Quality sleep is increasingly scarce. In fact, the Sleep Foundation reports that about 70 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep disorder symptoms, with more than half dealing with insomnia and chronic insomnia.
Delta 9 THC, or regular THC, has been a natural sleep aid for centuries due to its relaxing qualities and rich concentration in cannabis plants. Delta 10 THC is another naturally occurring THC variety found in marijuana. Although lesser known, Delta 10 interacts with the body similarly to regular Delta-9. The main difference is Delta-10 is less potent.
This article examines the Delta 9 and Delta 10 THC variations for sleep, exploring physical mechanisms, potency, effects, and benefits.
How Delta 9 and Delta 10 THC Work in the Body
Reviewing Delta 9 vs. Delta 10 molecules shows the two have almost identical chemical structures with minor atomic distinctions. Read more about Delta 10 and Delta 9 differences at Qwin. However, at a basic level, both cannabinoids act similarly in the body.
Delta 9 and Delta 10 THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that communicate to help keep the body in balance. Delta 9 and Delta 10 THC behave just like chemicals the body naturally produces, called endocannabinoids, allowing them to regulate various physiological processes, including appetite, mood, pain, and sleep.
Delta 9
Delta 9 is the most prominent naturally occurring psychoactive chemical in hemp and cannabis plants. Its highly psychoactive properties come from its ability to activate certain cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors, called CB1, regulate many neurological processes, causing mood, perception, and consciousness changes as well as benefits for mood and pain. Delta 9 also interacts with CB2 receptors throughout the immune system and peripheral tissues, affecting the immune response and reducing inflammation.
Other benefits include:
- Enhanced sleep
- Increased relaxation and reduced stress
- Helping those with social anxiety, OCD, and panic disorders
- Interacting with pain receptors to relieve physical injury, strains, muscle spasms, and more
- Reducing inflammatory cytokine levels and inflammation
Due to its intense interaction with receptors in the brain, some potential risks are associated with Delta 9 THC. While less common, some users might experience:
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Rapid heart rate
- Changes in perception
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Delta 10
Delta 10 is a minor psychoactive cannabinoid that occurs in significantly smaller quantities than Delta 9. It has a chemical composition similar to Delta 9 and interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors to unleash its effects. But Delta 10 differs in one crucial way: Its chemical structure has a double carbon bond on the tenth carbon chain, while Delta 9’s double carbon bond appears on the ninth.
Researchers theorize that the double bond placement could explain the differences in psychoactive intensity. Users report that. Delta 10 is less psychoactive than Delta 9 and feels less potent. Reports estimate that Delta 10 has about half the potency of Delta 9 and typically feels more energizing.
According to user reports, Delta 10 promotes the following:
- Energy
- Focus
- Alertness
- Creativity
- Productivity
- Mood boost
- Anxiety relief
Delta 9 THC Benefits for Sleep
Studies show that Delta 9 THC offers valuable benefits for obtaining better sleep. Its sleep-improving qualities come from its intense psychoactive effects and how it interacts with cannabinoid receptors that control sleep.
Makes people sleepy: Delta 9 THC’s psychoactive effect or “high” causes euphoria and relaxation, which can induce sleepiness. It relaxes the mind, reduces negative thoughts, and can ease muscle tension,
Increases sleep duration: Studies show that THC can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase a person’s total sleep time.
- A study in 2004 found that 15 mg of Delta-9 THC increased total sleep time and reduced the number of times participants woke up during the night.
- Another recent study found that THC reduced participants’ time to fall asleep by an average of 30 minutes.
Enhances sleep quality: A study found that THC increases the amount of deep sleep, which can help individuals feel more rested upon waking.
Eases pain and other health conditions: Delta-9 THC has pain-relieving properties, which can help people who struggle to sleep due to discomfort caused by conditions such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain
- Inflammatory health conditions, like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis
Delta 10 Benefits for Sleep
Delta 10 is milder and generally more stimulating than regular THC. Still, users report this hemp-derived cannabinoid can help promote better shut-eye.
Reduced potency: Delta-10 provides a psychoactive experience and similar therapeutic benefits to Delta-9 THC, but without the intense effects some patients want to avoid, such as mental fog and reduced motor skills. New users may need milder effects to help them relax into sleep.
Fewer side effects: Delta 10’s reduced potency means it has less frequent and less pronounced adverse side effects, such as anxiety and paranoia, that could ultimately hinder people from falling asleep.
Legality: Many states have legal, medical cannabis and recreational use programs, but Delta 9 THC is still federally banned unless it comes from hemp. Delta 10, however, does not appear on the DEA’s Controlled Substances list. Delta-10 is federally legal and allowed in nearly every state, making it perfect for adults nationwide, regardless of their state.
Dosage & Consumption Method
Consumers should consider several factors when choosing Delta 9 and Delta 10 THC products for sleep, particularly the dosage and consumption method.
Dosage:
Two to five mg is an appropriate starting dose for Delta-9 THC edibles due to the compound’s intensity. Because Delta-10 THC has a lower potency, users can start with higher amounts, around 5 to 10 mg.
Consumption method:
There are many ways to consume Delta 9 and Delta 10 THC products, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures. Smoking and vaping are the fastest-acting methods. However, edibles and tinctures usually last much longer, making them ideal sleep aids. Qwin offers a selection of hemp-sourced Delta-9 and Delta-10 edibles and syrups for every taste and preference.
The Bottom Line
Delta-9 is popular due to its intense psychoactive properties, which can affect sleep in various ways. For example, THC can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. It can also increase time spent in deep sleep and reduce pain and discomfort that hinder sleep. However, Delta 9 can be strong for some people, sometimes causing anxiety or paranoia. Delta 10 offers psychoactive effects similar to Delta 9, but much milder and fewer side effects. Either compound can work depending on individual tolerance and psychoactive preferences.
