Medical marijuana has become a more common alternative than other prescription insomnia drugs which have severe side effects. Patients with insomnia in Baton Rouge can apply for a medical marijuana card online but in the state of Louisiana there is no physical card but the physician will issue a recommendation to the medical cannabis pharmacy and the patient can get access to MMJ products.
Approximately 30% to 40% of adults in the United States report symptoms of insomnia at some point in a given year.
People in the medical marijuana community refer to medical cannabis as an alternative treatment, with little to no side effects, for a variety of sleeping disorders, including insomnia.
Insomnia Patients in Baton Rouge
Approximately 30% to 40% of adults in the United States report symptoms of insomnia at some point in a given year.
In Louisiana, 2018 data on patients diagnosed with insomnia showed that 35.9% of females had insufficient sleep, 39.2% of males had insufficient sleep, and 41.5% of the population ages 18-44 had insufficient sleep.
Insomnia is one of the conditions that a physician, in his medical opinion, can be considered as debilitating to an individual and is qualified to use medical marijuana to manage symptoms.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that results in unrefreshing or non-restorative sleep. It is defined by the quality of your sleep and how you feel after sleeping, not the number of hours you sleep or how quickly you doze off.
Basic Information About Insomnia
People with insomnia experience one or more of the following:
- Can’t fall asleep
- Can’t stay asleep
- Can’t get enough restful slumber
It has been reported that 10% of people have experienced chronic insomnia. It is most common in older adults, females, and people suffering from a medical or mental illness.
Types of Insomnia
1. Acute Insomnia (Adjustment Insomnia)
It lasts up to one month and occurs due to acute situational stress such as a new job, deadline, or exams.
2. Transient Insomnia
This insomnia lasts for less than one week and is most often caused by another disorder, changes in the sleep environment, stress, or depression.
3. Chronic Insomnia
When you experience insomnia that lasts for more than one month, it is chronic insomnia. It is associated with chronic medical and psychiatric conditions and usually occurs in patients with an underlying risk of insomnia.
Causes of Insomnia
- Stress
- Irregular sleep schedule
- Poor sleeping habits
- Mental disorders like anxiety and depression
- Physical illness and pain
- Medications
- Neurological problems
- Specific sleep disorders
- A combination of the above mentioned factors
Impact on lifestyle of Insomnia
People suffering from insomnia can experience serious effects of the illness. The illness would sometimes lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, a high risk of an auto accident, and widespread health effects from lack of sleep.
Overview of Insomnia Symptoms
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Irritability, depression, anxiety
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Low motivation or energy
- Poor concentration and focus
- A lack of coordination, leading to errors or accidents
- Worry or anxiety about sleeping
- Using medication or alcohol to fall asleep
- Tension headaches
- Difficulty socializing, working, or studying
Types of Insomnia Treatments
The most common treatments for insomnia include cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and prescription sleeping pills. However, most cases of insomnia can be cured with lifestyle changes without relying on sleep specialists or taking prescription pills.
Medical Marijuana and Insomnia
Medical cannabis has two natural compounds that can manage the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the part of our body that manages critical functions in our body, including sleep.
Studies suggest that medical marijuana shows great potential for managing the symptoms of insomnia. If you are considering medical marijuana for a better quality of sleep, you can apply for a medical marijuana card online in Baton Rouge.
