Hemp-derived products have long been recognized for their sleep-aiding properties, among both recreational and medicinal users. Anecdotal experiences have suggested a 70 percent improvement in sleep quality after intaking hemp-derived products. Delta-8 THC, derived from hemp plants, is a rare compound known for its therapeutic properties including its ability to help you sleep. But before you fill up your cart with Delta 8 THC products for sleep-related ailments, it’s better to do your homework. The better you know the substance, the better your choice will be.
So, in this blog, we will break down everything you need know to about Delta 8 THC for sleeping and what are its pros and cons.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Let’s start from the beginning. Before diving deep into Delta 8 THC for sleep and its for and against sleep alleviation, it is important to have a better understanding of Delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 THC, also known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp plants. It is a rare cannabinoid that is synthetically produced for industrial purposes.
Delta 8 THC has a chemical structure similar to Delta 9 THC, the primary cannabinoid responsible for inducing psychoactive effects among users. However, the difference in the molecular structure of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC leads to some variations in how these two cannabinoids affect the body. Delta 8 THC is known to have more calming effects unlike Delta 9 THC which is primarily used to create a ‘high’.
Some of the well-known therapeutic benefits of Delta 8 THC include reducing anxiety, stimulating appetite, alleviating nausea, providing relief from chronic pain, and improving sleep quality.
Read More: How To Clear Delta-8 THC From Your System?
How to consume Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC can be consumed in various forms, similar to other cannabinoids. Some of the common methods of consumption include:
- Vaping: It is one of the commonly practiced methods of consuming cannabinoids. Delta 8 THC can be vaporized using disposable vapes or vape cartridges. One of the advantages of vaping is it allows quick absorption of compounds into the bloodstream, resulting in quick onset of effects.
- Edibles: The market is swarming with Delta 8 THC edibles which are available in various forms including gummies, brownies, cookies, and beverages. Edibles take a longer time to kick in compared to vaping but last for an extended period.
- Tinctures: Delta 8 THC tinctures or oils can be placed under the tongue where they are absorbed through the mucous membranes and then run into the bloodstream. This method allows quick absorption while also avoiding metabolic processes of digestion.
Benefits of Delta 8 THC
Researchers have suggested many potential benefits of Delta 8 THC and some of the commonly reported benefits are listed below:
- Stress reduction: Delta 8 THC produces soothing effects that help in reducing stress and anxiety. Many users have shared experiencing cerebral effects without going through the intense high commonly associated with Delta 9 THC.
- Pain Relief: Delta 8 THC is believed to have analgesic properties and may help in dealing with chronic pain and inflammation. Some users have found Delta 8 THC products to help with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.
- Appetite Stimulation: Delta 8 THC also stimulates appetite and works for those who have a love-hate relationship with food.
- Improved sleep: Delta 8 THC helps in aiding sleep quality and promoting better sleep. It is said to have greatly benefited those who suffer from insomnia and other sleep-related issues.
Delta 8 THC for sleep
Among many benefits of Delta 8 THC, the widely talked about is its ability to cure sleep-related ailments. The cannabinoid is reported to help promote better sleep quality and helps with insomnia. Many users have credited Delta 9 THC for reducing stress and anxiety, leading to more restful sleep.
Delta 8 THC’s sleep-enhancing properties are attributed to its ability to activate the same neurotransmitters in the brain that promote consistent sleep patterns. The substance also enhances how efficiently our body synthesizes melatonin and dopamine, which calm anxious thoughts and reduce the frequency of scary dreams or nightmares.
Read More: What is T-Break?
Pros of Delta 8 THC for sleep
There are several advantages of Delta 8 THC when it comes to aiding sleep-related ailments. Some of the most commonly known pros are mentioned below:
Relaxation
Stress and anxiety are two leading causes of insomnia, By now we are aware that Delta 8 THC is known for its relaxing effects, which eventually help in unwinding a better sleep pattern. Delta-8 THC is said to increase levels of a chemical in the brain known as anandamide which regulates mood and emotions. When there’s a higher amount of anandamide in the body, it improves your body’s response to stress and prevents racy thoughts that can interfere with falling asleep quickly.
Improves Sleep Quality
Aside from reducing anxiety and stress, Delta 8 THC is also known to help most people achieve better sleep quality. Consuming Delta 8 THC before bed can reduce rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep) during which most of the dreams and nightmares occur. Since Delta 8 THC helps in reducing the REM sleep stage, you are less likely to wake up due to nightmares, hence, ensuring a better sleep quality.
Pain relief and reduced inflammation
Chronic pain usually kicks in when you are ready for bed, triggering sleepless nights. By increasing anandamide levels in your brain, Delta 8 THC enhances your body’s ability to endure pain. This means your body’s threshold to pain has leveled up. Both research and anecdotal experiences have revealed that THC lessens pain by reducing the pain signals in the brain, ensuring a better sleep pattern. In addition to this, Delta 8 THC is also known to reduce inflammation, which can bring much-needed pain relief.
Cons of Delta 8 THC for sleep
While there are many benefits of Delta 8 THC for sleep, some potential drawbacks have also been attributed to its use. Some are mentioned below:
Psychoactive effects
Though mild, Delta 8 THC does have some psychoactive effects. These effects depend on various factors such as individual biology, dosage, and tolerance level. Some users may also experience a head buzz with feelings of euphoria, which may prevent them from falling asleep.
Daytime drowsiness
While Delta 8 THC may help in falling asleep quickly, its high dosage right before bedtime can lead to drowsiness the following day. This can impact your overall productivity and ability to focus.
Dependency and Tolerance
If you are a frequent THC user, you may build a tolerance to the substance which will refrain you from experiencing calming effects associated with it. Prolonged and excessive use can also lead to addiction. Therefore, it is important to moderate your dosage and go on a tolerance break to minimize these risks.
Lack of Regulation
The Delta 8 THC is largely unregulated which can result in varying quality and consistency in products. It’s important to source your products from reputable sources such as D8 Gas to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Bottomline
When using Delta 8 THC products as a sleep aid, the experience you gain may depend on the dosage and strength you are consuming. While regulated dosage can turn out to be a boon, overdosage can lead to potential drawbacks that we mentioned earlier. It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to assess the potential risks and benefits of using Delta 8 THC for sleep. We, at D8 Gas, meet all your requirements for hemp-related products.