What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds responsible for plants and flowers' fragrance, taste, and pigment. Those lemon, pine, or nutty scents you get from your favorite cannabis bud are a combination of different terpenes. These tiny molecules have different functions for plants, from repelling plagues to protecting the plant from animal grazing.
Understanding terpenes can be overwhelming as it involves understanding different plant chemical compounds. Still, research has helped us understand better what these mighty particles can do for our health. For instance, you’d be surprised to learn that some terpenes help you sleep. Do you deal with insomnia? Read on to find out what are the best terpenes for sleep.
Do Terpenes Help You Sleep?
The simple answer is yes, but this will depend on which terpene you use. There are so many
terpenes in plants that each has a unique chemical structure, creating complex effects that differ a lot from each compound.
Some terpenes are good for inducing relaxation, reducing stress, and calming the body and mind. On the contrary, others can uplift you and would not help your sleeping pattern. A balanced combination of both types will be ideal for achieving dreamy relaxation.
How do Terpenes Help You Sleep?
Terpenes are bioactive, which means they can affect the human body. Depending on the concentration and what kind of terpene your body interacts with, its effect will differ for every individual. Because terpenes are the ones responsible for the fragrance of plants, they are the basis of many essential oils. These essential oils are mostly used in
aromatherapy.
A lot of
research proves that some types of terpenes have natural sedative and hypnotic effects. Sedatives in terpene calm any nervous system activities and, as a result, promotes deep calmness, relaxation, and drowsiness. These will eventually lead to good sleep. Hypnotic terpenes, on the other hand, will induce hypnotic effects in the brain that will directly induce sleep.
Some terpenes also reduce anxiety, which will indirectly affect your sleeping pattern. Reducing anxiety and stress will result in good
sleep.
Best Terpenes for Sleep
Although there is a lot of research that discusses the effect of terpenes and sleep, there is still a lot of ongoing research about their various effects on the human body.
Most terpenes have sedative or stimulant effects. If you want to have a good night's sleep, choose strains with more Indica profile, as terpenes are more likely to influence the overall effect that bud has. There are a lot of available terpenes that can help you to get that deep sleep that you want.
In case you want to get to know more about each terpene for sleep, check out this master list we have created just for you:
Beta Pinene
Beta Pinene has multiple therapeutic effects. It has pain relief properties, is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, may inhibit cancer cell growth, and promotes healthy brain function.
This wonderful compound is one of the most common terpenes in plants. It can be seen in basil, cedar, pine, dill, eucalyptus, and many more.
Linalool
Linalool is also one of the most common terpenes found in the plant world, as you can find it in over 200 plants. This terpene is a floral and spicy terpene abundant in citrus fruits and lavender.
Certain studies found that linalool can induce relaxation and sedation. It also shows that linalool can reduce aggression. This is why lavender has sedative-like effects, so putting a small bag of dried lavender under your pillow is key to a restful sleep.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-Caryophyllene is a terpene that has a spicy and peppery aroma. It is often associated with the smell of cracked peppers. It has a lot of benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It is a good sleeping agent because it is known to reduce anxiety and pain. Some research shows that it can reduce cholesterol, prevent Osteoporosis and treat seizures.
Myrcene
Myrcene is a terpene that is popular as a flavoring or food additive. It has anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties. It is the most abundant terpene in cannabis, which is why many users often feel sedated and easy-going after smoking a good
pre-roll.
The popular
myrcene has a pleasant smell, which is why it is popular to use as an essential oil or as food aromatic. Its rich mango smell takes you to a tropical paradise, making you feel at ease. It has a sedative property that can help you sleep at night, and it’s is also known to be a traditional medicine for diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, and hypertension.
Alpha-terpinene
Alpha-terpinene is known to be an antioxidant terpene. This terpene is commonly used as a fragrance compound and in different essential oils. If you often go to aromatherapy sessions, then you most likely have felt the relaxing effects of terpinene in your body.
This compound can help you sleep, as some research shows that it has a relaxing and tranquilizing effect. The
Sour Special Sauce strain has plenty of terpinene for you to feel cozy and go to dreamland.
Terpinolene
This terpene contains anti-tumor, antibacterial, and antifungal activities, as well as antioxidant, immune-modulating, and anti-biologic capabilities.
Terpinolene is also a sedative that can be used to treat insomnia. Furthermore, scientists have shown that this terpene may help to prevent cardiovascular disorders.
Phytol
Phytol is a terpene that is frequently used in beauty products. You can see this ingredient in shampoo and soaps. Moreover, you can find this fragrant compound in cleaning solutions and detergents used in your home.
Phytol has anxiolytic and sedating properties that can help you sleep through the night. Although there is still discussion about the anxiety curing properties of phytol, there are also researches that show the effectiveness of plants with medicinal properties.
In conclusion, we can see that terpenes can help a person that has trouble sleeping. An Indica cannabis nug will most likely contain these rich, fragrant, and tasty molecules that will take you to bed in no time. Next time you have trouble sleeping, make sure to search for a strain rich in the terpenes above, and your body will feel calm and relaxed before you even notice.
Thanks for stopping by! Why not try adding a Botany Farms tincture to your sleep routine?
