8 Best Indica Strains for Sleep and Insomnia

If there ever was a reason why coffee is the most widely consumed drug in the United States, it’s because close to half the population is sleep deprived and still does not know it. Caffeine is considered by many scientists to even be a psychoactive drug, personally, I don’t feel psychoactive “enhanced” when I have my morning Cup’o Joe. But according to some scientists it should be classified as a psychoactive drug that can alter moods and behavior.

While defining caffeine as a drug doesn’t really seem to go hand-in-hand with an article titled “bet Indica strains for sleep and insomnia”, I mention it because it certainly paves the way to usage of other drugs that could counteract the sleep-depriving tendencies of caffeine combined with the causes for caffeine addiction; stress, busyness, and ultimately, a lack of time in the day.

When we put all these things together, you’ll start to notice that our sleep patterns may become impaired and if you’re anything like me, a decent strain of ‘nighttime ganja’ is just what the doctor ordered, or so to speak. The deal then becomes, what is the right strain to get me in a sleepy mood? How much should I take? Does it really work?

I’ll answer one of those questions immediately; yes, it works, it works big time. There are a few times though when I’ve picked the wrong strain and felt the sudden urge to vacuum my apartment at two in the morning. But if you do it correctly and pick the right strain then you’ll probably experience one of the most relaxing nights of your life.

Although Indica is probably the type of strain you want to go with, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the flower you choose has to be packed with high levels of THC. In fact, a strain that works as a sleep aid doesn’t even have to be a psychoactive substance, contrary to coffee (apparently). Take Botany Farms Special Sauce Craft Indica Flower for instance, a flower that has levels of THC under 0.3% but takes it upon it’s higher dose of CBD (18.8%) to induce a powerful sensation of relaxation that will help you get to the point where you feel “bedtime” is a good idea.

There are many theories out there as to why Indica strains might be the best option for nighttime use, but conclusive evidence is still lacking. There is definitely a reason for it, but theories are honestly all over the place, so I won’t really delve into them in this article. The one that makes more sense to my dumb non-scientist brain is that CBD has been found to be more closely correlated with Indica strains.

That said, CBD has been found to be a substance that induces relaxation efficiently and most importantly, in a non-psychoactive fashion. This is why we’ve created this list, a list for the anxious, a list for the restless, a list for the insomniacs.

Commonly used as an analgesic by seasoned consumers and beginners alike, OG Kush is commonly ‘prescribed’ (by non-accredited physicians of course, a.k.a. your friends) as a great strain for pain management. It hits hard, with a quick onset of muscle relaxing effects that consequently induce sleep.

I just love this strain, for one because I’m a sucker for vintage anything and two, because of the relaxing effects I’ve found in it. The strain comes with an almost piney aroma that helps me cope with anxiety and finishes off with a sweet berry taste. Although I often don’t often get to enjoy the flavor as much because it sits me on my butt and that’s when it’s lights out for me.

That kush “last name” carries a heavy burden with it because of it’s Hindu Kush and Afghani roots. Purple Kush keeps the sweet taste commonly noticeable in Kush strains. This strain is particularly fast acting and triggers muscle relaxation, pain relief, and ultimately a sleepy state of mind, at least it does so for me.

A cross between OG Kush and Granddaddy Purple with often extremely high levels of THC that range somewhere around the 28% bar in some cases. This strain is recommended for users with high tolerance and definitely best left for nighttime use.

So, we’ll discuss this one and a second Northern Lights derivative, but we’ll start with the chicken, or the egg, whichever way we decide to look at it. Northern Lights is probably considered among many to be a not only popular but also legendary strain. A hybrid cross of Thai with Afghani with THC levels around 18-20% that causes a particularly strong cerebral high and allows your anxiety and negative feelings to slowly melt away.

A cross between two legendary strains; Northern Light and Master Kush. This one comes usually as a 90% Indica strain and average THC levels of 19-22%. The kind I usually buy also comes with a 10% CBD content, which I find to induce a non-overwhelming high that allows me to feel relaxed but not sedated. Love this strain.

Yet another legend on the list. Blueberry comes with a strong sweet berry aroma and is among the most notorious Indica strains of all time. I find it a bit difficult to find where I’m from, but whenever I can get my hands on it I do. It induces a positive feeling but the cerebral high impedes me from feeling attentive. I find that it takes a couple hours to actually induce sleep, but once you get there there’s no way you’re getting out.

A 90% Indica-dominant strain. Pink Kush is named after it’s pinkish almost girly look, but trust me, it’s not a wimpy strain at all. This one will sit you on your butt and make you forget about what insomnia even means. It’s fairly easy to come by and also fairly easy to grow in-doors in case you decide to take time out of your day for tending to your plants.