It’s no secret that we’re all looking for ways to get a better night’s sleep. After all, it not only helps us feel refreshed the next day but also has been associated with improvements in mental health and wellness.
But if you’ve tried everything under the sun already – from drinking more water before bedtime to eating less sugar – then maybe it’s time to rethink your approach and consider terpenes instead.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants like cannabis, trees, and herbs, and citrus fruits like lemons and limes.
Terpenes each have their own unique scents and flavors. And while they may be best known for giving marijuana its signature smell, studies show that they have a full spectrum of therapeutic benefits. And they might actually help improve sleep quality in various ways.
Terpenes that promote a more restful night’s sleep
Numerous terpenes may be able to help us sleep, and one of the best is a-pinene. Pinene is responsible for providing the earthy smell in certain cannabis strains like Jack Herer and Trainwreck and has also been shown to support healthy oxygen flow through the bloodstream (which can lead to a more restful sleep).
Other terpenes that may promote sleep include limonene (which gives some cannabis strains their citrusy taste), myrcene, caryophyllene, and linalool.
How exactly do terpenes promote better sleep?
According to a study on the influence of certain terpenes on REM sleep – which is when most dreaming occurs – there are several ways that this class of compounds can improve your nighttime rest: by activating receptors in our brains; acting as anti-inflammatory agents; regulating nervous system activity, and possibly even improving our immune systems.
Getting your dose of terpenes
If you’re interested in using terpenes to improve your sleep quality, there are several ways you can do so; aromatherapy, smoking, or vaping are the main methods.
Aromatherapy may involve using aromatherapy oils and aromatizing your pillow with essential oils like lavender. Once you’re asleep, the aromas can help relax your mind (which promotes better sleep as well). You could also use a diffuser to aromatize the air around your bed and even your sheets.
If you’re smoking or vaping cannabis, try to find strains that are high in terpenes known to promote sleep like Jack Herer, Lemon Haze, and Tangie.
If you’re smoking or vaping terpenes, make sure to remember that it takes around 45 minutes for your body to start feeling the effects.
Prevention is always better than the cure
Lastly – and most importantly – try not to stress about how you’re sleeping at night.
Instead, focus on relaxing before bed with aromatherapy oils, a warm bath, or even aromatizing sheets with lavender.
- Sagittarius Man & Gemini Woman Love and Sex Compatibility - January 31, 2024
- Taurus Ascendant Rising Personality Traits in Men (Guide) - January 31, 2024
- How to Seduce and Attract a Sagittarius Man (Seduction Tips) - January 31, 2024