Statistics show that about a quarter of Americans report trouble sleeping from time to time. This can often be contributed to stress or an underlying mood disorder that prevents the nervous system from relaxing. While both short and long-term insomnia are surprisingly common, that doesn’t mean that those who struggle with sleep each night have no hope for some much-needed z’s. In reality, there are a lot of options that are effective at promoting easy, restorative sleep. One of the oldest methods for getting a good night’s sleep is cannabis. It even remains an incredibly popular, not to mention fully holistic option to this day. Plus, with the large array of new cannabinoids entering the legal hemp market, it’s time to discuss each one’s potential impact on sleep. As you will also find out, some could turn out to be surprisingly effective.
What are the Most Common Causes for Poor Sleep?
If you’re struggling with sleeping troubles, you might want to consider seeking the help of a medical professional. That’s because there are all kinds of underlying causes behind poor sleep, and for many of them, there are simple remedies.
Here are the most common reasons for poor sleep include:
- Stress/Mood Disorders: Yes, stress, anxiety, and depression can all trigger insomnia. This is due to the way in which they reorganize the critical neurotransmitters in the brain like serotonin, dopamine, cortisol, and melatonin. These can also have effects on our mood and sleep cycle.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Many women report that their sleep changes with their hormones. Particularly, during their periods and during menopause. All of this is due to the impact that estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone have on our sleep cycle.
- Dietary Deficiencies: Certain vitamins and nutrients are essential to our sleep. These include vitamins B and D, along with minerals like magnesium, zinc, and calcium.
- Consumption of Stimulants: Consuming stimulants close to bedtime can keep us wide awake at night. And, these include caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. These can stimulate the nervous system hours after it was last consumed.
- Chronic Pain Conditions: If the body is in physical pain, then there’s a good chance that you will find yourself struggling to relax enough to fall asleep.
- Use of Certain Medications: Some medications can have stimulating properties that make us feel “tired but wired” at bedtime.
Now, let’s take a close look at the newer cannabinoids on the market. Specifically, what each could possibly do for our sleep cycle.
Delta 8 THC
For those out there who may not be aware, delta 8 THC is quickly becoming a go-to for anyone seeking out better sleep each night. How? Because the cannabinoid seems to act as an anxiolytic. Meaning, it may offer uniquely powerful soothing effects to the nervous system that are exactly what insomnia sufferers are looking for. A lot of people find that delta 8 has a mellowing effect on both mind & body. In turn, making for an easier time both falling asleep and staying asleep. Delta-8 is often considered the “indica of cannabinoids”. Why? Because of just how effective it may be at helping a person unwind and release tension and stress.
Federally Compliant Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC just so happens to be the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana. Not only that, but we know that people have been using marijuana for sleep for centuries, at least. There is something about delta 9 that has a uniquely soothing effect on us, making it extremely useful at bedtime. Because of its intoxicating nature (about 30% more potent than delta 8), some people find that consuming too much of it makes them feel anxious or paranoid. So, if you’re a beginner, start with just a few milligrams of delta 9 to get those desired results.
Delta 10 THC
Delta 10 THC is unlikely to give you the results you’re looking for. It’s essentially known to act as sort of an opposite of delta 8 THC. In other words, its effects seem to be more uplifting and motivating. It can even enhance physical energy levels, which isn’t what people want when trying to fall asleep at night.
THC-O
THC-O (THC-O-Acetate) is a newer cannabinoid that’s about 3x as psychoactive as delta 9 THC. It’s so new that there have been no studies about its effects on sleep or energy levels just yet. What we do know is that THC-O can offer highly euphoric effects, and moderate to high doses can cause major couchlock – a term used to describe a body high that’s so heavy, the user wants to just lay down and relax. This can be a positive effect if you wanna fall asleep. But, your body feels tense or is unable to calm down. Just keep in mind that because it is so intoxicating, as a newbie you should start out with a low dose and increase the amount you take only as tolerated.
THC-P
THC-P (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is actually 10x as intoxicating as delta 9 THC. Again, you’ll need to take it easy with this one as a first-time user. But, the powerful high can work in your favor at nighttime, since a cannabinoid that psychoactive is capable of knocking out negative thoughts that may keep you up at night. In fact, the cannabinoid is known for its highly euphoric properties, and that can be extremely helpful if a stressed out, negative state of mind has been responsible for keeping you up at night.
THC-V
THC-V (tetrahydrocannabivarin) was discovered back in 1973, and has been researched more thoroughly than delta 8, delta 10, THC-O, and THC-P. But, the thing is that there is no evidence that the cannabinoid can influence sleep or even mood. While these properties may exist, they haven’t been explored yet. Some people find that its mild psychoactive effects are soothing. But, we wouldn’t put it at the top of our list of cannabinoids that are ideal for sleep.
HHC
HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is another new cannabinoid discovery that is too new for any meaningful research to have been done on its effects related to sleep. But, HHC is known to practically mirror the effects of delta 9 THC, being its hydrogenated analog compound. What this means is that if delta 9 has been helpful for you in terms of sleep, there’s a good chance that HHC will be helpful as well.
Why the Strain Even Matters Anyway?
Of course, the one thing that we do need to point out is the importance of the strain. The hemp plant is rich in hundreds of individual compounds, and these compounds are unique based on the cultivar of the plant, known as its strain. Indica strains and indica-dominant hybrids are the best if you’re seeking out something for sleep, since they contain high levels of terpenes that are known for being more soothing. In fact, some sativa and sativa-dominant hybrid strains can actually be too stimulating for nighttime.
What this means is that even if you find the ideal cannabinoid for sleep, you may miss out on the plant’s full potential if you’re not seeking out the ideal strain. Basically, look for one that’s known for its mellowing effects, and you’ll be far more likely to get the results that you’re looking for.
Final Drifting Off to Sleep Thoughts
We all deserve to have adequate sleep each night, in order to feel refreshed, restored and focused the next day. But, for so many of us, that’s easier said than done. While ultimately, anyone dealing with insomnia should seek help from a medical professional, we also know from years of research that cannabinoids can be extremely useful in this regard. So, we recommend considering these new hemp-derived cannabinoids on the market, and also looking for a strain that’s conducive to a better night’s sleep. At Pure CBD Now, you’ll find a wide array of cannabinoid-based products in various strains, formulations and more. Explore our products to find a natural, lab-tested and bioavailable hemp product that suits your specific needs.
Other Pure CBD Now products that you can order online:
- Canna Stillery Exotics HHC:Delta-8:THC-O Cartridge 1 Gram – This cartridge is composed of one gram with 1:11:1 THC:THC-O ratio. Exotic terpenes are added to the HHC:8-THC:THC-O combination. There are no cutters, fillers, or nonsense. Available in several flavors.
- iDELTA8 Delta 8 Gummies 20ct – 50mg Per Gummy – Those who prefer edibles will surely find this product convenient an effective. These gummies are potent than other gummies with 50mg of Delta 8.
- Maui Labs DELTA 8 Disposable Vape 925mg – Made from Hemp derived Delta-8 THC, CBD, CBN and <3% Delta-9 THC. Available in 6 strains.