Can Delta 8 THC help sleep?

Did you know that most adults experience some sort of occasional poor sleep?  Why? Usually because of stress that’s preventing them from thoroughly relaxing at bedtime.  However, sleep disturbances can lead to greater consequences as we age, as our bodies require a certain amount of restorative sleep to function properly the next day.

 

Less-than-ideal sleep can lead to:

• Confusion
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• A weakened immune system
• Stress
• Anxiety

 

All of these symptoms create an endless cycle that further exacerbates the issue.

 

There are all kinds of remedies for insomnia and other sleep disorders, but more people are turning to natural, plant-based solutions, including the compounds found in the hemp plant.  A lot of us have read that cannabidiol (CBD), the dominant compound in the hemp plant, has the potential to aid in sleep. There is also CBN which is highly touted for its sleep inducing properties. Now, there is another cannabinoid that may be even more useful to those struggling to get shuteye each night, delta 8 THC.

Can Delta 8 THC Help with Sleep?

Sleep is a process that many of us take for granted, until we have a bout of poor sleep in which we either struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.  The process of sleep is in fact more complex than we give it credit for, consisting of a shift in neurotransmitter activity, in which melatonin and serotonin levels rise while cortisol falls.  The nervous system is tasked with managing sleep, enabling a state in which both the body and mind relax in the evening so that we drift off effortlessly until the morning.

 

There are a lot of common causes for insomnia and disrupted sleep, including:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Headaches
• Migraine symptoms

 

Each of these causes are associated with nervous system function, so it’s safe to say that supporting the body’s nervous system is a great way to promote better sleep each night.

 

As a cannabinoid, delta 8 THC has the important role of binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body, allowing them to fulfill their role of regulating specific bodily processes through the function of the endocannabinoid system.  What makes delta 8 stand out from other cannabinoids is the fact that it binds to CB1 receptors in particular, which are cannabinoid receptors located in the nervous system.  As sleep is a major function of the nervous system, logic would tell us that delta 8 could play a unique role in regulating sleep.

 

In fact, a more recent analysis of delta 8 showed that it has distinctive calming properties that can play a role in managing healthy sleep, especially among those who struggle with sleep due to stress or anxiety.

 

Also, it is worth pointing out that the mild intoxicating effect of delta 8 could act as an additional means for promoting sleep.  The high produced by consuming delta 8 has been described as relaxing for both the body and mind, and while the high is active, a person may find themselves entering a calmer state that’s conducive to effortless sleep.

What are the Different Types of Delta 8 THC Products to Use for Sleep?

One thing that’s important to know before starting a delta 8 THC routine is that each type of product allows the delta 8 to absorb into the body through a different means, and this can play a major role in how it interacts with your sleep cycle.  For instance, some delivery methods act within minutes while others require a couple hours to take effect.

 

So, here is what to expect with each product type:

• Delta 8 Vapes: These are vaping products which include disposable devices, pre-filled cartridges, and bottled e-liquids. They offer the fastest-acting effects, usually taking place within minutes to the high absorbency of the lung tissue.  This means that a couple puffs of a vape could give you the response you’re looking for very quickly.  Note: Effects are the most potent when inhaled, and they only last for up to a couple of hours or so, which means this may not be effective if sleep maintenance is your primary issue.
• Delta 8 Oils/Tinctures: A good middle-ground option, these take about an hour to feel the effects, and can last for up to 6 hours, while also being slightly less potent than vapes and more potent than edible methods. Being available in an array of milligram strengths allows for more control over how potent each dose is.
• Delta 8 Edibles: Able to be taken in the forms of gummies, hard candies, or even baked goods, any type of edible product offers the longest-lasting effects – up to 9 hours – and a more relaxing body high to accompany the cerebral effects. On the flip side, this delivery method can take up to 2 hours to really kick in.
• Delta 8 Capsules: Like edibles, capsules have a duration of effects of up to 9 hours, but often absorb at a quicker rare in the body due to the lack of complex ingredients in the formula.
• Delta 8 Flower: Basically, it’s CBD hemp flower which has been infused with Delta-8. When it comes to trying to sleep, it could help provide some of that calmness depending upon the strain profile, terpenes, and of course, the cannabinoids its infused with.  Can work fast when either smoked or vaped.  Not to mention, the options for loose buds or pre-rolls to experience this flower product in.

How to Properly Use Delta 8 THC for Improved Sleep?

Knowing the different types of delta 8 products is just half of what’s needed in order to catch some much-needed z’s.  You also need to be aware of these crucial things before selecting and then using that any type of delta-8 product.

Discuss Delta 8 with Your Medical Healthcare Professional

Starting a delta 8 routine should be thoroughly discussed with both your general practitioner and your sleep specialist, with the former having a good idea of whether or not delta-8 is appropriate for you based on your medical needs, and the latter potentially offering insight into what it can offer you, specifically, in terms of sleep.

If already on any medications for sleep, you need to go over this with a healthcare professional, because delta 8 THC could interact with some sleep medications by suppressing the CYP3A4 enzyme that breaks down many popular drugs.

Time Your Dosage

The goal of using delta 8 for sleep is taking it in a way that allows its effects to peak when we need them to during the night.  That being said, consider the delivery methods above and decide when would be best to take your nightly dose so that the effects are felt at the right time.

Nightly Use is Ideal

Taking delta 8 each night is the best way to go, as consistency in your routine best supports the endocannabinoid system’s ability to thoroughly use the cannabinoid.

Know Your Tolerance Level

First-time users may be tempted to take an extra-large dose of delta 8 THC to promote stronger effects on sleep, but those who have not yet developed a tolerance to the intoxicating nature of the cannabinoid may find that this causes them to get too high, which can cause a feeling of uneasiness leading to anxiety that can directly interfere with your ability to sleep.

Sleep is Crucial and Delta 8 Might Be the Holistic Option You Have Been Looking For

We all struggle with sleep every so often, but those who consistently fail to get enough sleep each night, need some form of intervention.  A sleep specialist can help you determine the cause of your poor sleep and may be able to develop a treatment that gets you back to a normal sleep schedule.  Delta 8 THC might be able complement a sleep treatment plan prescribed by a specialist, being an all-natural and holistic compound that has been found to offer promising properties to the nervous system.

 

Bottom Line: If planning to use delta 8 THC for sleep, you must find a good company, preferably online such as weed.com, that sells trustworthy products.  Not only that, but once again, consider taking your delta 8 each night for the best results.