Delta-8 THC and Sleep: Everything You Need to Know
A good night’s rest can be hard to find, especially when you have chronic anxiety and insomnia. You could spend hours lying in bed trying to find the perfect position or blanket-to-no-blanket ratio before you realize it’s not going to make a difference. You are too wired to relax.
There are several sleeping aids on the market, but no one-size-fits-all solution. You would have to work your way down the list before coming up with a satisfying answer. One of the more promising solutions is Delta-8 THC.
Delta – Who?
A quick refresher – cannabis is made up of 3 things: cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Cannabinoids (THC and CBD) are responsible for the psychoactive effects. THC creates a “high”/ euphoria, while CBD calms. All “typical” stoner behaviors boil down to how the brain reacts to THC and CBD.
So where does Delta-8 fit in?
Delta-8 is the up-and-coming sibling of the more popular THC, Delta-9. It has less psychoactive effects, which means you won’t get the usual “high.” It’s pretty mild and comes with anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, and pain-relieving properties among others.
How Does Delta-8 Affect Sleep?
Our bodies have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) which helps regulate sleep, mood, appetite, and memory. This naturally exists and can be enhanced by lifestyle changes. However, it can also be altered with cannabinoids like Delta-8.
Since Delta-8 can change your ECS, it could also change the things it regulates – ergo the munchies, shoddy short term memory, and well, sleep. So yes, Delta-8 really does affect your night’s rest. Now it’s a matter of harnessing it.
Delta-8 As A Sleeping Aid
There are several options available on the market. It just boils down to how you want to consume Delta-8 THC. Here we’ll focus on edibles:
Gummies
If you want your sleeping aid to feel less like a chore, there are Delta-8 infused gummies. It’s just like being given a gummy vitamin as a kid. Same fruity flavors with arguably more fun.
Take one Delta-8 gummy an hour before bed, and let your buzz help you unwind. Once you relax, you can smoothly drift off to sleep just like a baby..
Oral Tinctures
For a quick, no-fuss sleeping aid, you could also try oral tinctures. It might not taste the best, but it is fast-acting. It’s perfect for those who work long hours and have very little me-time in between. Use the dropper and drop the prescribed amount under your tongue. You can quickly zip through your nighttime routine and catch those precious minutes of sleep.
Pills
Last, but not least, a good old-fashioned soft gel. It looks just like any other multivitamin, perfect for those who need things to look discreet. You are less likely to have people dipping into your stash.
Take the pill after your meal or 30 minutes before your bedtime and enjoy your restful sleep.
Basic Do’s and Don’ts
Now that you know your options, let’s go over ground rules.
- Do your research – Make sure they have a certificate of analysis (COA) from a third-party lab (check to make sure it isn’t forged!)
- Find the potency – Every dispensary is different. Make sure you read the labels.
- Start off slow – Delta-8 might be mild, but it is still a THC. If you are used to CBD, you want to go lower than your usual amount.
- Treat it like you would any other medication/supplement – Keep an eye out for adverse effects and don’t mix it with other substances.
With this in mind, you are ready to give Delta-8 a try! Who knows, it might just be the perfect way to catch some zs.
