September 16, 2022
01.10.22

Alternative Cannabinoids

How to Use Hemp Cannabinoids for Better Sleep: CBD, Delta-8 & THC-O

Can’t sleep? Used the right way, hemp-derived CBD, delta-8, and THC-O may help you fall asleep faster and improve your sleep quality. Here we walk you through how.

Being unable to sleep is incredibly frustrating. If sleep is overly elusive for you on most nights, taking CBD, delta-8 THC, or THC-O may be just what you need to get your sleep patterns back on track.

CBD and delta-8 THC are hemp cannabinoids that people widely use to help them sleep. THC-O is a new hemp cannabinoid that is growing in popularity. While all worthwhile, the effects they have and how they support healthier sleep patterns differ because of how they interact with your body’s systems.

Join us as we dive into the benefits of CBD, delta-8, and THC-O for sleep. We'll teach you how to get the most out of each so that you’re sleeping more soundly at night.

Can CBD, Delta-8, and THC-O Help You Sleep?

If you want to get to sleep faster and sleep more soundly throughout the night, you have to change your habits. Along with regular exercise, a healthy bedtime routine, and a consistent sleep-wake schedule, using CBD, delta-8, and THC-O can help you ease into sleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.

Using CBD for sleep is very common. Many people have shared that CBD helps them fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and feel more rested in the morning. Delta-8 is one of the many new hemp cannabinoids on the scene, but already those who use it have touted its sleep-promoting benefits. THC-O is only recently being explored as a tool for a better night’s rest.

CBD, delta-8, and THC-O each positively impact your sleep habits by directly influencing your body’s endocannabinoid system.

In short, the endocannabinoid system is your body’s sleep-regulating system. It plays a direct role in the maintenance of sleep-wake cycles and affects other biological systems like mood and stress that influence how well you sleep.

CBD's Positive Influence on Sleep

CBD has an indirect impact on your endocannabinoid system. It helps keep your system nourished and running at its best. Rather than acting as a sedative or making you sleepy, CBD helps your endocannabinoid system better handle its responsibility of healthy sleep maintenance.

Delta-8's Positive Influence on Sleep

Delta-8 has a more direct impact on your endocannabinoid system. It binds directly with CB1 receptors to elicit an uplifting, euphoric effect that you can feel. Many people who use delta-8 have shared that these euphoric sensations are relaxing and helpful for falling and staying asleep.

THC-O's Positive Influence on Sleep

THC-O also directly binds to your CB1 receptors, but it has a unique molecular structure that allows it to be better absorbed. More THC-O reaching cannabinoid receptors means even more powerful relaxation effects.

Keep in mind that you should always consult with your medical care provider before introducing CBD, delta-8, THC-O, or anything into your wellness routine to ensure it’s right for you.

Differences Between CBD, Delta-8, and THC-O

Delta-8, CBD, and THC-O are all cannabinoids that bring out effects through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system.

Delta-8 THC is similar in molecular structure and effects to its cousin, delta-9 THC. It has noticeable uplifting effects that you will feel. Those who use delta-8 for sleep find these detectable sensations serve as sleep support.

THC-O is chemically similar to delta-8 THC, except it has an attached acetate group. The acetate group allows the compound to more easily cross lipid-sensitive layers to reach receptors. So while THC-O and delta-8 produce similar relaxing effects, THC-O is substantially more powerful.

CBD, on the other hand, is used primarily as a daily wellness tool to keep the endocannabinoid system functioning high. An endocannabinoid system running at its best means your performance is better during the day and your sleep is better at night. Infographic with guide on using CBD, Delta-8 and THC-O for sleep

How to Use CBD for Sleep

The key to getting the most out of CBD for sleep is to be consistent with your servings. When you consume CBD regularly, it builds up in the body over time. A daily serving of CBD helps maintain sustained levels to keep your endocannabinoid system in top condition.

This means you don’t need to time your CBD servings for the evening or nighttime. Most important is being consistent with your CBD routine to help the internal functions that your endocannabinoid system regulates, including sleep, run smoothly.

How much CBD you should take every day to promote better sleep can vary person-to-person. Tolerance, genetics, and your body makeup all influence how CBD will impact you. If you’re just starting with CBD, begin with a smaller serving (15 to 25 mg) and gradually build up as needed over time.

How to Use Delta-8 for Sleep

Generally, delta-8 for sleep is best used on an as-needed basis. You may find that it helps you unwind after a particularly long day or when times are more challenging. With that said, some people find that taking delta-8 every evening works best.

With delta-8, uplifting effects kick in roughly 15 to 90 minutes after consumption, depending on how you take it. So, when you’re using delta-8 to help you sleep, it’s best to time your serving after dinner or roughly an hour or so before you plan to go to bed. You should not use delta-8 THC before driving or using heavy tools or machinery.

The right amount of delta-8 for sleep can also vary by person. Start with a small serving of about 10 mg to 12 mg to see how you feel before increasing your intake. To give you an idea, 10 mg to 12 mg of delta-8 is about half of a Koi Delta 8 THC Gummy.

How to Use THC-O for Sleep

THC-O is also best used when needed. On days when you’re really worked up or having a hard time unwinding, THC-O is a stronger cannabinoid option with uniquely powerful relaxation effects.

Time your THC-O intake to coincide when you plan to go to bed. Similar to delta-8, you can expect THC-O to take a little time to be absorbed and for effects to kick in. THC-O is unique in that it needs to be metabolized to activate. Effects from vaping THC-O can take up to 20 minutes, while THC-O gummies can take up to an hour or longer.

THC-O can make your body overwhelmed by effects, so start with a small serving of about 5 mg and work your way up over time as needed. High servings of THC-O can be physically sedating.

FAQs on CBD, Delta-8, and THC-O for Sleep

Is CBD a sedative?

While some have reported that CBD makes them feel relaxed and calm, the compound is not a sedative. Its sleep-promoting benefits come from its positive influence on your body’s endocannabinoid system.

Is delta-8 a sedative?

Yes, delta-8 has uplifting yet calming effects that you can feel. Users have reported some drowsiness from it, particularly when used in higher amounts. Delta-8’s sedative effects are generally milder compared to delta-9 THC.

Is THC-O a sedative?

Yes, THC-O is heavier and more physically sedating than delta-9 and delta-9 THC. This makes it a beneficial option for those who use delta-8 or delta-9 frequently and could use a more potent solution.

How much CBD should I take for sleep?

No one CBD serving is right for everyone, as people’s tolerance and body makeup vary. Some find that 25 milligrams of CBD per day work well, while others do best with 100 mg or more each day.

How much delta-8 should I use for sleep?

Delta-8 can affect people differently because of variations in body chemistry and tolerance. A general range of delta-8 serving for sleep is 10 mg to 12 mg for beginners and those with low tolerance, to upwards of 50 mg for experienced users and those with a high tolerance. Always start with a small serving and see how delta-8 impacts you before taking more.

How much THC-O should I use for sleep?

THC-O can have strong sedative effects, particularly for people who have not used delta-8 or delta-9 THC regularly. Everyone reacts differently, so it’s best to start with 5 mg or so. Experienced users may find they benefit more from upwards of 50 mg of THC-O.

When should I take CBD for sleep?

More important than the timing of when you take your CBD is how consistent you are. It’s CBD’s positive impact on your endocannabinoid system over time that promotes better sleep, so pick the best time of day for you.

When should I take delta-8 for sleep?

Because delta-8’s sleep-promoting benefits come from its detectable calming effects, time your serving around when you plan to go to bed. Inhalable delta-8 products like delta-8 vape cartridges and delta-8 hemp flower offer near-immediate effects, sublingual products like delta-8 tinctures take a couple of minutes, while edible products like delta-8 gummies can take 30 minutes or more to kick in.

When should I take THC-O for sleep?

THC-O should be taken roughly 30 to 60 minutes before your bedtime. THC-O needs to be metabolized before effects kick in, so expect a little delay. Using THC-O vapes will take about 20 minutes to take effect, while THC-O gummies will take about an hour.

Best CBD Products for Sleep

The best types of CBD products for sleep are the ones that you’re most likely to stay consistent with. Ingestible CBD now comes in many forms, from CBD gummies and CBD tinctures to CBD vape bars. You’ll find the highest-quality CBD for sleep at Koi. Take a look at our selection of CBD products.

Specifically, we offer Koi Nighttime CBD Gummies to help you get the rest you need. These gummies blend 20 mg of broad-spectrum CBD and 5 mg of Melatonin per serving, so they’re best to take in the evenings or whenever you’re winding down for the day. New to gummies and want more information first? Check out our Beginner's Guide to CBD Gummies to help you get started.

Best Delta-8 for Sleep

Delta-8 also comes in many forms to choose from. Since you’ll want to time your serving when you plan to go to bed, consider how long it takes for the effects of each type to kick in.

Delta-8 tinctures are taken under the tongue and are absorbed more quickly for effects in roughly 5 to 15 minutes. They come in various delicious flavors for an enjoyable way to end the night.

Delta-8 gummies need to make their way through your digestive system and usually take 30 to 90 minutes to kick in, making them a great choice for a tasty after-dinner treat.

Is it bedtime right now? For the fastest benefits, effects from vaping delta-8 kick in almost immediately after inhalation. You can find vapable delta-8 in the form of Delta-8 THC Vape Cartridges and Delta 8 THC Disposable Vape Bars. Smoking delta-8 hemp flowers is also an option for quick effects.

Best THC-O for Sleep

New to the market, THC-O products aren’t yet available as widely as other cannabinoids. At Koi, we’re excited to introduce THC-O Gummies, which come in five delicious flavors and contain 15 mg of hemp-derived THC-O in each gummy. We also have THC O carts for when you need the cannabinoid's powerfully euphoric effects to kick in faster.

Gummies are a great way to enjoy THC-O because they contain a consistent milligram total. You can enjoy more THC-O by taking more than one gummy or take a smaller milligram amount by cutting the gummy in half or thirds.

Start to Sleep Better

Set yourself up for a successful night of sleep with the help of CBD, delta-8, and THC-O. Now you know how these three cannabinoids can play a role in your healthy sleep habits.

Have more questions? Learn more about what CBD is, what delta-8 is, and what THC-O is by visiting our Koi blog. Or, you can always reach out to our customer service team at 877-774-4779 or CustomerService@koisubscriptions.com.
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