words Alexa Wang
Why is sleep so important, anyway?
Proper rest is essential for the body to reset and function. Without it, we’re like walking zombies, firing on fewer cylinders and in no state for interaction. According to Harvard Business, poor sleep impacts us in both the short term and the long term.
In the short term, sleep affects:
- Attitude
- Judgment
- Cognitive ability
- Attention retention
- Risk of injury or accident
In the long term:
- Can lead to diabetes
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Even mortality
Thus, it’s no secret that the key to a healthy, happier life is carving out a custom recipe for the best quality sleep. And the good news is there are multiple routes to get better shut-eye. Some are as old as time, some more modern. In this article, we invite you to explore with us the many benefits of THC and why it’s theorized to be a great solution for getting a decent night’s rest.
I want to sleep better. What’s this I hear about THC?
Before discussing why THC can help improve sleep, perhaps it’s first worth exploring what THC really is.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. It acts much like the chemical receptors made naturally by the body, which allows it to assist in sleep, mood, and even pain regulation.
So how will THC help with sleeping?
Clinical research theorizes that THC, the most abundant compound present in cannabis, has great benefits for improving overall sleep quality. One study from 2008 found that both smoked cannabis and orally administered can help people reach the deepest levels of sleep cycle while bypassing the sleep state known as REM sleep. However, it should be noted that getting too little REM sleep (the earlier stages of our sleep) can be problematic and lead to memory issues and mood disorders in some people. More on that later.
According to The Sleep Foundation, it’s believed that Delta-9 THC promotes sleep by interacting with receptors of the brain. By binding with these receptors, THC helps relay a message internally to increase the level of rest and decrease the levels of brain arousal. In effect and in more human speak, this process can make anyone feel more “sleepy.”
What are the benefits?
Scientists are still exploring THC’s long and short-term impacts on sleep. That said, many people have reportedly found success with utilizing THC to develop a sound sleeping routine. The Sleep Doctor offers insights into how THC can support a more regular sleep cycle.
- THC makes it easier to fall asleep quickly
- The compound improves general breathing, which can act as a potential sleep apnea treatment.
- THC improves the time spent in deep sleep stages while reducing the tenure during the REM stage
- Less time in REM sleep results in less time dreaming, which can be especially beneficial to people who are diagnosed with PTSD and experience traumatic nightmares or disturbing dreams. Though removing the THC after extended use could result in a resurgence of said dreams.
The Best THC Products Currently on the Market
Alright, so now that you understand how THC works, you’re probably more curious now than ever about the best natural sleep aids–especially those that incorporate Delta-9 THC. How do you know which are legitimate? We did our homework and believe Delta-9 THC edibles could be the best option for a long-restful sleep. Here’s why.
Edibles can take one to two hours to kick in. But once they do, the effects typically last a minimum of four hours and up to eight or more for some people. This characteristic makes THC gummies ideal to consume a couple of hours before bed for a whole night’s rest. Gummies are easy to ingest, taste pretty great, and are portable for convenience. Fan favorites include these deliciously refreshing Pineapple Slush Delta-9 Gummies that contain THC-O, HHC, Delta-9, CBN, and CBG for a balanced experience of relaxing and psychoactive compounds.
There are also plenty of other edible types for your desired taste, including small bites, mints, taffy, tablets, tea, syrups, and more. It really is up to your personal preference. Many people gravitate to gummies for their “treat” like nature just before bed. These products come at a reasonable price and are legal to buy nationwide because they’re made from federally legal hemp, not marijuana.
The Risks of THC as a Sleep Aid
While THC has significant sleep benefits, there are some risks to consider when delving into cannabis for sleep regulation. Some experts do not recommend using THC daily on a long-term basis because of some of the effects outlined below.
Just like any other chemical substance, THC can cause you to develop a tolerance over time. That means after extended use, you may have to up your dosage and could become even more reliant on it to fall asleep. With excessive use over time, THC reliance could lead to:
- Less sleep overall
- Strange dreams
- Longer time to fall asleep
- More frequent awakenings
In Conclusion: Why We’re Opting for THC-Induced Sleep
There’s enough evidence to show that THC is perfectly safe and suitable to incorporate into your sleep routine. It has great benefits for getting a good night’s rest, especially in a pinch, in a fast and enjoyable way. Like anything “newer” on the market, there will always be risks and unique factors to consider. That said, it’s worth trying a range of Delta-9 THC products to see what your body best reacts to and reach that ideal slumber-like state.
