Getting enough sleep every night is a must if you want to stay healthy and live your life to the fullest. If you struggle to fall asleep on your own, you may need to use sleep aids to get enough shut-eye every night.
Delta 8 is a cannabis product that is often described as an effective sleep aid. But exactly how does Delta 8 help with sleep, and how do you know if it’s right for you? Here’s everything you need to know about Delta 8 for sleep. By understanding these aspects and approaching these products with care, you can make an informed decision about incorporating Delta 8 into your sleep routine.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a form of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s one of many psychoactive compounds found in cannabis plants. Most commercially available cannabis products use Delta 9 THC. However, Delta 8 has recently emerged as a popular alternative. Structurally, Delta 8 has a double bond on its eighth carbon molecule, which is where it gets its name.
Some people prefer Delta 8 THC because it is less psychoactive than Delta 9. This means you’ll experience a much milder “high” when using it. However, Delta 8 THC offers many of the same physical benefits as its Delta 9 counterparts. For example, Delta 8 can provide relief from pain and nausea. There’s also anecdotal evidence that it can help with anxiety and other mental health conditions.
Delta 8 is present in very small quantities in cannabis plants, as opposed to Delta 9, which is present in large quantities. This means that Delta 8 products must undergo a complex extraction and refinement process, usually done in a lab. Delta 8 is available in a variety of forms, including vape pens, edibles, and more.
Most Delta 8 products are made using hemp plants rather than marijuana plants. Hemp products are legal throughout the United States as a result of the 2018 Farm Bill, so you will find them in states where marijuana hasn’t been fully legalized yet. However, some states that have fully legalized marijuana have limited access to Delta 8, as there aren’t processes in place yet to regulate it.
Is Delta 8 Good for Sleep?
Scientific research on Delta 8 is still in its early stages. However, there are signs that using Delta 8 for sleeping can be effective. So, exactly how does Delta 8 help you sleep?
When Delta 8 THC binds to your endocannabinoid system, it regulates your breath and your heart rate. This creates a state of relaxation that can help you drift off. If you’re struggling with anxiety and stress, Delta 8 could also help your mind calm down so you can fall asleep faster.
Delta 8 can also help with pain management. If you have a painful injury or illness that makes it hard to sleep, Delta 8 products could make those symptoms less intense.
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 for Sleep
Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 products can be effective for sleep. However, many cannabis enthusiasts prefer Delta 8 for sleep. Here’s why many people opt for a Delta 8 sleep aid.
Psychoactive Effects
Delta 8 is much milder than Delta 9 in terms of psychoactive effects. This means you won’t experience as much of a “high” when using Delta 8.
When the psychoactive effects of cannabis are too intense, it can actually make it more difficult to sleep. Paranoia is a common side effect of Delta 9 THC, which can disrupt sleep and make it more challenging. Delta 8 can help you relax without a distracting high.
Accessibility
Marijuana products aren’t legal at the federal level, but hemp products are. Since most Delta 8 products are derived from hemp, they are easier to access in many parts of the United States. This makes them a more reliable sleep aid for those who live in states where marijuana isn’t currently legal.
However, it is essential to note that some states that presently have recreational or medical marijuana programs restrict the sale of Delta 8 products. This is because they aren’t currently regulated the same way that marijuana products are. Check your state’s laws and regulations to see which products are available to you.
How to Use Delta 8 THC for Sleep
Here’s what to consider when using Delta 8 for insomnia and sleep cycle management. Note that everyone responds to cannabis products differently. You may need to
experiment with different approaches to determine what will work best for your sleep routine.
Method
Delta 8 THC is available in many forms, including flower, vape pens, tinctures, gummies, capsules, and more. You can select the best delivery method for you based on your preferences.
Note that some methods will show results immediately, while others take time to work. For example, if you opt to smoke flower or use a vape pen, you’ll feel the effects right away. However, edible products usually take at least 30 minutes to kick in.
There are pros and cons to every form of cannabis, so it all comes down to personal choice. Many people enjoy edibles because they don’t put stress on the lungs and come in fun flavors. However, others prefer smoking flower or vaping because you can feel the effects more quickly.
Dosage
When using Delta 8 for sleep, it’s best to start with a small dose to see how it affects you. For edible products, 2.5 to 5 milligrams is a good place to start. If you don’t feel the effects of this amount, you can continue to increase the dose in small increments each night until you find what works best for you.
Even a small amount of cannabis can make a big impact when it comes to sleep.
Once you’re more experienced with cannabis products, you can increase the dose as needed. It’s important to note that, unlike alcohol, cannabis tolerance isn’t related to your size. This means that larger people won’t necessarily need to take a larger dose to feel its effects.
Timing
When it comes to balancing delta 8 and sleep, timing plays a critical role. Taking Delta 8 too early might lead to premature drowsiness, potentially disrupting your regular sleep pattern. On the other hand, using it too close to your bedtime might give it less time to take effect. Additionally, the intensity of the strain and the dosage are important factors; a high-potency strain or a large dose could result in feeling the effects even the following morning.
The right timing for your Delta 8 products depends partially on your ingestion method. For example, if you’re smoking or vaping, you’ll likely start feeling the effects of Delta 8 in less than 10 minutes. Tinctures also work quickly, usually taking 15 to 30 minutes to set in.
However, edible products like gummies, chocolates, or capsules take much longer to take effect. These products take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in. If you opt to use these products for sleep, you’ll need to take them well before bedtime to ensure they take effect at the right time.
Strain
As with other types of cannabis products, Delta 8 products are available in various strains. Some strains are more effective for sleep than others.
For example, many people prefer indica strains to sativa strains for sleep. In general, indica tends to be more relaxing, while sativa tends to be more stimulating. Hybrid strains contain both indica and sativa for a more balanced experience.
Additionally, consider the specific cannabinoids in your Delta 8 products. Delta 8 is a form of THC, but it is often paired with CBD, which is another cannabinoid.
CBD is not psychoactive but has other relaxing effects that can help with sleep. Products containing Delta 8 and CBD can also promote restful sleep. \
Best Practices for Using Delta 8 for Sleep
Insomnia can be incredibly frustrating, disrupting daily life and affecting overall well-being. Consistently following these best practices can help you get the most out of your Delta 8 products each night.
Start with a Low Dose and Build
When trying a new cannabis product, it’s always best to start with a small dose and build. This will help you see how your body reacts to the product and whether it’s a good fit.
If you start with a dose that’s too high, the sensation could become overwhelming and counterproductive to your sleep goals. To prevent this, start with a dose smaller than you think you need. Even if you’ve used cannabis products before, Delta 8 could affect you differently than Delta 9 or CBD products, which is why it’s so important to start with a low dose.
As mentioned above, beginning with a dose between 2.5 and 5 milligrams is best if you’re using edible products. Start with less than 2 milligrams for tinctures, as these are much more potent. If you’re smoking or vaping, try one small puff to start and let it take effect. You can consume more at your discretion if you’re not feeling the product’s effects.
Over time, your body will adjust to the product, and you can slowly work up to a larger dose if you prefer. Finding the perfect dose for your needs may take some trial and error, but this process is critical for achieving optimal results.
Avoid Using It Every Night
If you discover that Delta 8 improves your sleep, you might be inclined to use it every night. Nonetheless, frequent use can lead to an increased tolerance, necessitating higher doses for the same effectiveness over time. Additionally, there’s a risk of becoming reliant on Delta 8, potentially making it challenging to sleep without its assistance. It’s essential to manage usage thoughtfully to maintain its benefits while avoiding dependence and tolerance build-up.
To prevent these side effects, avoid using Delta 8 every night. Instead, save your Delta 8 products for days when you’re feeling particularly stressed or need a great night’s sleep for a big event the next day.
Combine It with Other Hemp Compounds
The entourage effect theorizes that combining THC with other cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, makes them more effective at treating a variety of conditions. These compounds interact and balance each other out inside the body.
To get the best results from your Delta 8 products, consider combining them with other cannabis compounds. For example, you could take a Delta 8 product with CBD to balance things out. You can also shop for full-spectrum cannabis products, which are developed with the entourage effect in mind and contain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Have a Consistent Sleep Routine
Sleep experts recommend going to bed at the same time every night and having a consistent routine. This consistency helps maintain your circadian rhythm and makes it easier to fall asleep. Combining a good sleep routine with your Delta 8 products will help you benefit from their full effects.
Avoid screen time in the hours leading up to your bedtime, as the blue light from your devices can keep you up longer. Instead, opt for other relaxing activities like reading, listening to music, doing a skincare routine, or stretching.
In addition to your Delta 8 products, you can use gentle sleep aids like lavender, chamomile tea, or melatonin to induce sleep. Talk to your doctor and research potential side effects before taking new sleep aids.
If you’ve struggled with insomnia for a long time, adjusting to a new sleep routine will take some practice. Consistency is key, and over time, sleep will likely become easier.
Delta 8 Products from Hemp XR
If you’re in the market for something new to help you catch some quality Z’s, why not give Delta 8 a shot? Hemp XR has an incredible lineup of Delta 8 THC goodies, plus a whole bunch of other cannabis options that can lead to a better night’s rest. Give these products a go when you’re hitting the hay – you might just find yourself drifting off to dreamland a whole lot easier!
