The 5 Best Indica Strains For Sleep

Not being able to fall or stay asleep is a frustrating predicament that everyone faces from time to time. Instead of staying stuck in a never-ending cycle of exhaustion, many turn to natural remedies such as cannabis instead of counting sheep. With such a variety of strains out there, it can be daunting to analyze all of them to find the right one. Fear not, we have a few tips to guide you toward the best indica strains for sleeping.

What Makes Indica Strains Ideal for Sleep?

Although indica and sativa are closely related botanically, their effects are very different from one another.

Sativa strains tend to be most popular for use during the daytime, and many use them as an afternoon pick-me-up. Some people even wake-and-bake with a sativa strain to start their day. In contrast, cannabis users tend to use indica strains at night due to the sedative effects indica is famous for. Both varieties of cannabis strains have their place, but the clear winner if you’re seeking some shuteye is indica.

One reason that indica strains are likely to send you straight to bed is the fact that they tend to be very high in a terpene called myrcene. Myrcene is often used in lemongrass tea and hops. It is a powerful muscle-relaxer and sedative, and these properties can lead to the infamous “couch-lock” effect, where one finds it to be almost impossible to get off the couch or out of bed. It might not be the best daytime side effect, but if you’re dealing with insomnia, this effect isn’t so bad.

Another reason that indica might be such a powerful sleep aid is the fact that it has much higher amounts of CBD in comparison to sativa strains.

It probably goes without saying for most cannabis users, but since sativa strains tend to be lower in myrcene and CBD, having a sativa strain before bed is usually not the best idea. Sativa strains can energize you to the point where you can’t sleep, or if used in too high of a dose, they can lead to anxiety or paranoia. These are two very unwelcome effects if you’re looking for restful sleep.

Your mileage may vary with a hybrid strain, since each strain will have such distinctive properties. Some hybrids are close to an equal mix of indica and sativa, while others are slightly higher in one or the other. While some hybrids may be good for sleep, others might be too energizing.

Normally, however, hybrids are used by those craving a more balanced high to enjoy the benefits of both indica and sativa without the extremes, so while hybrid strains are likely not among the worst strains for sleep, they’re probably not the best either.

It’s not accurate to say that every Indica-dominant strain is going to make you pass out instantly, and that other strains never have sleep-inducing effects, but these are some good guidelines to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for a strain to help you sleep.

If you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to ask your budtender or check with other cannabis users that you know to see what effects specific strains have had on them.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Indica Strain for Sleep

Most areas of life aren’t black and white, and that includes cannabis.

There are well over 700 different named strains of cannabis, and therefore, over 700 different shades of gray. It may seem overwhelming if you’re looking for something to help you sleep and want a simple answer, but a lot of times, finding a cannabis strain that produces your desired effects can take some trial and error.

Being armed with knowledge is the first step, and there are a few things to keep in mind that can help you make your selection.

THC and CBD Content

First off, it’s important to be aware of the THC content of a strain of cannabis that you’re considering as a sleep aid. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, and is one of the contributing factors to the sleepiness associated with indica strains. But in too high of a dose, this cannabinoid can lead to anxiety and restlessness.

However, THC doesn’t act alone, and it’s important to note that the CBD content of a strain is almost equally important. CBD alone doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not an important piece of the puzzle.

In fact, studies have shown that CBD alone can help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in the short term. However, if you decide to use just a little bit of CBD to sleep, you might end up making the problem worse. In too low of doses, CBD can act as a stimulant.

In combination with THC, CBD can greatly reduce the potential of experiencing negative effects of THC such as anxiety and paranoia.

However, there’s much more to the story than cannabinoids.

Terpene Profile

The second thing to be aware of is the concentration of terpenes, and what those terpenes are. Terpenes were once thought to have little impact on the effects of cannabis other than the aroma and perhaps flavor profile.

Yet, as more research has been conducted, there is further evidence that terpenes have a greater effect on the experience you get from individual cannabis strains than previously thought.

The terpene profile is part of the reason why you can have two different strains with the same percentage of THC and CBD and still experience entirely different highs each time.

While we know that the terpene myrcene is the main reason for the sedative effects associated with indica, myrcene is far from the only terpene found in indica strains. Some terpenes can heighten the sedative effects, such as linalool, which is a terpene highly concentrated in lavender and frequently used to reduce anxiety and heighten feelings of relaxation.

In addition, caryophyllene is a terpene that helps to relieve pain and reduce stress. It works in harmony with the other terpenes and cannabinoids to help you drift off to dreamland.

Yet there are other terpenes, such as limonene, that may inhibit sleep due to their energizing effects. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with this in itself, but it may not be something you want a high amount of when trying to sleep.

This is why it’s so important to look beyond the labels of sativa and indica when making a decision.

Your Tolerance and Preferences

The third and final thing to keep in mind when choosing a cannabis strain is none other than you. Everyone experiences cannabis differently, and your biochemistry is a major factor for why this is.

If a strain is recommended for sleep and it doesn’t help you, it doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with you, it just means that you’ve found a data point to work with in your search for something that will help.

If you have a high tolerance, you’ll probably need to use more to have the same effects that someone who has a lower tolerance will. Because everyone is so different and has such a wide variety of preferences, the effects will vary.

Another thing to consider is your environment when you try a strain. If you’re trying a strain in a stressful environment, you probably won’t end up feeling the relaxing effects that you need for sleep. Yet, if you take the time to make sure that you’re creating a positive environment for yourself and making sure all of your needs are taken care of and you’re comfortable, you’ll have a much better chance of drifting off to sleep before long.

Top Indica Strains for Sleep

If sleep is what you’re after, you’re in luck. You have a wide variety of indica strains to choose from depending on your desired effects.

Granddaddy Purple

This relaxing strain has a relatively low concentration of THC, meaning it’s a great strain for beginners or those who have a relatively low tolerance. It provides you with an all-over high, allowing you to relax and let all feelings of anxiety fade away. Granddaddy Purple is an excellent choice for a deep sleep, as you probably won’t have any desire to get up anyway. If you take it too early in the evening, you might end up stuck on the couch for the duration of the high.

Keep in mind that if you don’t drift off to dreamland right away, you might want to have some snacks on hand since this strain tends to make users particularly peckish.

Northern Lights

This strain is incredibly popular, and for good reason. Although the THC level isn’t particularly high, use this with caution especially if you have a low tolerance. This strain is especially common with medicinal medical users due to its stress-relieving properties and ability to offer pain relief. Used in the proper dosage, Northern Lights is one of the best to use when face-to-face with insomnia.

Forbidden Fruit

Forbidden Fruit is a great strain to use when unwinding before bed. The effects of this strain start off with an uplifting effect on the mood and reduction in anxiety. Over the course of the high, you will notice yourself feeling more tired and relaxed. With around 15% THC, this strain is easily tolerated by novices or those with low tolerances.

Strains With Mild Psychoactive Effects

If you’d rather not feel overly high or risk suffering negative side effects associated with too much THC, there are milder options on the market to help you relax and unwind without feeling the psychoactive effects. If you find that these are too mild for you, that’s okay. They can be easily mixed with other strains to give you the effects that you desire.

Pennywise

This strain is equal parts CBD and THC. It won’t get you overly high, and you’ll feel more of a relaxing buzz throughout your body. The best part is although this is a calming strain, it won’t keep you stuck on the couch if you don’t want to be. If you’re looking to reap the benefits of cannabis while still having a clear head, this is one of the best strains for you.

Remedy

This strain has a very low amount of THC, yet a relatively high concentration of CBD, so unless you’re smoking a lot, you probably won’t feel any psychoactive effects at all. It is great for anxiety and pain, and has a calming effect on users -- which might be just what you need to help you to sleep.

Before You Choose an Indica Strain for Sleep

This is just a small list of indica strains that promote good sleep, but there are so many more out there that are just waiting for you to discover them. If you have any questions or want any recommendations, don’t be afraid to ask your budtender or your friends and family what they recommend for a restful night's sleep.

And if you don’t know what the effects of a strain are, go easy on it, especially if you have a low tolerance. Getting too high is a one-way ticket to anxiety, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to sleep.

So start small, try one or two hits, and see how it feels after it kicks in. After that, you can reevaluate if you would like more or if you’re feeling good where you’re at.

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all strain of cannabis. You may have to try a few before you have the best sleep of your life. Hopefully, this list of some of the best indica strains for sleeping gives you a good place to start and a few ideas of what to look for when you pick up your next strain.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions related to your health and wellness.

The statements regarding the potential benefits of cannabis strains are based on anecdotal evidence and research findings, but individual experiences may vary. Dr. Dabber does not endorse or make any medical claims about the effectiveness of cannabis for specific conditions. Use cannabis responsibly and in accordance with local laws and regulations.