3 Types of Weed That Will Help Treat Your Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea involves inconsistent or irregular breathing patterns during sleep, which increases carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. The term apnea refers to an interruption in breathing and can be broken down into three categories: central, obstructive and complex. Central sleep apnea involves pauses in breathing due to respiratory problems. In obstructive sleep apnea, airflow is blocked while complex sleep apnea is a mix of the two forms. The following information explains types of weed, sleep apnea and decision-making involved with treating this sleep disorder.

Weed Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Conventional Treatment

The traditional treatment for sleep apnea has placed a focus on behavioral therapy that involves avoiding alcohol, tranquilizers and sedatives to protect the throat muscles from constricting airflow while sleeping. Doctors have also advised patients to sleep on one side instead of on their backs. In some cases, patients are given facial masks connected to air pressure machines that keep the airway open through the throat. The two types of machines used for this process are based on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices and automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) devices. In some cases when these devices have not helped, doctors have recommended throat and mouth surgery. Despite these procedures, many people do not even know they suffer from sleep apnea, so many cases go untreated.

Evidence that Marijuana Helps

While there still needs to be much more research on types of weed, sleep apnea on a mild level can be treated by THC, which is more prevalent in the sativa strains of marijuana. Keep in mind, though, that indicas are more like sedatives while sativas produce effects that are more energetic. These facts suggest that hybrids are most effective for treating sleep apnea, although indicas have been known to work as well. A study at the University of Illinois in 2002 by Dr. David Carley found that THC helped reduce sleep apnea in subjects by 32 percent. In 2013, researchers reported in Frontiers in Psychiatry that THC significantly helped patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea over a three-week period.

Hybrid strains that may help treat sleep apnea include Alpha OG, Blackberry Kush and OG Kush. However, you should still consult with a doctor and a professional medical marijuana caretaker at a reputable dispensary about your particular condition to get professional opinions, as marijuana has different effects on different individuals.

Alpha Medic OG

With a THC level over 20 percent, Alpha Medic OG, a form of OG Kush, has helped sleep apnea patients. This hybrid has been marketed as a “best of the best” strain at San Diego dispensary Alpha Medic and it won second place in the hybrid category at the 2014 LA Cannabis Cup. OG strains are believed to help with a wide variety of other health conditions as well.

Blackberry Kush

Known as a “one hitter”, Blackberry Kush is purple weed that leans indica but can also be found in hybrid forms. Although the origins of the strain are unknown, it has been a popular strain at California dispensaries. It has a fruity sweet taste like grape or berry with a smooth feel that is less likely to lead to coughing. The potency is fairly strong and the high can last for several hours. Therefore, new patients to this strain should consider small dosage.

OG Kush

This hybrid is 90 percent indica and 10 percent sativa. It is considered to be helpful for most ailments that can be treated with cannabis. Other indica-intensive hybrids that may be effective include Vanilla Kush, Bubba Kush and Blackwater. If you understand these various types of weed, sleep apnea problems can potentially be put to rest.