Is Delta 8 a Potential Sleep Aid Solution?
Delta 8 THC effects are most commonly discussed in terms of its psychoactive properties. Like all cannabinoids, however, delta 8 is a compound that has inherent value due to the way in which it works with the cannabinoid receptors in the body to help regulate specific functions of each bodily system. Being a cannabinoid, delta-8 binds to cannabinoid receptors as part of the function of the endocannabinoid system which promotes homeostasis. Therefore, delta8 can be used for various purposes, aside from its intoxicating effects.
It is not surprising that people are using the cannabinoid for sleep each night, given the delta 8 THC feeling of calmness and relaxation. But is it actually a viable sleep aid?
Common Causes for Poor Sleep
We know that sleep is a complex bodily process that is highly dependent on the right balance of neurotransmitters that facilitate both falling asleep and staying asleep each night. These neurotransmitters can be thrown off balance by a number of factors, with stress being the most common one of all. Stress results in the release of chemicals in the brain that act as direct antagonists to neurotransmitters that support a healthy sleep cycle.
Other factors that can interfere with sleep include:
- Certain medications.
- Use of certain substances like alcohol and caffeine.
- Dietary deficiencies.
- Hormonal changes, such as menopause.
How are Sleeping Disorders Commonly Treated?
Sleeping disorders are common, and they are usually treated with medications such as benzodiazepines commonly prescribed for anxiety, along with heavier tranquilizers. Often, someone struggling with sleep will require some level of testing by a doctor to rule out underlying factors such as thyroid problems which disrupt the balance of hormones.
Using Cannabinoids for Sleep
Unsurprisingly, there are many people out there who wish to use gentler means for supporting sleep, as some commonly prescribed sleeping medications can come with side effects or can be addictive. Cannabinoids, which are the class of compounds that come from the cannabis genus, are becoming a popular option.
For centuries, people have used marijuana for sleep. The high delta 9 THC content in marijuana seems to support sleep by dulling the part of the brain that is hyper-aroused, which can interfere with sleep. There have also been numerous studies showing that cannabidiol, which is the dominant compound in hemp, may help regulate sleep in both the short and long term by balancing the neurotransmitters in the brain via cannabinoid receptor interaction.
Can Delta 8 Help?
Delta 8 is a minorly occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant that has only recently been successfully isolated, extracted, and concentrated. Being so new, we have limited information about it in terms of its proven effects. But the studies that do exist demonstrate that it can operate much like delta 9 THC in terms of its sedating properties that are particularly useful at bedtime. Besides its longer-term properties that may balance mood, its psychoactive properties, which are milder than those of marijuana, may be enough to help a person drift off effortlessly.
Factors That Make a Difference
Not all delta 8 THC products are identical, as there are many unique ways to formulate the compound, including the use of unique ingredients, additional hemp compounds, various potency levels and more. Further, how you choose to take your dose of delta 8 has a large role in how successfully it can potentially improve sleep.
Let’s go over the different factors that play a role in how delta-8 THC may improve sleep. This way, when the time comes to buy delta 8 THC, you will have a better idea of what to purchase, and how to use it.
Factor #1: When You Take It
When you take your dose plays a big role. Taking delta8 THC in the morning will not offer you much help 12 hours later. If you want it to make the biggest impact, you should take it at night when the effects will peak as you’re trying to sleep.
Factor #2: A Particular Formula’s Potency
All delta 8 THC products have a unique potency level, based on how many milligrams of pure delta-8 have been added to the formula. There is good reason to believe that more potent formulas will give you better sleep-enhancing effects overall.
Factor #3: Other Ingredients
Delta 8 THC may not be the only active ingredient in a particular formula, with “active ingredient” referring to ingredients that directly produce effects. For instance, for sleep support, you may seek out a delta-8 formula that incorporates other cannabinoids such as Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabidiol (CBD) like these Nyte Sleep Gummies. And, of course, avoid delta 8 products that combine the compound with more stimulating ingredients like caffeine.
Factor #4: Strain Type
Delta 8 products that are blended with a variety of naturally derived terpenes have unique strains, and each strain can produce different effects. Indica strains are usually classified as sleep-enhancing due to the high levels of specific compounds known to have more calming effects. If sleep is your goal, try to go with an indica, or an indica-dominant hybrid associated with sleep.
Factor #5: Dosage Amount
The dosage amount you take plays a big role in how effective the product will be. Lower doses may not give you enough of what you are looking for in the sleep department. Still, if you have never used delta8 THC before, you should always start with a small dose to build up your tolerance to the compound.
Factor #6: Your Body’s Tolerance to THC
All of us have a unique tolerance to the effects of delta-8 THC, which is why some people may find that a small dose knocks them out while others need twice the suggested dosage amount to feel the effects that they are looking for.
Factor #7: Specific Delivery Method
Delta8 comes in different delivery methods, as described below:
- Vapes: Any time you inhale delta 8 THC through a vaporizer device, you can expect fast and strong effects, which is why you will want to take this product right at bedtime.
- Tinctures: Held under the tongue, can take up to an hour to take effect, so schedule your dosage an hour before bedtime.
- Edibles and Capsules: Should be taken two hours before going to bed due to how long it takes for the delta-8 to peak. Edibles like sleep gummies and capsules offer up to 8 hours of effects in the body, making them particularly useful for those who struggle to stay asleep.
- Topicals: These are not recommended for sleep as they do not produce these kinds of effects, instead staying localized to the area of the body onto which you applied the product.
Overall, it is Looking Promising that Delta 8 THC May Be Useful for Sleep
As more research is done on this compound, we will have a better idea of its unique effects on one’s sleep cycle. Still, for the time-being, there is good reason to believe that it may be useful. Make sure that you choose the best product for sleep as well as your unique body and take it at the proper time for the most effectiveness.
