TL;DR: Delta 8 THC is a hemp-derived cannabinoid known for relaxation and mild psychoactive effects. While there’s little direct research proving that Delta 8 is good for sleep, many users report that it helps them relax, reduce pain, and ease stress—factors that can make falling asleep easier. This blog explores what Delta 8 is, how it works, and Delta 8 is chemically similar to Delta 9 THC but generally produces milder effects.
- Surveys show most users experience relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief.
- Some people use Delta 8 products—like gummies or vapes—to support sleep, though evidence is anecdotal.
- Indica strains of Delta 8 are considered more relaxing and sleep-friendly.
- Effects vary by individual, and more research is needed before Delta 8 can be called a proven sleep aid.
Delta 8 is the most popular hemp-derived cannabinoid. Known to be milder than traditional Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 is a popular choice for relaxing and having a good time.
So, can Delta 8 help you sleep? There isn’t much scientific research related to Delta 8 and sleep. Delta 8 has only recently become well-known, and peer-reviewed research often takes time.
However, we can look at very similar cannabinoids, like Delta 9, and how they affect sleep. Let’s first review what Delta 8 is. Then, we’ll take a closer look at whether Delta 8 is good for sleep.
The Basics of Delta 8: What it is, How it Works & More
Delta 8 is a specific type of cannabinoid. Cannabinoids themselves are chemicals that act on the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Many cannabinoids, including Delta 8, are found in cannabis and hemp plants.
Delta 8 is very similar to but chemically and legally distinct from Delta 9 THC. Delta 9 is the most common cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Just like Delta 9, Delta 8 is known for and most commonly used to produce psychoactive effects. In other words, it tends to cause changes in perception and an elevated mood.
Survey results published in the Journal of Cannabis Research give us more insight into the effects of Delta 8. More than 500 Delta 8 users shared self-reported information related to the effects of this cannabinoid. Key findings from the results included:
- 71% of users reporting either a lot or a great deal of relaxation
- 68% reporting a lot or a great deal of euphoria
- 55% reporting a lot or a great deal of pain relief
The most common side effects reported in this survey were difficulty concentrating, short-term memory issues, and an altered sense of time.
Legality of Delta 8 and Other Hemp-derived Cannabinoids
Delta 8 is most commonly derived from the hemp plant. In general, plentiful cannabinoids (like CBD) are made into Delta 8 through a chemical conversion process.
When it comes to legality, the type of plant involved is the most important factor. Cannabis is illegal federally but legal in a growing number of states, whether for medical use, recreational use, or both. That applies to cannabinoids sourced from cannabis plants as well.
Hemp plants were legalized for commercial production when the 2018 Farm Bill passed. This federal law made it legal to grow hemp commercially, with the restriction that the plants cannot contain more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight.
Because Delta 8 and many other cannabinoids are chemically distinct from Delta 9, they weren’t included in that restriction. That set the stage for hemp-derived cannabinoids to become legal on the federal level.
It’s important to note that some states and municipalities prohibit or limit the sale and possession of hemp-derived cannabinoids. Always look into relevant local and state laws before making a purchase.
Do People Use Delta 8 as a Sleep Aid?
Yes, some users definitely choose Delta 8 to help them sleep. While Delta 8 doesn’t have scientific research backing its use as a sleep aid, these individuals believe it helps them. Let’s take a closer look at Delta 8 and sleep.
Does Delta 8 Help With Sleep? What We Know and Don’t Know
There is no peer-reviewed research that conclusively proves or disproves Delta 8’s effectiveness as a sleep aid. Be wary of any Delta 8 product that makes clear promises of effectiveness or claims to help everyone sleep in all situations.
That said, we know some consumers use Delta 8 to support better sleep. The Sleep Foundation points out that Delta 9 has some potential benefits related to sleep. While Delta 8 is chemically distinct from Delta 9, the effects of the two cannabinoids are very similar in the big picture.
How you may choose to use Delta 8 as a sleep aid is especially important when discussing its effectiveness. It’s unclear whether someone in perfect health would find it easier to fall asleep when using Delta 8 versus not using it.
However, we know that more than half of users report Delta 8 helping to address pain in a significant way. About 7 of 10 users report a significant increase in relaxation when using it as well.
If you have trouble relaxing, you may have trouble falling asleep as well. Similarly, pain can impede falling and staying asleep.
In these cases, Delta 8 may help support better sleep. The key is that, while Delta 8 is not known to be a sleep aid by itself, users report that it helps to address issues that can interfere with regular, restful sleep.
How Can I Use Delta 8 for Sleeping?
Delta 8 products come in many forms, including flower, gummies, vape cartridges, and disposable vapes. We reviewed using Delta 8 gummies for sleep in an earlier blog. To briefly sum up our findings:
- Gummies make it easy to add other cannabinoids to a single, convenient dose. That includes CBD, which may have positive effects on sleep.
- Gummies are processed differently by the body than vaping or smoking. Edibles produce noticeable effects for a longer period of time than those two alternatives.
- Many users believe Delta 8 is less intense in a 1:1 comparison with Delta 9. That can help to avoid too-powerful effects that may have a negative impact on sleep.
While there are some good reasons to consider gummies, other Delta 8 products may help with sleep as well. Because Delta 8 has relatively minor side effects, it’s not a bad idea to try out edibles, vapes, and other Delta 8 products to see which one works best for you.
FAQs & Answers About Delta 8 and Sleep
Does Delta-8 Make You Sleepy?
Delta 8 can make you sleepy, although that is not a guarantee that Delta 8 will work as a sleep aid.
Delta 8 isn’t normally marketed as a sleep aid, and its exact effects on falling asleep and staying asleep haven’t been deeply investigated. That said, many users report that Delta 8 can help address issues like pain and anxiety, which can interfere with the sleep cycle. Additionally, some users report drowsiness as a side effect of using Delta 8.
What Delta 8 Strain is Best for Sleep?
Delta 8 indica strains are generally thought to be the best for sleep. These strains have similar effects to Delta 9 indica strains, which produce more relaxing and sedating effects compared to sativa strains.
While not all Delta 8 products are marketed by strain, you can look for products that come in multiple strains and distinguish between indica, sativa, and hybrid (a combination of the two).
Why Does Delta 8 Make Me So Sleepy?
Delta 8 can make users feel drowsy or sleepy, even though it’s not an effect that all users experience. Everyone has different body chemistry to some degree. That can account for the differences in effects between users, even when taking the same dose of the same Delta 8 product.
Find High-Quality Delta 8 for Sleeping
At Delta 8 Resellers, we won’t make guarantees about our products without the information necessary to back them up.
What we will say is that Delta 8 users report that this cannabinoid helps address issues that may interfere with restful sleep. Because Delta 8 is also generally well-tolerated and has mild side effects for the vast majority of users, it could help you get better sleep.
We stock Delta 8 products from leading brands with especially positive reputations. Whenever possible, we share the results of independent lab testing of those products, too. That means you can check out the specific cannabinoid content, as well as product quality and purity, yourself.
