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Blog
When Sleep Won’t Come:
A Veteran’s Guide to Rest and Recovery
You served. You came home. And then, somewhere along the way, a full night of sleep stopped feeling like something you could count on. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Sleep issues are one of the most common health challenges facing Canadian veterans. For many who have served, falling and staying asleep is a nightly battle that can have a significant impact on their physical and mental well-being.
The scope of the sleep problem
While nearly half of all Canadian adults already have trouble sleeping, the problem runs far deeper for veterans. Research shows that sleep disorders are highly prevalent among members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the RCMP.
The numbers climb even higher depending on what else a veteran is managing:
86.9% of Canadian veterans in PTSD treatment reported problems falling or staying asleep, and 67.9% were regularly bothered by nightmares.
41% of CAF veterans live with chronic pain (about twice the rate of the general Canadian population), and it is one of the most consistent drivers of sleep disruption.
65% of VAC clients have chronic pain, and those with chronic pain are 11 times more likely to experience activity limitations, including disrupted sleep.
In other words, if you're a veteran and you can't sleep, there's usually more than one reason for it.
Why sleep doesn’t come easy
PTSD: PTSD is so closely linked to sleep that disturbances are listed twice in the DSM-5, the clinical manual for mental health disorders. Insomnia is considered a symptom of hyperarousal, while nightmares are considered an intrusive symptom.
The problem is that the brain of someone with PTSD stays on guard, even at night. The threat-detection systems don't switch off. Veterans describe lying awake listening to sounds, waking up suddenly, or being jolted out of sleep by nightmares. This isn't a mindset issue but a neurological one.
Chronic Pain: Back injuries, knee damage, nerve pain, and old wounds don't clock out at bedtime. Pain activates the nervous system, making it nearly impossible to remain in the deep, restorative stages of sleep. Even when veterans manage to fall asleep, pain often causes repeated awakenings throughout the night, making the sleep they do get feel worthless.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A TBI can damage the parts of the brain that regulate sleep. Veterans with a TBI often struggle with fragmented sleep, have trouble falling asleep, and experience disrupted circadian rhythms. It's one of the most significant yet overlooked factors in veteran health.
Medication: Many veterans are prescribed sedatives or sleep aids to help them rest. While these medications can offer a short-term solution, they often fail to address the root cause of sleeplessness. Worse, they can create dependency and leave users feeling groggy in the morning. Over time, many find themselves relying on prescriptions that no longer provide a good night's sleep.
What moves the needle
The good news: sleep science has advanced significantly, and natural cannabinoid-based solutions are showing real promise, especially for veterans who prefer to avoid THC or don't want to inhale anything.
Cannabidiol (CBD): Unlike sleeping pills, CBD (cannabidiol) doesn’t act as a sedative. Instead, it works by calming anxiety, reducing pain, and easing the physical tension that keeps your nervous system on high alert.
For veterans dealing with hyperarousal from PTSD or chronic pain, CBD targets the "why" behind their sleeplessness. This helps them not only fall asleep more easily but also stay asleep throughout the night.
Cannabinol (CBN): While research is still emerging, recent findings on CBN and sleep are promising. One 2023 study found that a 20mg dose of CBN helped participants sleep with fewer disturbances and nighttime awakenings. Another confirmed that cannabis products containing CBN were consistently linked with better sleep quality.
Like other cannabinoids, CBN interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to promote relaxation and encourage longer, more restorative rest. It's considered non-intoxicating, meaning it won't produce a high, and is available in discreet formats like oils and edibles.
Cannabigerol (CBG): While CBN has a head start, CBG is quickly gaining attention for its potential sleep benefits. A recent study published in PMC evaluated the effects of oral CBG on veterans with sleep issues. Participants took CBG daily, while researchers monitored their sleep patterns using wearable devices.
The study revealed significant improvements in both sleep quality and overall quality of life. While research into CBG is still in its early stages, it’s already emerging as a promising addition to the non-THC sleep toolkit.
Curated picks for better rest
You don't have to smoke anything. You don't have to get high. And you don't have to settle for another night of staring at the ceiling. Here are three non-inhaled options available directly through Hero Dispatch:
Calm - 450 mg CBN + 450 mg CBD Oil: Take this Emprise oil sublingually (under the tongue) for a fast-acting dose of CBN and CBD.
10MG CBN+ 50 MG CBD Softgels: Each Emprise softgel delivers 10 mg CBN & 50mg CBD in a discrete dosage form.
6,000 mg CBD Softgels (60 x 100 mg): Each softgel contains 100 mg of CBD Isolate, perfect for those who want a high dose of CBD with no THC.
Elderberry CBD:CBN Vegan Gummies: With a 5:1 CBD:CBN ratio, these vegan gummies are made sustainably with real fruit and natural, vegan, gluten-free ingredients.
Nightly Cherry Pomegranate Gummies: These Proofly gummies are infused with a perfectly balanced nighttime blend of 5mg CBN, 5mg CBG, 20mg CBD, and a gentle touch of 0.33mg THC.
Reclaiming rest
Better sleep isn't a luxury. For veterans managing PTSD, chronic pain, and TBI, it's foundational to everything else, from mood to pain tolerance, focus, and quality of life. The options are here. The evidence is growing. And you've earned a good night's rest.
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