This topic is about finding ways to improve sleep for people living with an ostomy, particularly through the use of CBD/THC gummies and other alternatives. The person who started the discussion has been dealing with chronic insomnia and is curious about whether these gummies could help, but they are concerned about potential side effects like oversleeping or feeling groggy the next day. They are seeking advice and personal experiences from others in similar situations.
Here are some insights and advice shared by others:
1. Magnesium as a non-cannabis option:
- Many people find that adding liquid magnesium to water or taking magnesium tablets helps them sleep better and can also relieve migraines.
2. Cannabis-based products that have been effective:
- Wana "Stay Asleep" gummies, which contain THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN, are reported to provide deeper sleep without causing a high.
- Generic 1:1 THC:CBD gummies, when cut in half, offer relaxation without oversleeping, with effects wearing off by morning.
- A 1:1 THC:CBD ratio or pure indica (10 mg) is recommended by some doctors, allowing users to wake up and manage their pouch before falling back asleep.
- Homemade edibles made with indica flower and lavender, cooked in butter and mixed into peanut-butter fudge, have been used successfully.
- Small doses, such as half of a 5 mg gummy taken at dinnertime, have helped some people sleep through the night.
- Regular users with ileostomies report calmer output and no "weed hangover," but suggest starting with a low dose and adjusting as needed.
3. Product and brand details:
- Wana "Stay Asleep" gummies (THC/CBD/CBG/CBN blend)
- Select brand gummies with a 1:1 THC:CBD ratio
- Euphoria Extractions 10 mg indica chocolate, preferred for accurate dosing
- Convatec ostomy bags are recommended for leak-free nights, providing peace of mind for better sleep.
4. Tips for dosing and selection:
- Aim for a balanced or 1:1 THC:CBD ratio to reduce the psychoactive high.
- Start with small doses by cutting gummies in half or quarters and increase slowly.
- Dispensary staff and online resources can help match strains or products labeled for "sleep" or "relaxation" to individual needs.
5. Alternative non-cannabis sleep aids:
- Options include melatonin, over-the-counter antihistamine sleep aids, prescription Belsomra, and Tylenol PM.
- A suggested eating pattern involves a large late lunch, a 6 p.m. snack, minimal evening fluids, and emptying the pouch at 10 p.m., combined with an Indica vape and Tylenol PM for a full 7-hour sleep stretch.
- Using mattress or pillow protectors, known as "Chux," or bed pads can reduce anxiety about leaks and help with returning to sleep.
- Imodium (loperamide) before or after meals can help some high-output ileostomates reduce nighttime bag volume, with doses varying from 1 to 6 tablets per day.
6. Cautions and considerations:
- Some people worry that gummies could cause bowel blockages, so they prefer liquid CBD instead of chewables.
- High THC doses might lead to excessive sleepiness, next-day grogginess, or nighttime cravings, so it's important to adjust the dose downward if needed.
- Individual output patterns, such as those with short-bowel syndrome, may limit the effectiveness of any sleep aid, and mechanical emptying at least once a night is still common.
- Keeping dosage consistent is important, as chocolate bars often have more accurate THC levels than gummies.
These shared experiences suggest that many people with ostomies find better sleep with carefully chosen low-dose cannabis edibles or alternative aids, while still being able to wake up and manage their appliance as needed.
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