There are ways to improve the quality of your sleep. If you’ve tried everything and still find it hard to fall asleep, plant-based supplements may be the solution you need. If this is your first time hearing about Cannabis Terpenes, let’s start with discussing what exactly is terpenes.
In simple words, terpenes are what gives cannabis their scent. In a more scientific explanation, terpenes are aromatic, natural chemical compounds which are found in various plants.
Terpenes have thousands of variations, and can be found in the floral scent of lavender to the spicy scent of black pepper. Whilst terpenes are not unique to cannabis, hundreds of terpenes variations are found in cannabis. Cannabis plants also tend to produce a lot of terpenes, which makes their smell strong.
Since different terpenes compositions influence their effects, you may find various supplements containing terpenes and claiming different effects.
Terpenes alone do not get you high. So if you’re thinking of taking terpenes to help you sleep better, the only thing you’ll get is a lovely, deep sleep.
Some varieties or strains of terpenes have anti-anxiety and sedative effects, which activates our brain’s Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Since the GABA system works to decrease neuronal excitability, when terpenes activate them, we will feel calmer, less anxious, and more relaxed.
Sleeping is basically our body entering “very relaxed mode”, so by making us feel gradually more relaxed, terpenes lull us to sleep. Being relaxed while sleeping also means we naturally enter the deep sleep mode, which is the highest quality of sleep.
As we sleep, terpenes also work to restore the damage our body sustains during the day. This deeply restorative sleep experience means you will wake up with less oxidative stress or inflammation, and with repaired nerves in your brain.
In short, this means terpenes help you get a deep, peaceful sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed and energised.
Sleep aid supplements which contain terpenes usually have a mix of ingredients which are carefully, scientifically crafted to give you the best sleeping experience. The terpenes chosen to be put in a deep sleep supplement would also come from selected varieties.
This is because several terpenes found in cannabis, such as myrcene, linalool, and nerolidol, have been shown to have better sedative effects that can help promote deep sleep.
Myrcene, for example, has been found to have muscle-relaxing and hypnotic properties, making it useful for inducing sleep.
Linalool, another terpene, has been found to have a calming effect and can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can be major impediments to getting a good night’s sleep. Since Linalool is also found in lavender, if you love the calming, relaxing properties of lavender, chances are you will find terpenes agreeable too.
Nerolidol is another terpene known for its sedative properties too. Also found in non-cannabis plants such as rose, jasmine, and tea tree, Nerolidol has the added benefit of anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
When terpenes are combined with other cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, they can work synergistically to enhance the sedative effects and promote deep sleep. This is also known as the entourage effect.
If you are interested in improving your sleep quality with terpenes, this might be helpful: pure botanical terpenes which are formulated to help you enjoy a deep sleep can be accessed here.
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