxing properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Other strains that are high in terpene myrcene are White Widow, Special Kush, and Skunk XL. Some of these strains you will also find later on this list!
3. White Widow Strain
Photo from Wikipedia Commons
White Widow is a balanced hybrid, blending the best of Sativa and Indica effects, known for its ability to help users achieve a restful night’s sleep. Early on, the White Widow strain was singled out as a strain that was particularly good at getting the user to fall asleep. The high THC content can be a bit excessive for beginners to marijuana, but if you are looking for something that will get you to sleep fast and hard, consider the White Widow strain.
4. God’s Gift Strain
Photo from Wikipedia Commons
With a name like God’s Gift strain, you know that this strain will produce results. God’s Gift strain is a strain that focuses mainly on relaxing your mind and releasing yourself from all the stress you have built up throughout the day. This newfound feeling of relaxation is perfect for those who feel trapped in their thoughts.
5. Afghan Kush Strain
Afghan Kush strain is an indica that will give you an intense body high. These effects differ from other strains on this list because most users feel a sudden lightness and relaxing effect that ripples through their bodies. Afghan Kush strain will remove all of the pain, annoyances, and distractions produced by the body. Fans of the Afghan Kush strain report that everything from your legs, arms, and even eyelids will start to relax to the point where sleep is the only option left.
6. Northern Lights Strain
Photo from Wikipedia Commons
Northern Lights is a classic Indica strain from the 1980s, renowned for its powerful sleep-inducing properties and its ability to promote a good night’s sleep. As time has passed, the Northern Lights strain has continued to grow more potent and powerful as a strain that can help you fall asleep. Like the other indica strains on this list, Northern Lights will have an intense body high that will alleviate pain and stress from your body. The high THC within this strain will help you end the day relaxed and help you get prepared for the next day.
One thing to note is that this strain is specifically known for helping with pain. If you happen to be unable to sleep due to distracting aches and pains throughout your body, we highly recommend the Northern Lights strain. Although this rings true for any strain on this list, we advise that you are extra cautious with dosage when it comes to Northern Lights because it is a potent strain that can put you in a deep sleep.
7. Blue Cheese Strain
Blue Cheese strain is an Indica-dominated strain that is a cross between blueberries and cheese. Although it is not the most obvious combination, many who have tried Blue Cheese strain speak very highly of it. This strain is known for soothing your sore and tense muscles. This strain is best for those who need a physical release for their tense body and want a sweet and unique smoke right before bed
8. Critical Kush Strain
Critical Kush strain is an indica-dominant strain that differs a bit from the Tahoe OG Kush strain that we discussed earlier. The Kush family appears multiple times on this list because it is especially good at giving you better sleep for longer periods.
Critical Kush strain received its name by being a cross between OG Kush and Critical Mass. Critical Kush strain is known for initially giving a euphoric feeling and then delivering a relaxing feeling throughout your body and mind. Critical Kush strain has a high percentage of THC and will help even the toughest insomniacs. If you are new to marijuana, we suggest trying out other softer strains on this list before trying any strain that is high in THC and more potent than necessary.
9. Cannatonic Strain
Photo credit: Flickr.com Dominic Milton Trott https://www.flickr.com/photos/157786281@N07/48242549556
You may have noticed that most of the Indica strains mentioned on this list are high in THC. Cannatonic is a hybrid cannabis strain high in CBD, making it a natural sleep aid that’s ideal for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.
Everyone has different reasons for why they can’t seem to fall asleep. If you find yourself overly anxious and worrying before bed, Cannatonic strain, though not a pure Indica, may be the best strain to help you sleep. To some users, THC can worsen anxiety. If you fall under that category, Cannatonic strain is the better choice to help you lessen that anxiety and fall into a deep sleep.
10. Grape Ape Strain
Photo credit: Flickr.com Dank Depot https://www.flickr.com/photos/dankdepot/5500914637
Grape Ape strain is possibly the best indica strain for sleep. Grape Ape strain is a purple indica strain that received its name due to the faint smell and taste of grape. Grape Ape strain is great for lowering pain, helping with anxiety, and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Grape Ape strain comes with an initial head high and slowly transitions into a powerful body high. Be sure to smoke this strain in the evening a few hours before bed, so that the body high hits right as you get tucked into bed.
How To Choose the Right Indica Strain for Your Sleep Needs?
Picking the right Indica strain for sleep is a bit like finding the perfect pillow—it’s all about personal comfort and preference. The key lies in understanding a few core factors like the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of the strain. These elements determine how a strain interacts with your body and mind, influencing its potential to help you drift off.
First, look at the cannabinoid profile. THC and CBD are the heavy hitters, but don’t overlook others like CBN, which may enhance relaxation. Strains with moderate THC and higher CBD levels are often gentler, making them a good starting point. Then, there’s the terpene profile. Terpenes are what give each strain its unique aroma, but they also play a big role in the effects. Terpenes like myrcene and linalool are particularly known for their calming properties.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing your sleep-friendly Indica:
- Cannabinoid Profile: Look for strains with balanced THC and higher CBD for a more soothing experience.
- Terpenes to Watch For: Myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, beta-pinene, and terpinolene are top picks for relaxation.
- Experimentation: Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it may take trying a few strains to find your perfect match.
By focusing on these factors, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the Indica strain that helps you get the restful sleep you need.
Conclusion
Having a healthy sleep schedule can significantly improve your quality of life. Before resorting to addictive sleeping medications, consider using Indica strains to help get your sleep schedule back on track. These strains are a fast-acting, affordable solution with powerful effects. Additionally, the best course for overcoming insomnia may require lifestyle changes in addition to your sleep strains.
As with all medications, the best strain for one person may not be the best strain for you. The best Indica strain for sleep varies for each individual, but we are confident that you’ll find a strain from this list that works for you.
Do you think we missed the best Indica strain for sleep? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
How does cannabis affect sleep quality?
Cannabis strains, particularly Indica varieties, tend to have relaxing body effects that promote better sleep quality by reducing stress and calming the mind.
What are the best weed strains for treating insomnia?
The best weed strains for treating insomnia include Indica strains like Northern Lights, Afghan Kush, and Tahoe OG Kush, all known for their sleep-inducing properties.
How do Indica strains differ from Sativa strains in promoting sleep?
Indica strains tend to produce relaxing body effects and a calming mind, making them ideal for promoting sleep, while Sativa strains are generally more energizing.
Can using marijuana strains help regulate sleep patterns?
Yes, marijuana strains, especially those with high CBD and moderate THC levels, can help regulate sleep patterns by easing the mind and reducing anxiety.
What makes a strain one of the best cannabis strains for sleep?
The best cannabis strains for sleep often have high myrcene levels, a balanced cannabinoid profile, and calming terpenes like linalool and beta-caryophyllene, which contribute to their relaxing and sleep-inducing effects.
Disclaimer:
You knew it was coming, the text in this article is informational only and not intended to be legal or medical advice or recommendations in any way. Use this information as you will with your own discretion.
The bottom line is – be safe, follow the rules, and enjoy some Mary Jane while you are in the Bicentennial State for your Rocky Mountain High!
