Insomni occurs in 30% of the population occasionally, but 10% have chronic sleep issues. Add in chronic pain and you have a recipe for a disaster. What is painsomnia and can cannabis help? Painsomnia is a term describing how chronic pain can interfere with a person’s sleep. While painsomnia is not a medical term, it is used anecdotally to describe a common challenge experienced by people living with ongoing chronic pain.
Coined by Dawn Gibson and Dr. Ben Nowell, painsomnia is the painful lack of sleep affecting many. It can also cause already established conditions to worsen. In a case study, Gibson and Nowell explained just how some individuals are actually woken up by pain and have trouble falling back asleep.
“Painsomnia is a patient-generated term for the vicious cycle of pain and sleep deprivation or fatigue related to a chronic condition or its treatment,” they said. “Evolving from social media discussions, painsomnia is a shorthand description that helps people relate to each other in posts about being prodded awake by pain and being unable to find a comfortable position in bed or to “settle down” for sleep and rest. Anxiety and frustration about lack of sleep and its impact on functioning the next day often accompany patients’ painsomnia experiences and virtual discussions.”
There is clear evidence for marijuana improving sleeping. Israeli scientists sought to better understand if marijuana could help chronic pain patients get find the rest they need. In their study, published in the medical journal BMJ, about half of participants were medical marijuana users and half were not. They found that in the short term, marijuana quickly helped insomniac participants in the 128-person study fall asleep through the night.
Studies have found that marijuana can be helpful in treating neuropathic pain (a specific type of chronic pain caused by damaged nerves).However, more research is needed to know whether marijuana works better than other options to manage pain. In addition, cannabis may ease certain types of chronic pain, including pain due to nerve damage and inflammation.
In dealing with painsomnia, both cannabis and CBD may help. There has been more research (with more needed) to understand benefits of cannabis especially around inflammation, chronic pain and sleep. In regards to CBD, there isn’t as much data, but inflammation can be treated with CBD.
Data shows CBD reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits T cell proliferation, induces T cell apoptosis and reduces migration and adhesion of immune cells.
If you have someone suffering from painsomnia, talk to a healthcare professional. The American Sleep Apnea Association believes sleep is not only tied to health and work performance, but so much more.
Dry January is increasing popular, but can cannabis help make it not seem so long?
Since it premiered in 2013 in the UK, it has grown increasingly popular. It received a boast after the covid pandemic when alcohol consumption and sales increased exponentially. The trend has stuck around though, thanks to younger generations. Alcoholhelp.com says 35% of Gen-Z aged 21-24 practiced Dry January in 2024. While it is known alcohol it is not healthy, taking a 31 day break can be difficult. Can cannabis help your Dry January?
Cannabis can serve as an effective substitute for alcohol during the month, providing relaxation and social lubrication without the negative impacts associated with drinking. Many individuals find that cannabis helps them unwind after a long day, much like how they might have previously used alcohol. Oils, gummies, and vapes tend to be the healthiest options to avoid lung damage or extra pounds. Microdosing has become increasingly popular also.
For those experiencing alcohol cravings during Dry January, cannabis may help. It can assist in managing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and nausea, making the transition to sobriety more manageable. While some may worry you are trading bad habits, marijuana’s effect on the body is less damaging.
Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, can offer a sense of relaxation similar to alcohol but without many of the adverse effects. It’s a natural way to de-stress and wind down, helping participants navigate the challenges of abstaining from alcohol..
Cannabis can enhance social interactions without the negative impacts of alcohol. Some strains can provide an energy boost and mental clarity, helping users navigate social events more comfortablyCannabis and hemp are great substitutes for house parties or on a Friday night. These products come in various flavors and can provide a refreshing experience without compromising on taste or effects.
The California Sober movement has become popular, especially among Gen Z. It recongizines marijuana is a healthier alternative to booze. Additionally, it is far less addictive than alcohol, with alcohol use potentially resulting in significant and potentially fatal physical withdrawal, which is not observed with marijuana. As a sign of the benefits it brings, legal cannabis sales usually tend to spike in January.
It is a quiet question people want to know – how long does cannabis stay with you
The most common reason a police officer pulls a car over is speeding. Exceeding the posted speed limit is considered the primary reason for traffic stops by most law enforcement agencies. But once pulled over, the officials can asks for tests. Also, many companies (including parts of the federal government) still conduct drug testing. Marijuana’s presence in the human body can be detected for varying lengths of time, depending on several factors. Understanding how long does cannabis stay in your system is crucial for both medical and legal reasons.
There are a variety of factors in play which determines how long cannabis is in your system. THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, is metabolized by the body into various compounds. Some metabolites have half-lives of 20 hours, while others can last 10-13 days. Complete elimination can take between five and 65 days, depending on individual factors.
Different drug tests have varying sensitivity levels and detection windows. Urine tests are the most common and can detect marijuana use from a few days to over a month after last use. Blood tests are less common (and more expensive) but can indicate recent use, making them useful for situations like DUI cases.
Like alcohol, there are a variety of factors which goes into how long it can stay in your system. Alcohol can stay in your system from 12-48 hours. Edible marijuana products can stay in your system longer due to the way they’re metabolized. A 10mg THC edible can remain detectable for 4-12 hours, with higher doses potentially extending this timeframe.
The variables influence how long marijuana remains in your system include:
Frequency of Use: Chronic users retain THC longer than occasional users. First-time users may clear THC in about 3 days, while daily users could test positive for up to 30 days or more.
THC Concentration: Higher potency marijuana leads to longer retention and slower elimination.
Body Composition: THC is fat-soluble, so individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain it longer.
Metabolism: A faster metabolism tends to eliminate THC more quickly.
Hydration: Proper hydration can influence the rate of THC elimination.
Genetics: Some individuals may be predisposed to metabolizing marijuana more quickly or slowly.
Consumption Method: Inhaled marijuana reaches the bloodstream faster than ingested forms.
The duration marijuana stays in your system is highly variable and depends on numerous factors. While casual users may clear THC relatively quickly, frequent users can test positive for weeks after their last use. Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions regarding marijuana use, especially in contexts where drug testing may occur.
Some people take New Year New You to a different level – here is what you should know about cannabis and plastic surgery.
New Year resolutions are a thing for some people. There is a huge rush in fitness, but roughly 80% of new gym goers who join in January quit within five months. Some go another route with a new haircut, embracing the “I only keep what brings me joy”, and others go for a more permanent change. The holidays, especially post Christmas, are the busiest time of year for cosmetic enhancements. There were over 26 million cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures performed in the US in 2022. This represents an increase of 19% from 2019. As cannabis is becoming increasing popular, in some cases it replaces alcohol and tobacco, here is what to know about marijuana and plastic surgery.
Florida has the most plastic surgeries per capita followed by California, New York and Texas. Three of them having access to legal cannabis and California and New York are fully recreational. Compared to other “vices”, marijuana is less of a threat, but there are some things you need to know.
Tobacco is the worst for the skin and surgery. Smoking can cause the skin to age faster, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmented spots. It can cause the skin to appear sallow, and can discolor the fingers and nails of the hand that holds the cigarette. It also makes it harder for the body to heal, which can increase the risk and recovery from infections.
Alcohol can make the skin puffy . Since it causes inflammation, it can slow healing and increases pain and discomfort. It can also deplete the body of vitamins and minerals needed for tissue repair. It also thins the blood, which can make coagulation after surgery more difficult. This could lead to excessive bleeding after surgery.
Cannabis can actually help the body since may help reduce inflammation including acne and hair issues. But if you are going to have a procedure, here is what you should know.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends stopping marijuana and CBD use for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Cannabis can reduce the effectiveness of anesthesia, potentially requiring higher doses and increasing the risk of complications.
To promote a smooth recovery and reduce risks, patients should disclose all cannabis use to healthcare providers. This would include frequency of consumption and type of product use.
Discuss with the health care profession weaning or stopping cannabis use at least 14 days prior to surgery. You should be able to resume two weeks post surgery.
Open communication between patients and healthcare providers is key to ensuring safe procedures and optimal outcomes in plastic surgery.