Do THC Drinks Help with Sleep?

Sleep is essential for both mental and physical wellbeing, but it’s something that many people struggle with. Common sleep problems include being unable to drift off, stay asleep or struggling to feel refreshed. While there are a lot of solutions to sleep problems, THC drinks are growing in popularity as a way to help unwind before bed, ready to get some Zs. But do THC drinks really help with sleep?

How THC affects sleep

THC, which is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis, interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system - a network designed to regulate mood, appetite and sleep. When THC binds to the brain’s CB1 receptors, feelings of calm and relaxation are produced, which can make it easier to drift off. 

While THC helps some people, it can have a biphasic effect on sleep. Smaller amounts of THC can reduce the time it takes for someone to fall asleep, while higher amounts can interfere with sleep cycles, especially REM sleep. This makes finding the right amount of THC key to ensure you feel refreshed in the morning.

What does the science say?

Research into the effects of THC on sleep is in its early days. But what is out there at the moment shows THC has real potential as a sleep aid. A 2014 clinical trial showed that a single amount of 10mg THC in the evening, combined with 200mg CBD, helped improve sleep without affecting a person’s ability to drive the next day or their cognitive performance. 

Other studies have shown that long-term or heavy use of cannabis can reduce sleep quality, particularly REM sleep. 

Understanding sleep cycles

Our bodies go through different stages of sleep. A healthy sleep consists of:

• Light sleep - where the body begins to relax, your temperature drops, and your heart rate slows down.
• Deep sleep - the restorative part of sleep that helps you recover energy, repair muscle and boost your immunity.
• REM sleep - when dreaming occurs, which plays a vital role in learning, memory function and emotional balance. 

THC has been shown to reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep, known as sleep latency. But it could also improve sleep duration, with the right amount. One study involving adults with insomnia found that a single amount of 10mg THC with 200mg CBD led to a significant reduction in REM duration. However, participants still reported better sleep overall. 

This means that THC drinks could help those who struggle to fall asleep to do so faster, but the right amount is needed to ensure crucial deep and REM sleep aren’t affected.

Why THC drinks are an excellent sleep solution

THC drinks are an excellent solution to help you wind down at night. Unlike using other forms of cannabis, like smoking, THC drinks are slower to take effect and do not deliver as strong a hit. This makes them perfect for bedtime, with the calming effects lasting a little longer. 

Another benefit of THC drinks is that they will already have the ideal amount factored in. Herbal Oasis’ THC drinks are available in 5mg amounts, which are more suitable as a sleep aid. There are also 10mg amounts available for those who prefer a stronger feeling. Consuming the right amount can take the guesswork out of things, and sipping slowly means you’re in control. 

If you’re used to having a drink before bed, then a THC drink could fit easily into your nightly routine. Alcohol is known to disrupt sleep, but THC drinks could help you relax and leave you feeling refreshed the next day.

Choosing the right amount of THC drinks to help you sleep

As you’ve already read, finding the right amount is important for using THC drinks to help you sleep. Everyone is different, and it’s important to do what’s right for you and your body. Starting low and slow can help you find your sweet spot for the perfect night’s sleep. At 5mg, Herbal Oasis drinks help you keep your amount controlled, and it’s up to you how much you drink to feel the desired effects. 

It’s best to have your drink 60-90 minutes before bedtime to give it time to take effect.

Top tips for improving your sleep

THC drinks can help you drift off, but they should always be paired with healthy sleep habits to improve your overall sleep routine. Alongside a THC drink, try the following tips to help you improve your sleep at night:

• Stick to a regular bedtime. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help you train your body’s internal clock. 
• Adopt a wind-down ritual. Limit your screen time and try activities like reading, gentle stretching or listening to calm music or podcasts to help your brain switch off.
• Avoid caffeine and eating before bed to help prevent sleep interference.
• Make sure your bedroom is set up for sleep. Your bedroom should be cool, dark, quiet and most importantly, comfortable.

Used alongside these tips, THC drinks could help you create a calming, restorative sleep routine. You could notice a huge improvement in your sleep in just a couple of days, with your energy levels improving alongside the length and quality of your sleep.