Does Indica Make You Sleepy or Hyper?

One of the potential benefits that you may have heard that cannabis has is acting as a sleep aid. Indeed, many people take cannabis in an attempt to help them sleep better at night. There are a variety of studies that demonstrate that cannabis can be beneficial for people suffering from a variety of conditions that prevent them from sleeping properly.

However, you might also know that there are two main types of cannabis, indica and sativa, but you might not know which one is best for sleep. You may have heard that Indica is a good nighttime type of weed, whereas Sativa is a good daytime type of weed. For the most part, this appears to be very true, as Indica appears to make you sleepier rather than energizing.

Today, we want to take a closer look at what exactly Indica weed is, how it makes you feel if it makes you sleepy, and if so, why it makes you sleepy. We'll also take a look at the sleep-inducing properties of various terpenes contained in Indica strains. By the end of this article, you should be an expert on everything to do with Indica strains and sleep.

Key Takeaways

• There are three main subspecies of cannabis, including Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis.
• Indica strains are generally known for being more sedating, whereas Sativa strains are known for being more energizing.
• It is thought that the combination of THC, CBD, and specific terpenes allows for these sedating properties, which Indica is regarded for.
• Blueberry Kush, OG Kush, and Hindu Kush, among others, are all great examples of Indica strains that should help you get a good night of sleep.
• Is Indica sleepy? Yes, Indica is sleepy!

Click here to find out what some of the strongest Indica strains are.

What is Indica Weed?

If we are to discuss how Indica makes you feel and whether or not it helps you sleep, it's important that you know exactly what it is. First, cannabis is a specific species of flowering herb or flowering plant.

There are three main subspecies of the cannabis plant, which include Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis. Ruderalis strains are generally not very potent or flavorful, so most people avoid these, but many people like both Indica and Sativa strains for their various properties and potential benefits.

Most people who want something a bit more energetic and creative tend to go for Sativa strains, whereas people looking for something much more relaxing and sedating usually go for Indica strains.

If you look at the plants, you'll usually notice that Indica strains are very chunky, broad, and short. They tend to be very wide, but not overly tall, the opposite of Sativa weed plants, which are usually quite tall and narrow.

However, this is not the only difference between Indica and Sativa, something we will look at in closer detail further below.

The main takeaway here is that Indica is one of the three main subspecies of cannabis, and is often known for having a variety of bodily and mental effects that tend to be fairly relaxing in nature.

How Does Indica Make You Feel?

Although the differences in how people feel between Indica and Sativa are mainly anecdotal and based on firsthand accounts, there are some commonalities here. First and foremost, Indica is generally regarded as being more of a lazy, nighttime type of weed, whereas Sativa strains are generally regarded as being more of a daytime type of weed.

Both Indica and Sativa strains produce body and head highs, but Indica strains are known for producing more of a body high, whereas Sativa strains are known for producing more of a head high. Sativa strains are known for being more energizing in nature, whereas Indica strains are more sedative.

If you smoke an Indica strain, you should notice a bit of a head high, characterized by feeling very relaxed, calm, euphoric, happy, and blissful, as well as relatively sleepy. You should also notice a relatively strong body high, characterized by feeling heavy, warm, lazy, sedated, and you might feel your limbs tingling a little bit.

It's a type of weed that should make you feel like you are sinking into your couch, and eventually put you to sleep. Many people also say that Indica strains help them relax not only bodily but mentally as well.

This is opposed to Sativa strains, which tend to be a bit more energizing, creative, and social in nature, with people often feeling light, floaty, and ready to take on a long day ahead. Here are some other fantastic nighttime weed strains worth looking into.

Does Indica Make You Sleepy or Hyper?

Although there hasn't been a whole lot of scientific research performed on the sleep-inducing differences between Indica and Sativa, anecdotal evidence and firsthand accounts from thousands of cannabis users all indicate that Indica makes you feel sleepy.

Due to the high THC contents, the relatively high CBD contents, and the various terpenes contained in Indica strains, they are said to make you feel lazy, sleepy, and sedated. If you need a strain of cannabis that will help you get a good night's sleep, Indica is likely your best bet.

Interesting to note is that many people say that Sativa strains are not tiring, and may actually make you feel energized or hyper. However, for many people, Sativa strains may not be energizing in nature, but also not quite as tiring or sedating as Indica strains.

Why Does Indica Make You Sleepy?

There are various reasons why Indica is thought to make you sleepy, especially when compared to Sativa strains, although more scientific research is needed to confirm any of these claims. First, it may be the case that Indica strains are sedative in nature due to their high THC contents.

THC is thought to act as a powerful sedative, and the reason for this is that it may increase the levels of adenosine in the human body. It is believed that the THC cannabinoid, once it interacts with your cannabinoid receptors, causes increased levels of adenosine to be produced, which is a sleep-promoting chemical. Adenosine is a sedative that makes you feel tired.

However, Sativa strains can also be very high in THC, so this does not really explain why Indica strains make you sleepier than Sativa.

What may explain it is the CBD content. In general, Indica strains tend to have slightly more CBD than Indica strains, with CBD also thought to be responsible for helping you sleep.

According to some studies, CBD may increase the amount of adenosine in your brain by preventing its reuptake. Theoretically, the more adenosine is in your brain, the sleepier you should feel.

It may also be the case that THC and CBD suppress the arousal system of the brain, therefore making you feel sleepy or sedated.

Why Indica makes you feel sleepy may also be a result of the terpenes contained in these strains. Terpenes are like the essential oils of plants that give them their flavors and aromas and also act as defenses against diseases and insects. However, terpenes don't just affect flavor and aroma; they can also have various effects on the human brain and body.

For instance, some terpenes can be sedative and make you feel sleepy. One such terpene that can make you feel sleepy, which is often found in high quantities in Indica strains, is known as myrcene. We'll take a closer look at myrcene and other sleep-promoting terpenes found in Indica strains further below.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Sativa and Indica?

If you have some weed plants or some already harvested weed, and you don't know if it is an Indica or Sativa, there are some telltale signs that you can look for to determine what type of strain you have.

The Name of the Strain

Although not always the case, many Indica strains of cannabis have names that reflect their sedative nature, with kush being a very classic word that indicates you have an Indica. Sativa strains tend to have names that are a bit more energetic, and they don't sound like they would make you tired.

Shape of the Buds

Another telltale sign to differentiate between the two is that Sativa buds are usually fairly narrow and elongated, whereas Indica strains have much thicker buds. Indica buds are much more rounded than Sativa buds.

Shape of the Plants

This also applies to the plants themselves, with Indica plants generally being fairly short and stocky, usually quite wide and short, whereas Sativa strains tend to be much taller and skinnier.

Bud Density

Another way to tell the difference between Sativa and Indica is by the density of the buds. Sativa buds may be a bit squishy and light, allowing you to really compact them together if you squeeze them in your fingers. Indica buds on the other hand tend to be fairly dense, hard, and solid.

The Odor

You may also be able to tell the difference between these two types of cannabis by their smells. Sativa strains are often fairly fruity and spicy, whereas Indica strains are generally a bit more pungent, heavier, and mustier.

The Effects

If you smoke or otherwise consume Indica and Sativa strains, you should also notice the difference between them based on their effects. Indica strains tend to hit your body much harder, making you feel sedated, tired, heavy, tingling, euphoric, and relaxed.

Sativa strains on the other hand tend to make you feel a bit more energetic, creative, happy, giggly, talkative, and ready to move. Sativa strains are more mentally stimulating, whereas Indica strains are more bodily relaxing.

Click here if you want to know more about the differences between Indica and Sativa.

Does the Indica Terpene Profile Affect Sleep?

It is thought that the various terpenes contained in Indica strains have beneficial effects in terms of helping you sleep, so let's move on and take a look at what some of the main terpenes in Indica strains are.

What Terpenes in Indica are the Most Common?

There are five main terpenes contained in Indica strains which are thought to have relaxing or sleep-promoting properties, and they all taste quite nice too.

Myrcene

First, we have myrcene, which is generally the most abundant terpene found in Indica strains; it has a very herbal, earthy, and musty flavor profile. This terpene is known for having a relaxing and sedating effect that should help you get a good night's sleep. Many people say that this is a great terpene to help combat insomnia and other sleep issues.

Beta-Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a spicy and peppery terpene often found in Indica strains, as well as in pepper and other spices. This is a terpene that is said to have sleep-inducing effects.Iit may be mentally relaxing, and it may even help reduce symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.

Linalool

Linalool is a commonly occurring terpene found in cannabis, in Indica strains specifically, and it's also found in many flowering plants, such as lavender and many citrus fruits. Furthermore, it has a very spicy, floral, and somewhat earthy flavor profile. It also has a flavor that resembles hops. This terpene is said to help improve mood, relax your body, and relax your mind.

Limonene

We then have limonene, which, as the name implies, is a very citrusy, fresh, and bright terpene. As you can probably guess, it's commonly found in citrus fruits. This is a terpene that is said to help reduce stress, improve mood, and relax your mind.

Humulene

Finally, we have humulene, which has a scent reminiscent of wood, earth, and musk. It is found in cloves, hops, and cannabis. This terpene is also thought to be relaxing and somewhat sedative in nature, as well as pain relieving.

What Are the Top 5 Indica Strains?

Let's take a quick look at the top five Indica cannabis strains that might just help you get that good night's sleep you've been looking for.

Blueberry Kush Strain

Blueberry Kush is perhaps one of the most popular Indica strains of all. This strain features an average of 18% THC, along with a little bit of CBG. This is a cross between OG Kush and Blueberry, two other popular Indica strains.

The Blueberry Kush strain is known for being very sedating in nature, and most people report having a very deep sleep after smoking it.

With terpenes like myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene, it should help you get a good night's sleep. It also has a rather enjoyable flavor, which, as you can assume, resembles blueberries and has a general sweetness.

Northern Lights Strain

Northern Lights is another popular Indica strain, funny enough also with around 18% THC on average. This is a cross between Thai and Afghani, both of which are also potent Indica-dominant strains. Some of the most dominant terpenes contained in this strain include myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene.

This is what produces the distinctive flavor profile that the Northern Lights strain has, as well as the sedating effect. It tastes like herbs, earth, spice, pine, and flowers, and produces a very sedating effect.

OG Kush Strain

OG Kush is a three-way cross between Hindu Kush, Lemon Thai, and Chemdawg, all of which have Indica elements. OG Kush is technically defined as a hybrid, although it is Indica-dominant.

The flavor here resembles lemon, pine, fuel, and diesel, which is thanks to the various terpenes it contains, including myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene.

This strain is well known for producing a very euphoric head high, quickly followed by a sedative effect that should put you to sleep. It should contain anywhere between 18% and 21% THC.

Girl Scout Cookies Strain

Girl Scout Cookies is another Indica-dominant hybrid strain, interestingly enough, one made by crossing OG Kush with Durban Poison. This is a fairly potent strain, as it can contain anywhere between 19% and 23% THC, plus it usually also contains respectable levels of CBG.

Here, you will taste mint, lemon, and cherry, with odors that are very pungent and sweet. This is thanks to the caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene content of this strain, which also happens to produce a fairly sedating effect. This is another strain that is great for late-day use when you just want to relax or get some sleep.

Hindu Kush Strain

Hindu Kush contains roughly 20% THC and is a pure Indica cannabis strain that originates from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

This strain has a very earthy, sweet, and pungent aroma that is reminiscent of sandalwood. This is thanks to the various terpenes it contains, including limonene, caryophyllene, and pinene. Many people appreciate this strain due to its deeply relaxing and sedating effect.

Final Thoughts: Does Indica Make You Sleepy or Hyper?

The bottom line is that if you need a good strain to help relax you and put you to sleep, an Indica is recommended. Any of the above options we looked at are perfectly fine to consider. Indica is a perfect sleep aid.

Where to Buy Blueberry Kush Online

If you are looking for some high-quality Blueberry Kush, right here at Botany Farms is the place to be. Our Delta-8 THC Blueberry Kush could be just what you need to relax you. We also have some other fantastic options to consider, such as our Godfather OG and our own Botany Farms Delta-8 Strawberry Banana Kush.

References for this article:

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/indica-vs-sativa
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576603/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8581757/
• https://www.cannabisclinics.ca/medical-cannabis/insomnia/

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