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Top 10 Strongest Indica Strains For Sleep 2023

This piece is designed to help ease the process by highlighting 10 of the strongest Indica strains for sleep.

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Strongest Indica Strains For Sleep
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Indica strains provide the strongest sedating, relaxing, and calming effects that make it easy for consumers to fall asleep. The strains also tend to have high quantities of Myrcene, a terpene that provides deeply sedating effects. The effects are long-lasting, hence leading to uninterrupted sleep. This is opposed to Sativa strains, which provide a cerebral high that keeps consumers alert, creative, energetic, and upbeat. The strains highlighted below are excellent sleep-inducing agents. Without further ado, let's begin…

Top 10 Strongest Indica Strains for Sleep 2023

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#1. Hindu Kush Feminized – best for relaxation and anxiety

#2. Afghani Indica Feminized – best for unwinding and appetite

#3. Pure Indica Feminized – best for full body effects

#4. Granddaddy Purple (10 +10 Deals) – best for long-lasting sleep

#5. Purple Kush Feminized - best for aches, pain, and tension

#6. Super Skunk (10 +10 Deals) - ideal choice for novice growers

#7. White Rhino Feminized - best for pain and inflammation

#8. Northern Lights Feminized - best for stress and depression

#9. Blue Cheese Feminized – best for muscle spasms and tension

#10. Big Bud Feminized – best for stress and high yields

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Are Indica strains best for sleep?

According to statistics, 1 in every 3 adults experience sleep-related issues. In the USA, it is estimated that almost 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder. Sleep deprivation is a serious issue that can cause a myriad of side effects, such as daytime fatigue, heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, and irritability. The affected individuals turn to different remedies, all in an effort to experience restorative sleep. These remedies include prescription pills, meditation, vigorous exercise before sleep, caffeine restrictions, and cannabis.

Scientific studies have shown that cannabis provides a natural solution to sleep deprivation. Millions of individuals have turned to this medicinal plant to help them with a host of conditions, including insomnia. Research indicates that phytochemicals in cannabis, such as cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and CBN) and terpenes, interact with the Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to help restore the body’s natural circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle). THC, for example, helps by prolonging the 3rd stage of sleep (deep sleep stage) and reducing the REM stage. Getting enough deep sleep helps with cell regeneration, memory, and growth.

If you are looking for the ideal strain to help with sleep, chances are you are spoilt for choice. The market is flooded with hundreds of cannabis strains, making the process challenging. This piece is designed to help ease the process by highlighting 10 of the strongest Indica strains for sleep. It covers 5 pure and 5 Indica dominant strains that help put the mind and body in a state that is more receptive to sleep.

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Pure Indica vs. Indica-Dominant

Pure Indica strains refer to strains that contain 100% Indica genetics. These strains are a popular pick for growers and consumers alike, thanks to their resilience and multiple applications (recreational and therapeutic). The seeds grow into short, bushy, compact plants with dark green broad leaves. The buds are larger and denser than Sativa and hybrid strains.

These strains provide a powerful body stone characterized by intense relaxation, calm, and sedation. This makes them a perfect pick for anyone with sleep-related issues, such as the inability to fall asleep easily or maintain long hours of sleep. The strains are best taken during nighttime, right before bed as the effects tend to be quite potent. Pure Indica strains also help with appetite loss, chronic pain, muscle spasm, and stress.

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Indica dominant strains are strains made from crossing Indica and Sativa genetics, but the effects, growth patterns, and sometimes appearance lean on the Indica side. The dominant Indica side provides relaxing and calming effects, while the Sativa side offers uplifting feelings for a wholesome experience. This combination makes them ideal for evening consumption.

The strains below provide effects that start with mild cerebral stimulation and end in a potent body high that leads to sleep. These strains help with a host of other conditions, such as depression, PTSD, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and pain.

#1 Hindu Kush Feminized – Best for Relaxation And Anxiety

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Hindu Kush is an Indica landrace strain from the mountain range between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is a top choice for anyone with sleep issues, as it provides a relaxing, tranquil experience. The sedating couch-lock effects allow consumers to slip easily into a deep sleep that lasts for hours. Hindu Kush also helps with anxiety, pain, depression, and appetite loss. The strain has above-average THC levels of 18% and 0.5% CBD.

Growing this strain should be a breeze, even for novice cultivators. The strain originates from areas where the conditions are highly unfavorable, making it quite resilient. Hindu Kush thrives in a dry, warm environment, so replicating these conditions indoors guarantee optimum results. The strain responds well to SOG and produces 400 grams/m2 indoors and 500 grams/plant outdoors.

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#2 Afghani Indica Feminized – Best for Unwinding And Appetite

After a long day or week, all one needs is something to help them relax and unwind. Well, there is no better pick than Afghani. This landrace strain provides a potent body stone than eventually ends in deep slumber. The mild euphoria keeps one happy and chilled throughout, eliminating stress, tension, and negative thoughts. Packed with 20% THC, Afghani’s potent effects are best suited for experienced consumers.

This is one of the most straightforward strains to cultivate. Afghan is resistant to common pests and diseases and is quite forgiving of simple mistakes, making it ideal for beginners. Its short stature makes it an excellent choice for indoor growing, although it also does well outdoors and in greenhouses. The plants grow bushy, so pruning is recommended to promote optimum airflow and light penetration. Afghani flowers for 8 to 10 weeks and produces 500g/m² indoors and 300 to 400 grams per plant outdoors.

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#3 Pure Indica Feminized – Best for Full Body Effects

Clear your schedule and prepare for heavy sedation, mind and body relaxation, and restful sleep. This Pure Indica strain is a masterpiece created by the legend himself, Robert Bergman. Pure Indica provides a relaxing, uplifting, creative, euphoric, and happy experience that lasts for hours.

The potent Indica effects will keep you couch-locked until sleep eventually takes over. Medical patients use this strain for pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, and depression. Pure Indica has mid-range THC levels of 14%, making it ideal for novice and experienced consumers alike. The strain has a distinctly earthy, fruity, sweet flavor with bitter undertones.

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This strain requires some cultivation skill and knowledge, making it ideal for experienced growers. Pure Indica thrives in an average climate - not too hot or too cold. Techniques like SOG, topping, and fimming can help improve yields. The strain flowers for 8 weeks, producing 450 g/m2 indoors and 600 g/plant outdoors.

#4 Granddaddy Purple Feminized – Best for Long-lasting Sleep And Flavors

If you are looking for much-needed physical and mental relaxation before drifting to sleep, look no further than Granddaddy Purple, aka GDP. This classic strain is a favorite among medical patients thanks to its potent effects. The strain is especially effective in inducing and promoting long-lasting sleep. GDP provides a powerful cerebral buzz coupled with sedating effects. Granddaddy Purple is a potent strain that boasts THC levels that reach the 23% mark.

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This strain is relatively easy to grow but is quite sensitive to environmental changes. GDP does well in a humid and warm environment. It is resistant to common pests and diseases and can be grown indoors or outdoors. GDP flowers for 9 weeks and produces 500 g/m² indoors and 450 grams per plant outdoors.

#5 Purple Kush Feminized - Best for Aches, Pain, And Tension

Do aches and pain keep you awake at night? Purple Kush has got you covered. The strain provides a soothing body-centered buzz that eliminates aches, tension, and pain for hours. This makes it easy to fall asleep, especially after a long, tiresome day. Purple Kush also helps with mood fluctuations, appetite loss, pain, muscle spasms, and nausea. Purple Kush has an impressive 22% THC, enough to provide veteran consumers with a rich experience.

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This Indica strain is easy to grow and thrives indoors and outdoors. The plants have a short, compact, and bushy stature which requires some skill to maintain. The ScrOG technique guarantees high yields of up to 500g/m² indoors and 450 to 550 grams per plant outdoors.

#6 White Rhino Feminized - Best for Pain And Inflammation

Boasting legendary genetics, White Rhino is an Indica-dominant strain that picks the best qualities from its parents (White Widow X North America Indica) to provide potent body-numbing effects. This multiple award-winning hybrid has a delayed onset, but once the effects present, you are in for a long ride of relaxation and tranquility.

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White Rhino helps by inducing and maintaining long hours of sleep, making it an excellent pick for anyone who finds it hard to sleep through the night. The hybrid has above-average THC levels of 20% and CBD levels below the 1% mark.

This is an easy-to-cultivate strain that does well in soil and hydroponic mediums. The strain thrives in a moderately humid environment and flowers for 8 to 10 weeks. Growers can expect an impressive yield of up to 900g/m² indoors and 1000 to 1100 grams/plant outdoors.

#7 Northern Lights Feminized - Best for Stress And Depression

Northern Lights is the go-to choice for anyone looking for a potent comforting body high. This strain eliminates aches, pain, and tension from the body, leaving you totally relaxed and more receptive of sleep. With 18% THC, Northern Lights promises potent effects that guarantee meeting novice and experienced consumers' needs. The dominant terpenes are Pinene, Myrcene, and Caryophyllene.

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Northern Lights can be grown indoors and outdoors, producing high yields under optimum conditions. The plants do not grow tall and tend to be very bushy. Growers should prune the plants regularly to allow unrestricted airflow and light penetration. After 7 to 9 weeks of flowering, Northern Lights produces 500 grams/m2. Outdoors, this hybrid yields up to 600 grams/plant.

#8 White Rhino Feminized - Best for Pain And Inflammation

Super Skunk is an old-school Indica-dominant strain that has bagged multiple awards, including the 2015 Cannabis Highlife Cup. The hybrid is revered for its ability to induce a powerful body stone that provides relaxation, improved moods, and extreme calm. This strain is used medically for insomnia, pain, stress, muscle spasms, and nausea. Although Super Skunk has average THC levels of 14%, the effects are strong enough to provide a memorable experience, even for veteran consumers.

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Super Skunk is one of the easiest strains to cultivate. The hybrid requires minimal attention and is resistant to common biotic and abiotic factors. This strain thrives in a warm and sunny environment, so replicating the conditions indoors guarantees optimum results. Super Skunk flowers for 8 to 9 weeks and produces 500 grams/2. Outdoors, the strain produces an impressive 600 to 700 grams per plant.

#9 Blue Cheese Feminized – Best for Muscle Spasms And Tension

Blue Cheese comes from a long line of classic strains that provide a plethora of effects. This hybrid offers potent Indica effects that keep consumers in a deep state of relaxation that lasts for hours. The 19% THC and 2% CBD levels provide a perfect blend of recreational and therapeutic benefits, making it a fan favorite among cannabis consumers. Besides its potent sleep-inducing properties, the hybrid helps with pain, muscle spasms, inflammation, appetite, and nausea.

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Novice growers will appreciate the ease of growth associated with Blue Cheese. The strain is resilient to common pests and diseases and requires minimal attention. Blue Cheese thrives in a cool and dry environment. The SOG technique, coupled with regular pruning, helps to produce optimum yields. The plants flower for 8 weeks and produce up to 550g/m². The hybrid produces 500 to 600 grams/plant in an outdoor setup.

#10 Big Bud Feminized – Best for Stress And High Yields

As hinted by its name, this strain has gigantic buds that contain up to 18% THC. Big Bud is a popular sleep aid that helps eliminate any stress, tension, anxiety, and aches that may hinder an individual from enjoying a peaceful, all-night sleep. Big Bud’s balanced physical and cerebral effects make it a perfect evening toke, when all one wants to do is sit back and relax. The pure bliss and heavy body high offered make this a top choice for insomniacs.

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Big Bud is easy to cultivate and thrives in a warm and sunny environment. For optimum results, combine hydroponics and the sea of green technique. This hybrid flowers for 7 to 9 weeks and produces 600 grams/m2. Outdoors, Big Bud yields up to 1200 grams per plant.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Indica Strains for Sleep

When choosing the ideal Indica strain for sleep, several factors come into play. Cannabis interacts with people differently, so getting different effects from the same strain is possible. As a result, you need to consider the factors highlighted below before making a choice.

  • THC content: Low doses of THC are ideal for sleep, while high doses tend to cause anxiety and paranoia. You need to gauge your cannabis consumption experience while selecting the ideal THC percentage. While a novice consumer might consider 15% THC high, this might be a bit low for seasoned consumers.
  • Terpene profile: look at a strain’s terpene composition as the compounds tend to work in tandem with cannabinoids to provide a synergy of effects. The strongest sleep-promoting terpenes include Myrcene, Linalool, Caryophyllene, and Terpinolene.
  • Underlying conditions: the inability to fall asleep or maintain long hours of sleep may be caused by several conditions. These may include anxiety, depression, pain, stress, muscle tension, or PTSD. Consequently, need to manage these conditions to facilitate better sleep. Look for an Indica strain that can combat these conditions while simultaneously causing drowsiness.

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Tips for growing and cultivating Indica strains for optimal sleep effects

Indica strains are the easiest cannabis varieties to cultivate. The plants flower within a short while, and most produce impressive yields. The height varies from short to medium, making them suitable for growing spaces with limited vertical space. To get the best out of Indica strains, utilize the following tricks

  • Choose the right Indica genetics - pick strains that provide relaxing, sedating, and calming effects.
  • Maintain optimum temperature and humidity levels throughout the various growth stages.
  • Train your plants for optimum yields and resin production. Utilize techniques like SOG, ScrOG, topping, and LST.
  • Indica plants tend to produce dense buds, which are susceptible to mold. This affects the overall quality and effects of the buds. Maintain proper ventilation and inspect the plants regularly.
  • Harvest at the right time. The best time to harvest Indica plants for sedating and sleep-inducing effects is when the trichomes are 70% brown and 30% milky white.
  • Dry, cure, and store your buds correctly to maintain their integrity. If these processes are not done right, the quality of cannabinoids and terpenes is negatively affected.

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Best practices for using Indica strains to enhance sleep and relaxation

  • Take the right dosage - it is best, especially for novice consumers, to start with the lowest dosage then work their way up. An overdose of THC may lead to paranoia and anxiety, making it impossible to relax or fall asleep.
  • Do not mix cannabis with other drugs - when taking Indica for sleep, avoid mixing it with other substances, such as alcohol and mushrooms. The interaction may lead to adverse effects.
  • Take Indica strains right before going to bed - do not take Indica strains if you have pending tasks or when you are planning to go anywhere.
  • For prolonged effects, take edibles - while vaping and smoking provide the fastest onset, edibles have the longest duration. This makes them ideal for anyone looking forward to enjoying a whole night of sleep.

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Conclusion

This piece has explored 10 of the strongest Indica strains for sleep - all of which you can get from the ILGM website. If you want something to help with insomnia or any sleep-related issue, these strains are among the most sought for relaxation and sleep.

At this point, you have probably identified several options you can try to help with sleep. You are encouraged to try a variety of these strains to figure out which one works you since our bodies react differently to cannabis. Say goodbye to long nights characterized by tossing and turning in bed. It’s being real - Au Revoir!

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