In recent years, delta 8 has gained popularity, and more people are turning to this cannabinoid for recreational and therapeutic benefits. Most consumers use delta 8 to get better quality sleep. Herein is everything you need to know about delta 8 and sleep, including how to use this cannabinoid for sleep and the benefits of delta 8 THC.
THC is one of the major cannabinoids known for its intoxicating effects. This means that this cannabinoid can make one’ high.’ THC has various isomers, that as delta 8, delta 9, and delta 1. The difference between these variants is the location of the double carbon bond. This makes these isomers have varying effects. The former is infused into various products, including gummies, capsules, tinctures, pills, and topical products. Delta 8 THC has various benefits, such as relieving pain and anxiety, boosting appetite, and better sleep. So, can delta 8 THC make you sleepy? This article highlights the relationship between delta 8 and sleep.
What Is Delta 8
Delta 8 is a type of THC. THC is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant that contains psychoactive effects (Small et al., 2016). Delta 9 is the most popular form of THC, and it is referred to as THC. Unlike delta 9, delta 8 is found in smaller amounts. Delta 8 is milder than delta 9, and its psychoactive effects are less. Although it will give you a strong buzz, you cannot compare its high effects to delta 9. Most people prefer delta 8 due to its anti-nausea and anti-anxiety properties. It can also help you if you are experiencing pain and have a low appetite.
Since delta 8 is extracted from the hemp plant, it is federally legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill. Abernethy et al. (2019) stated that hemp-extracted products are legal since their THC levels do not exceed 0.03 percent. These levels are insignificant to cause psychoactive effects. During the passing of the Farm Bill, the states were mandated to come up with laws regulating the use of cannabis products within their boundaries. As a result, some states have banned the use, sale, and possession of cannabis products.
Can Delta 8 Make You Sleepy?
Most people who experience insomnia dose on delta 8 since it acts as a sleeping aid. How does it help you fall asleep? Delta 8 binds with the cannabinoid receptors of the nervous system, calming your breath and mental activity, leading to better sleep. This makes it possible for it to control your sleep cycle. It also gives you a calming effect that enables you to get better rest.
According to Kruger & Kruger (2022), delta 8 has helped light sleepers since they make them stay asleep longer. What’s more, delta 8 has helped them attain lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming is a state where one knows they are dreaming when asleep.
Since delta 8 contains anti-inflammatory properties, it can help in improving sleep. This is because some people find it difficult to sleep when experiencing pain. Delta 8 also relaxes muscles, leading to better sleep quality.
How Do You Use Delta 8 For Sleep?
Although delta 8 is similar to CBD, meaning that it does not cause negative side effects and you can rarely overdose on it, it is still crucial for you to consult your doctor. This will help you know if it may have negative interactions if you use other medication. The doctor will also help you determine the correct dosage based on your age, body metabolism, experience level, and the severity of your sleeping problem, among other factors.
Below are some tips you can use if you add Delta 8 into your sleep routine:
Time of Dosage
To acquire the peak effects of delta 8, you would want to consume it around the time you go to bed. This will allow enough time for your body to absorb this cannabinoid.
Choosing the Right Method of Delivery
Consuming delta 8 through vaping may help you sleep quickly compared to gummies which may take some time for its effects to kick in. This may be ideal if you wake up several times at night.
Go with the Right Strength
Like CBD, delta 8 is available in different potencies. Go for an ideal strength, depending on your needs. If you are a beginner, start with smaller doses, and advance to higher potencies with experience. You should be aware that delta 8 will not be effective for everyone. Everyone’s reaction to delta 8 is different since consumers have different ECS responses. If you want to use Delta 8 as a sleep aid, you should choose one with terpenes. According to Muchlinski et al. (2020), terpenes are responsible for the aroma. Terpenes infused delta 8 have a stronger sedative nature.
Other Benefits of Delta 8
Below are some ways delta 8 can help in improving your life:
Appetite Boost
Mechoulam & Hanus (2001) suggested that Delta 8 increases appetite. Its appetite stimulation is twice as potent as that of delta 9. With just one dose of delta 8, your appetite will increase immediately.
Neuroprotection
Livingston et al. (2022) noted that Delta 8 contains neuroprotective properties, improving the brain’s health. For those experiencing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, delta 8 can help because it controls calcium and potassium regulation. Delta 8 also improves the functioning of cognitive since it develops new neurons.
Digestive Support
If you experience nausea, you can use Delta 8. Delta et al. (2021) suggested that the psychoactive nature of delta 9 has made people use delta 8 instead since it’s milder.
Pain Relief
Delta 8 has become a favorite in pain relief compared to other cannabinoids. Maida & Corban (2017) noted that applying cannabis compounds, such as delta 8 topically, has helped relieve chronic pain. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it has helped reduce inflammation levels, thus reducing pain.
Conclusion
Even though delta 8 is a relatively new cannabinoid, it has some similarities to CBD and other forms of THC, such as delta 9. Before consuming delta 8 for sleep, seek your doctor’s advice. You should also buy your delta 8 from a reliable supplier so that you can only acquire high-quality delta 8 products. You should use the right dosage based on your experience level, age, and body metabolism to get better results.
References
Abernethy, A. (2019). Hemp Production & 2018 Farm Bill. US Food And Drug Administration.
Delta, D., Ages, T. C. V. C., & So Inaccurate, W. A. C. (2021). CBD Oracle Lab Study Shows Some Delta-8 Products Are 7700% Over The Legal Delta-9 THC Limit We Got 51 Hemp-Derived Delta-8 THC Products Tested By An Independent Lab, And Found High Levels Of Delta-9 THC In Most Of Them. And That Was Just The Beginning. Delta.
Kruger, J. S., & Kruger, D. J. (2022). Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s Nicer Younger Sibling?. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 4(1), 1-8.
Livingston, M. D., Walker, A., Cannell, M. B., & Rossheim, M. E. (2022). Popularity Of Delta-8 THC On The Internet Across US States, 2021. American Journal Of Public Health, 112(2), 296-299.
Maida, V., & Corban, J. (2017). Topical Medical Cannabis: A New Treatment For Wound Pain—Three Cases Of Pyoderma Gangrenosum. Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management, 54(5), 732-736.
Mechoulam, R., & Hanus, L. (2001). The Cannabinoids: An Overview. Therapeutic Implications In Vomiting And Nausea After Cancer Chemotherapy, In Appetite Promotion, In Multiple Sclerosis And In Neuroprotection. Pain Research And Management, 6(2), 67-73.
Muchlinski, A., Ibdah, M., Ellison, S., Yahyaa, M., Nawade, B., Laliberte, S., … & Tholl, D. (2020). Diversity And Function Of Terpene Synthases In The Production Of Carrot Aroma And Flavor Compounds. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-14.
Small, E. (2016). Cannabis: A Complete Guide. CRC Press.
Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She’s also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it!
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