Catching Some Z’s: Cannabis For Sleep

Many of us go through periods where falling or staying asleep is easier said than done.  Maybe we’re dealing with stress, maybe we’ve developed some bad night-time habits or maybe we’re working so much that it’s hard to wind down at night.  Regardless, given the importance of getting adequate rest each night, it’s wise to consider a natural, plant-based solution to help us fall asleep more easily, and stay asleep throughout the night.

Cannabis has been a go-to remedy for sleep for thousands of years, and thanks to 20th Century and 21st Century research, we are finally able to understand why.  Today’s cannabis industry allows certain key cannabinoids to be sold legally, and many of these cannabinoids have unique properties that can play a meaningful role in our nightly routines.

Cannabinoids and Sleep: What’s the Connection?

The hemp plant naturally contains over 100 individual cannabinoids, and these compounds have the distinctive capability of attaching themselves to cannabinoid receptors located in various bodily systems to promote homeostasis. Cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system use certain cannabinoids to regulate important nervous system processes including mood, as well as sleep.  Some cannabinoids in particular have been shown in studies to have notable effects on our stress levels, circadian rhythms and balance of serotonin and melatonin, two key hormones involved in our sleep process.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

The most dominant cannabinoid in the hemp plant, CBD, has been researched extensively, and many people take it nightly specifically for sleep, and just to generally help them unwind.  The cannabinoid has been shown in numerous studies to offer positive effects on sleep, as well as stress levels.  The cannabinoid has a regulating effect on neurotransmitters involved in the sleep response, including cortisol, melatonin and serotonin.  The cannabinoid is non-psychoactive, meaning that it is a good option for those who do not want to experience a high.

Delta 8 THC (Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Delta 8 THC is a newer cannabinoid to enter the market, even though it’s actually been studied since the 1960s.  It’s a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid, being about 70% as intoxicating as delta 9 (the active psychoactive compound in marijuana).  Delta 8 is known for its particularly mellowing effects, and so it’s easy to understand why so many people prefer it at bedtime.  Delta 8 has actually been shown in studies to reduce sleep onset time in cats, and researchers have found that it acts as an anxiolytic, having a soothing effect on the nervous system.

Delta 9 THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Delta 9 THC is one of the most widely used sleep aids across the world.  Its effects on sleep come mainly from its psychoactive effects, as the high can help slow down thoughts, help the muscles feel heavier and introduce a sense of ease throughout the mind.  Studies have shown that like delta 8, delta 9 can reduce sleep onset time, allowing a person to fall asleep more quickly.  It is quite psychoactive, so be aware that delta 9 can make you feel notably intoxicated.

CBN (Cannabinol)

Cannabinol is a minor cannabinoid in cannabis, and also is probably the least researched cannabinoid on our list, but many people swear by its effects at nighttime.  CBN seems to be a good candidate for someone who is struggling with sleep due to stress, and in fact, many find that its effects are enhanced when the cannabinoid is taken along with either delta 8 or delta 9, due to a synergistic relationship that these cannabinoids share to boost the effectiveness of one another.

Luckily, cannabinoids can be taken in combination with one another to bring out their synergistic value, so customers are free to explore different cannabinoid combinations to see which gives them the best night’s sleep.

Final Goodnight’s Sleep Thoughts

Between all of the studies that have come out in recent years and countless customers reporting positive results, it’s clear that there’s a connection between cannabinoids and our sleeping patterns.  At GreenLife, we offer a rich selection of cannabinoid-based products including the ones referenced above, in gentle, bioavailable formulas that can give you the results that you’re looking for at night.  Explore our selection today and find the perfect sleep formula for you.