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Posted by u/creatine_supremacy

Anyone using cannabis for sleep sustainably? Need some input!

TL;DR: Looking for advice on sustainable cannabis use for better sleep.

So, I've been trying to figure out if cannabis can actually help with my sleep in a way that's not just a one-time fix. I've read mixed things about it and im curious about the long-term effects on sleep quality. I love my sleep, and I'm just looking for something that won't mess with my recovery, especially with lifting. Anyone here have a sustainable routine with cannabis for sleep? What are you using and how's it working out for you? Im just trying to keep my sleep game strong, ya know?

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u/depressedlifter

i've tried it too, but my anxiety kicks in sometimes and ruins everything. I don't know, man. Maybe I need therapy instead of weed.

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u/depressedlifter

Lol, I tried CBD gummies before bed once. Worst decision ever. I felt groggy all the next day. Stick to what works for you.

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u/spoonie_lifter

Living with chronic pain, I find that cannabis does help me sleep, but I also practice mindfulness and yoga. Just goes to show it's not one-size-fits-all.

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u/beardedsquatter

I tried it once and thought I was in a different dimension, man. Woke up feeling like a zombie. Not my thing, but some of my buddies swear by it. Just gotta find what works for you.

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u/recomping_rebel

Facts, I'm starting to think I need to focus more on sleep hygiene rather than relying on cannabis. It's tough when you just want to sleep, but I guess there are other methods.

31

Honestly, I've been doing some research on cannabinoids and their effects on sleep. There are studies that suggest a balanced strain could actually help with sleep cycles. I'd look for a strain with more CBD than THC.

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u/running_on_empty

Sleep is like the unsung hero of recovery. If you're using cannabis, just be aware of its effects on your sleep cycles. Sometimes, it's about mental clarity and not just knocking out

22

Word! Diet, sleep hygiene, and stress management go hand-in-hand. Don't neglect any of those if you want to optimize recovery

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u/bro_split_bro_420

Ngl, I hit the vape pen before bed sometimes. It knocks me out, but I can't say it's always a good idea. Just gotta keep your lifts in mind!

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u/recomping_rebel

I've been using cannabis for sleep on and off for a couple of years. It does help me fall asleep faster, but I noticed that my sleep quality can be hit or miss. Sometimes I wake up groggy, which is the opposite of what I want after lifting. Just make sure you're tracking how you feel when using it. You might need to cycle it or find the right strain.

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Cannabis can definitely help with sleep, but make sure you're tracking what strains you use. Indica is usually better for sleep, while sativa can keep you wired. Focus on your nutrition and maybe try something like magnesium before bed too.

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u/mostly_lifting

Lol, I feel like a weed connoisseur at this point with all my testing. One time, I had some 'Indica' before bed and thought I was dreaming about lifting, but I woke up and realized I forgot to meal prep. Just a heads-up, it can mess with your focus too, not just sleep!

28

Using cannabis is fine, but if you're hitting the gym hard, you should think about how it affects your gains. There's research showing it can hinder muscle recovery if used too frequently.

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u/recomping_rebel

Facts! CBD doesn't give you that groggy feeling in the morning. Plus, it's legal in more places now, which is a bonus. Give it a shot!

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u/saltyngl

I'm in powerlifting and I've used cannabis a bit for sleep, but it can affect my performance if I'm not careful. I prioritize sleep hygiene and maybe some valerian root or melatonin instead. Just a thought.

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u/proteinpancakes22

Honestly, I've found that sticking to a regular sleep schedule helps more than anything else. I tried weed for sleep but ended up with weird dreams. Better off with some tea and good sleep habits.

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Research suggests that while cannabis can help some people fall asleep faster, it may reduce overall sleep quality over time. I recommend tracking your sleep with an app to see how it's affecting you. If you see a drop in your recovery, it might be time to reconsider.

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u/mostly_lifting

Sometimes you just need to let your body do its thing. Maybe a good deload week and some meditation can do wonders without reaching for the green.

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u/recomping_rebel

I used to hit the weed before bed thinking it would help, but it messed with my sleep cycles. I was groggy as hell in the morning, and it definitely affected my lifts. Now I stick to CBD oil, which seems to help without the high.

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u/macro_counter98

A lot of people suggest CBD oil for sleep without the high. I've been trying that, and it seems to help me relax a bit more before bed. Just another option to consider.

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u/grumpy_gains

You're not alone. I tried the whole cannabis thing and ended up having to cut it out. Just a thought, but have you considered something like ashwagandha? It's more sustainable for sleep and anxiety.

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u/proteinpancakes22

This, plus some good stretching after lifting really helps me unwind. i've found my sleep quality is way better when I focus on recovery holistically.

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u/running_on_empty

Cannabis is a mixed bag for sleep. It can help you fall asleep, but it might not keep you in deep sleep for long. I've found that meditation and a good sleep routine have done more for me in the long run.

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u/beardedsquatter

My buddy tried edibles and said they put him down hard, but the next day he couldn't lift at all. Like, he looked like he skipped leg day for a month. 馃槀 Just be careful with dosage!

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u/mostly_lifting

I tried using cannabis for sleep last summer. The first few nights were amazing, but then I started waking up more often. My lifts took a hit, and I was deadlifting less than my usual. So, I dropped it.

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u/grumpy_gains

Y'all are acting like cannabis is some miracle drug for sleep. It can help short-term, but it might screw up your REM sleep. Don't become too dependent on it.

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u/saltyngl

I've experimented with cannabis for sleep, but honestly, it doesn't always lead to quality rest. My PRs dropped when I was too reliant on it, so I cut back. Try some natural sleep aids like valerian root instead.

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u/depressedlifter

Honestly, I've struggled with anxiety and sleep. Tried cannabis, but it just made me feel more anxious at times. Sometimes the anxiety before bed is worse than the lack of sleep

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u/beardedsquatter

Bro, i tried smoking before bed a few times and woke up feeling like I just squatted a 1,000 pounds. Definitely not sustainable, but I did sleep like a rock! Maybe there's a better way?

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u/bro_split_bro_420

Using cannabis is chill and all, but like, what happens when you don't have it? Gotta find that natural sleep, bro. No one wants to rely on it forever.

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u/grumpy_gains

I don't wanna be that guy, but I've read that heavy usage can lead to tolerance and you end up needing more just to sleep. Might be a slippery slope, you know?

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u/proteinpancakes22

I haven't used cannabis, but I know a few friends who swear by it. They say it helps them chill out, but they also avoid it before heavy lifting days. Balance is key, right?

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u/recomping_rebel

I've been using cannabis for sleep for about a year now. Honestly, it helps me fall asleep faster, but I've noticed that my deep sleep isn't as solid as it used to be. I love lifting and recovery is key, so I'm looking for alternatives myself.

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u/grumpy_gains

Facts, the last thing you want is to be feeling like a zombie in the gym. I tried using cannabis for sleep but noticed my lifts were off the next day. It wasn't worth it for me, so I stick to other methods like a solid bedtime routine and no screens.

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u/beardedsquatter

Honestly, i tried a strain called 'Sleepy Time' or something like that. I thought it was a joke, but bro, I was out like a light! Only problem is I ended up missing my morning cardio session like three times. Not sure that's sustainable for me, lol

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u/saltyngl

I think it really depends on your individual response to cannabis. Some people find it helps with anxiety and allows them to sleep better, while others wake up feeling sluggish. I've had some success with low-dose edibles before bed, but I keep an eye on my overall recovery and performance.

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u/spoonie_lifter

With chronic illness, sleep is a struggle. I've tried cannabis and it helped, but not consistently. I now focus on my routine and light stretching before bed. Sometimes the simplest changes work the best.

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u/mostly_lifting

I've dabbled with cannabis for sleep, but I noticed my workouts felt off the next day. Maybe I'm just more sensitive, but recovery is hard enough without adding to it. Anyone else felt this way?

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u/grumpy_gains

Bro, if you're looking for sustainable sleep, cannabis might not be the best long-term solution. I've read that it can mess with REM sleep. You might wanna consider some good sleep practices instead

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u/saltyngl

I totally agree with you! Natural sleep aids have worked better for my recovery and lifts. Plus, my gym partner had a bad experience and had to take a break from lifting. Just be careful.

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u/keto_lifter98

Yeah, i do keto and sometimes use cannabis before bed. It helps me relax, but I've had to watch my carb intake closely to avoid feeling sluggish. Just be mindful of your overall routine.

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u/keto_lifter98

Keto can help regulate sleep patterns too. Just keep your carb intake in check before bed. It's not just about cannabis; diet plays a role in how we sleep!

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u/macro_counter98

Yeah, I think moderation is key with cannabis. I've been mixing it with chamomile tea lately, and it seems to work pretty well. Just gotta find your balance.

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u/macro_counter98

I used melatonin for a while and found it super helpful for sleep without any grogginess. Might be worth a try if you're unsure about cannabis. Just make sure to watch your dosage!

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u/running_on_empty

I totally agree with that. If your mind is racing, cannabis might not solve the problem. Deep breathing and journaling have helped me a lot.

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