Struggling with sleep can be a frustrating experience that affects every aspect of your life. Fortunately, hemp-derived cannabinoids may offer a natural solution to help you achieve a restful night’s sleep. In this blog, we’ll explore the best cannabinoids for sleep, take a look at a few products designed specifically for this purpose, and examine the science behind how these compounds work.
1. CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids found in hemp. It is non-intoxicating and won’t make you feel high. For that reason, it’s been widely researched for its potential health benefits, including its potential to promote better sleep. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s natural sleeping and waking cycle. It may help reduce anxiety and pain, both of which can interfere with sleep. Additionally, CBD has been shown to influence sleep-wake cycles, helping you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. When taken daily, CBD’s interactions with the endocannabinoid system may help you get the rest you need.
A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal found that 66.7% of patients experienced improved sleep after taking CBD. Another study in 2017 by the National Institutes of Health suggested that CBD could help with REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness.
CBD Product Recommendations for Sleep:
- CBD Oil Tinctures: Easy to use and fast-acting, these tinctures can be taken sublingually before bedtime. CBD works best when taken in the morning and at night like a supplement
- CBD Gummies: These gummies offer a tasty and effective way to unwind and feel your best no matter what time of day you take them.
2. CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is gaining popularity for its sedative properties. It is often referred to as the “sleepy cannabinoid.” As a degraded form of delta-9 THC, this cannabinoid may cause you to feel a bit high, though it tends to take on a more heavy, sleepy feeling that you’ll feel deeply in your body with some minor effects to your mind. It may help support better sleep because CBN may enhance the sedative effects of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. It binds to the same receptors as THC but in a way that promotes relaxation and sleepiness without intense psychoactive effects.
Research published in 2011 in the journal Psychopharmacology found that CBN has sedative effects that could enhance the sleep-inducing properties of THC. A 1975 study in the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics showed that CBN alone or combined with THC produced significant sedative effects.
Product Recommendations:
- CBN Tinctures: These can be taken alone or combined with CBD to enhance sleep.
- CBN + CBD Gummies: Convenient and easy to dose, these gummies can be taken before bedtime. With the added benefit of CBD, these gummies may support an entourage effect, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
3. Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid synthesized from CBD that offers a milder high compared to Delta-9 THC. It has been noted for its potential to induce relaxation and improve sleep quality. Delta-8 THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which helps to modulate pain, anxiety, and the sleep-wake cycle. It produces a calming effect that might help ease you into sleep.
A 2018 study in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research suggested that Delta-8 THC could be useful in managing anxiety and insomnia.
Anecdotal evidence and emerging research suggest that Delta-8 THC is effective for people who have found traditional THC to be too potent.
Product Recommendations:
Delta-8 THC Honey Sticks: Perfect for adding some quietness to your evening routine, these perfectly portioned honey sticks are easy to add to a cup of tea, making your bedtime routine a bit sweeter and more potent.
Delta-8 THC + CBN Tinctures: These provide a longer-lasting effect, ideal for maintaining sleep throughout the night. With the added power of CBN, they may support an entourage effect that encourages a good night’s rest.
4. Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, known for its ability to induce relaxation and sleepiness at higher doses. It causes you to feel high by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain, influencing the release of neurotransmitters that regulate mood, pain, and sleep. At higher doses, it can promote a deep sense of relaxation and drowsiness, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. This naturally occurring cannabinoid is found in cannabis but can also be extracted from hemp and used/sold legally as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
A 2008 study in the journal Chemistry & Biodiversity found that THC can decrease sleep latency and increase the duration of sleep. Research in 2019 published in Frontiers in Pharmacology indicated that THC can reduce sleep disturbances and improve overall sleep quality in certain individuals.
Product Recommendations:
- Delta-9 THC Sleep Gummies: Longer-lasting effects and a variety of other sleep-supporting cannabinoids make these gummies ideal for sustaining sleep throughout the night.
- Delta-9 THC Drinks: Fast-acting and easy to dose, THC drinks can be used before bed to promote relaxation, making it easier to get some sleep.
Hemp Products For Sleep at The Hemptender
There’s a wide world of hemp products out there designed to support a good night’s rest. Many sleep-specific products may combine cannabinoids with other cannabinoids or with sleep-supporting terpenes like myrcene, linalool, and terpinolene. These terpenes are known for their sedative and relaxing properties. Additionally, some sleep products might contain other functional ingredients, such as melatonin, valerian root, and chamomile, which are often included to enhance the sleep-inducing effects.
Hemp-derived cannabinoids offer a promising solution for those seeking better sleep. By understanding how each cannabinoid works and choosing products tailored for sleep, you might find a natural and effective way to improve your sleep quality. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications. But if you’re in the clear, start at The Hemptender! You’ll find tons of sleep-supportive products on our website.