If you struggle to fall asleep and/or to get a full night of restful sleep, you’re not alone. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that over 70 million Americans have difficulty sleeping. There are a wide range of reasons why you may have trouble sleeping – for some, stress or depression may contribute to sleepless nights; for others, medical conditions ranging from sleep apnea to chronic pain to an overactive thyroid may be the culprit; and then there are people who make lifestyle choices that aren’t conducive to getting good sleep, such as using electronic devices before bed, or consuming alcohol or caffeine too close to bedtime.
Regardless of your specific reason for having problems sleeping, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Difficulty sleeping can result in a variety of health issues such as weight gain, high blood pressure, increased risk of diabetes and compromised immune function. It can also negatively affect your mental health, resulting in anxiety, depression or difficulty concentrating. Poor sleep can also impact your motivation to engage in physical activity, lower your productivity, or impair your ability to manage chronic health conditions.
It should come as no surprise that people will often go to great lengths to improve their sleep. For those who prefer not to rely on pharmaceutical sleep aids, Delta 8 THC has emerged as a popular alternative. While research regarding the sleep benefits of Delta 8 is still limited, preliminary results indicate that it can have a positive impact on your sleep.
How Does Delta 8 Help with Sleep?
Delta 8 THC interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating a variety of important functions such as sleep, mood and appetite. During times of elevated stress, your body’s ECS may struggle to function properly, and Delta 8 can be used to restore the ability of your ECS to effectively manage your sleep. Delta 8 THC activates the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in your central nervous system, stimulating the production of serotonin and dopamine. These elevated levels of dopamine and serotonin in your system have been shown to help improve your sleep.
In addition, Delta 8 THC helps to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) which can improve your sleep. The mellow, relaxing high associated with Delta 8 also reduces stress and anxiety which are common impediments to getting restful sleep. Delta 8 THC can also have a sedative effect which improves sleep quality and promotes deeper sleep.
Benefits of Using Delta 8 THC for Sleep
Initial research, while limited, has demonstrated a variety of benefits associated with using Delta 8 for sleep, including:
- Enhanced Relaxation – A University of Michigan survey of Delta 8 users found that 71% reported experiencing relaxation effects, which can be beneficial to sleep.
- Pain Relief – The Same University of Michigan survey found that 55% of Delta 8 users reported pain relief, which may help address a common cause of sleep issues.
- Anxiety Reduction – Delta 8 THC has been found to reduce anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep.
- Improved Sleep Quality – There is anecdotal evidence that Delta 8 can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
- Better Regulation of Sleep-Wake Cycle – Research indicates Delta 8 THC may have a positive effect on your body’s natural circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle), helping to improve your sleep quality.
- Improvement of Sleep Disorders – Delta 9 can help reduce sleep disorders such as insomnia, improving your sleep.
Is Delta 8 THC Better Than Delta 9 THC for Sleep?
Both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC have been used to improve sleep. Delta 9, the more powerful version of THC, provides a high that is significantly stronger than what is experienced with Delta 8. However, this higher potency doesn’t necessarily translate to a better sleep aid.
The more powerful high associated with Delta 9 THC is often accompanied by paranoia or anxiety, which can potentially have a negative impact on your ability to sleep. Delta 8, on the other hand, has stronger relaxation properties, making it ideally suited for improving sleep. Delta 8 also provides more full-body effects than Delta 9, which is typically more head-focused. For individuals who struggle to sleep due to chronic pain, this may make Delta 8 THC a better option.
Ultimately, the best option for you largely depends on personal preference. If you prefer a milder, more uplifting experience, then Delta 8 THC is likely going to be the better sleep aid. But if you like a stronger, more sedative experience, then you may find that you prefer Delta 9 THC.
How to Use Delta 8 for Sleep
The potential benefits of using Delta 8 for sleep can be life-changing, helping you fall asleep faster and experience better quality sleep through the night. But to maximize these benefits, it’s important to use it correctly. The following guide will help you choose the right Delta 8 products for sleep and understand the best practices associated with using it as a sleep aid.
Best Delta 8 Products for Sleep
There are a variety of ways to consume Delta 8 THC, and each method can deliver sleep benefits. The right products for you will depend on your personal preferences. Some of the most commonly used Delta 8 products for sleep include:
- Edibles
- Vapes and flower
- Capsules
- Tinctures
Edibles
If you prefer to eat Delta 8, then edibles may be the ideal product for you. There are many different types of Delta 8 edibles, but the most popular is gummies. The primary benefit of choosing edibles for sleep is that they have a consistent dosage. Each edible contains the same amount of Delta 8 THC, so once you determine the right dosage to improve your sleep, you can just take the same amount every time and achieve consistent results.
Vapes
Another popular consumption method for Delta 8 involves vaping it. This is a popular option due to the wide variety of strains/flavors to choose from. It also goes straight to your lungs, allowing you to feel the effects much faster than with edibles and some of the other options discussed below. The one potential drawback to vaping Delta 8 for sleeping is that it’s more challenging to control the dosage since you can’t measure the number of milligrams of Delta 8 contained in each puff. This may lead to slightly different results each time.
Powder
As with edibles, powdered Delta 8 can provide an easy way to control your Delta 8 dosage since each dose can be measured to your exact preference. Perfect for taking with your preferred nighttime beverage.
How Long Does It Take for Delta 8 to Begin Working?
The length of time it takes for Delta 8 to start working as a sleep aid depends on your method of consumption:
- Edibles – approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Vaping – approximately 5-10 minutes
- Powder – approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
Make sure to time your consumption properly based on when you’d like to go to sleep (more on this below).
Best Practices When Using Delta 8 for Sleep
The following best practices will help you maximize the benefits of Delta 8 as a sleep aid:
- Take the Right Dosage – The right dosage is critical to achieve your desired effect. Taking too much Delta 8 THC can create an overpowering high that may hinder your ability to sleep, and taking too small of a dosage may not deliver the intended impact. It’s best to start with a small dosage and gradually increase it until you achieve your desired effect.
- Take it at the Right Time –Your preferred consumption method should dictate how long before bedtime you take Delta 8 THC. Taking edibles or capsules too close to bedtime may not give them enough time to begin working. Also, keep in mind that you want to feel the relaxing tail end of the high when you’re trying to go to sleep, not the peak high. So smoking or vaping right before bedtime can potentially make falling asleep difficult.
- Consult a Doctor Before Combining Delta 8 with Prescriptions – If you take prescription medications to help with sleeping, speak with your doctor before adding Delta 8 THC as a supplement. You’ll want to make sure Delta 8 won’t have any adverse reactions when mixed with your prescription medications. It’s also best to use a very small dose of Delta 8 at first if you’re combining it with prescription medications.
- Avoid Taking it Nightly – Taking Delta 8 every night can potentially cause you to become dependent on it to fall asleep, and you may eventually build a tolerance if consumed daily. To avoid this, try to only use Delta 8 on the nights when you feel you need a little extra help sleeping.
Red Queen Extracts – The Best Delta 8 Online
If you’re looking for the best Delta 8 THC for sleep, quality matters. Choosing products containing the finest ingredients and that deliver an enjoyable consumption experience will help you get the most out of your new sleep aid. If you’re looking for the best Delta 8 products, Red Queen Extracts has you covered.
At Red Queen Extracts, we make premium craft Delta 8 products that deliver an exceptional experience every time you consume them. We’ve developed our unique Curated Experience Profile™ to ensure you enjoy a superior Delta 8 experience. This exclusive process is born out of our relentless pursuit of perfection, our commitment to using the highest quality ingredients and our meticulous manufacturing process that ensures every product we design provides pure enjoyment each and every time you use it.
There’s a good reason why we are so dedicated to producing the best Delta 8 products available. We’re not just the manufacturers, we’re also our biggest customers. When you enjoy a Delta 8 product from Red Queen Extracts, you can be confident it meets our lofty standards as consumers and delivers the best possible experience you can find.
Shop online to order your favorite Red Queen Delta 8 products.