Is Your 9-5 Affecting The Quality Of Your Sleep? How Can Medical Cannabis Help?
Your daily work routine profoundly affects your sleep quality and overall well-being. From stress levels to physical activity, various aspects of our 9-5 job can either enhance or disrupt sleep patterns. Understanding these factors and making conscious adjustments can significantly improve your sleep and productivity.
The circadian rhythm, which is the body’s natural 24-hour internal clock, is also influenced by various environmental factors, with light being one of the most significant. Changes in weather and seasonal transitions, especially those between winter and summer, can affect the circadian rhythm. Longer days and shorter nights increase exposure to natural light, this along with higher temperatures can affect sleep quality. Warmer nights may make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, potentially disrupting the circadian rhythm.
In this blog we break down how your routine could be impacting the quality of your sleep, this summer.
Stress and Sleep
Stress is a major byproduct of most jobs, and it’s a leading cause of sleep disorders. High-pressure tasks, tight deadlines, and job insecurity can lead to heightened stress levels, which in turn impact your ability to fall and stay asleep. Stress activates your body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing cortisol and other hormones that keep you alert. This heightened state of alertness can make it difficult to unwind and drift off to sleep at night.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Many jobs involve long hours of sitting, which can negatively impact your sleep. Physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy sleep patterns. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, poor posture, and increased stress levels—all of which can disrupt sleep. Regular exercise, on the other hand, helps regulate sleep patterns, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
Screen Time
Constant exposure to screens during work can also affect your sleep. The blue light emitted by computers, tablets, and smartphones can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Prolonged screen time, especially close to bedtime, can delay the onset of sleep and reduce sleep quality.
Work-Life Balance
A poor work-life balance can lead to burnout and insufficient rest. It’s crucial to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to ensure you have time to relax and recharge. This balance is essential for maintaining both mental and physical health.
How Medical Cannabis Can Help?
Cannabinoids and other organic compounds in medical cannabis have shown promise in easing insomnia, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, and prolonging sleep duration. Medical cannabis is known for its anxiolytic effects, making it a potential remedy for those whose sleep is disrupted by stress and anxiety. By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, cannabis can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
At the same time, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including sleep. Cannabinoids interact with the ECS to help balance sleep-wake cycles. THC, for example, has been shown to decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, while CBD may improve the quality and duration of sleep.
While your 9-5 job can significantly impact your sleep, with mindful practices and the right interventions, you can improve your rest quality. Medical cannabis offers a promising avenue for addressing sleep issues, when prioritising some proper shut-eye is essential for overall well-being and productivity.
Am I eligible for medical cannabis?
As the UK’s fastest-growing medical cannabis clinic, we welcome patients from all backgrounds seeking treatment for their chronic conditions. Our experienced team of specialist doctors create customised treatment plans that suit your needs, always ensuring your treatment is safe and effective.
To get started, complete our eligibility form here. If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis and what conditions it can manage, check out our blog for more information.