Can’t sleep? Used the right way, hemp-derived CBD, CBN, 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 hemp cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, delta-8 THC, or THC-O may be just what you need to get your sleep patterns back on track.
- CBD: Nourishes the body’s endocannabinoid system to support the regulation of a healthy sleep cycle.
- CBN: Is known as the “sleepy” cannabinoid because of its relaxing, sleepy effects that promote a better night’s sleep.
- Delta-8 THC: Delivers noticeably euphoric properties that can help relax the body and quiet a busy mind so you can fall asleep.
- THC-O: Has powerful natural relief and stress-relieving euphoric benefits that can be helpful for nights when you’re struggling to unwind.
CBD and delta-8 THC are already widely used for sleep support. CBN, while sometimes harder to find, is growing in popularity for its ability to bring on drowsiness. THC-O is a powerfully potent and newly available hemp cannabinoid.
While all four cannabinoids for sleep are worthwhile, the types of 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, CBN, 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, CBN, 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, CBN, 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. CBN has long been touted for its sleepy benefits but can be harder to find. 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, CBN, delta-8, and THC-O each positively impact your sleep habits by directly influencing your body’s endocannabinoid system.
Your endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short, 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.
CBN’s Positive Influence on Sleep
CBN works in the body by binding to both the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors but appears to show a much higher affinity towards CB2 receptors. So while CBN is only mildly euphoric, anecdotal reports suggest that CBN can make you feel drowsier and help prepare your body for a more restful night’s sleep.
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, CBN, delta-8, THC-O, or anything into your wellness routine to ensure it’s right for you.
Differences Between CBD, CBN, Delta-8, And THC-O
Delta-8, CBD, CBN, 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 calming 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.
CBN is created with the degradation of THC, and yet it is generally considered only mildly euphoric, if at all. Instead, it has a reputation for causing a sense of sleepiness and can be used to stimulate the feeling of drowsiness.
CBD 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.
How to Use CBD for Sleep
Taking CBD daily helps maintain sustained levels to keep your endocannabinoid system in top condition. When you consume CBD regularly, it builds up in the body over time.
That’s why the key to getting the most out of CBD for sleep is to be consistent with your servings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 pens. You’ll find the highest-quality CBD for sleep at Koi.
We also offer two types of sleep gummies that are specifically crafted to help you get the rest you need:
- Our Koi Nighttime Rest CBD Gummies combine 20 mg of broad-spectrum CBD with 5 mg of Melatonin per serving, so they’re best to take in the evenings or whenever you’re winding down for the day.
- For stronger sleep support, our Koi Complete Full Spectrum Nighttime Rest CBD Gummies utilize the calming combination of 25 mg of full-spectrum CBD, 10 mg of CBN, and 5 mg of Delta-9 THC.
New to gummies and want more information first? Check out our beginner's guide to CBD gummies to help you get started.
How To Use CBN For Sleep
CBN is arguably the most widely-used hemp compound for sleep, and it continues to grow in popularity for its sleeping aid properties. While it too stimulates the endocannabinoid system, unlike CBD it delivers noticeably relaxed body sensations and a feeling of drowsiness.
That’s why CBN is best used in the evening (or at your respective bedtime) as an in-the-moment natural sleep support.
While CBN is formed from decomposed THC, it doesn’t have the psychoactive, mind-altering properties you might think of. Instead, it has a drowsy effect that can be a perfect addition to a nighttime routine.
CBN is rarely found in a product on its own. Oftentimes it’s combined with other plant compounds, such as CBD or THC, and in some cases can be presented with melatonin.
Is CBN a Sedative?
Yes, CBN has been shown to have sedative properties and it is widely considered the most sedative of all the plant compounds. With that said, more research is required. CBN studies are in their infancy and some recent findings suggest that other components of hemp, like terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids, may play a role in its sleepy properties.
How Much CBN Should I Use For Sleep?
While it can vary, CBN serving suggestions usually range between 5-10 mg for most adults. You may find that more or less CBN works better for you. Begin with a small amount and see how you feel, then increase your intake gradually on subsequent nights as you feel is best.
When Should I Take CBN For Sleep?
CBN stimulates a sense of drowsiness once it reaches your body’s systems, so it’s best to use it as you’re unwinding and getting ready for bed. Time your CBN serving roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour before bed each night.
Best CBN For Sleep
CBN can come in many forms, and the right product for you depends on your preferences. Each can offer unique advantages.
- Spotlighted earlier, our Koi Complete CBN Gummies contain 10 mg CBN in each gummy, plus 25 mg CBD and 5 mg of Delta-9 THC. As an edible, these CBN gummies take at least 30 minutes to kick in so you’ll want to take that into account when timing your serving.
- For the fastest CBN benefits, we have a CBN vape pen called the Koi Full Spectrum CBD + CBN Disposable Vape Bar, which promotes tranquility and restful sleep and is ready to vape right out of the box.
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.
Delta-8 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, 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.
Is Delta-8 A Sedative?
Yes, delta-8 has elevating 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.
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.
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.
Best Delta-8 For Sleep
Delta-8 products also come in many forms. 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.
- Our 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 Disposables. Smoking delta-8 flower is also an option for quick effects.
How to Use THC-O for Sleep
THC-O is also best used when needed. On days when you’re 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 with 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 its 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.
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 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 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 THC-O For Sleep
New to the market, THC-O products aren’t yet available as widely as other cannabinoid products.
- At Koi, we’re excited to offer our delicious THC-O gummies, which come in five sweet flavors and contain 25 mg of hemp-derived THC-O in each gummy. 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.
- To experience THC-O’s powerfully relaxing benefits faster, THC-O vape cartridges pair with any 510-thread vape battery to deliver the compound to your body’s systems in minutes.
Start to Sleep Better
Set yourself up for a successful night of sleep with the help of CBD, CBN, 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 the basics of CBD, get an overview of delta-8, and learn 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@koicbd.com.
