Posted on March 10, 2023 by Munchies

The modern world has become more restless than ever. As we chase goals and beat deadlines, an essential part of our human nature is often overlooked: sleep. In fact, according to a recent study, about 1 in 3 adults in the United States experience sleep deprivation every day. 

Chances are, you are sleep-deprived too! Constantly battling sleepless nights can leave you exhausted and anxious, affecting your mood, focus, and overall quality of life. Now, here comes THCA, a cannabis compound that might hold the key to restful nights. But how exactly does it work? And can it help with your sleep issues? Well, you’re lucky because we got the answers here. 

Key Takeaways 

  • THCA may aid in better sleep by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and potentially alleviating chronic pain, all of which can improve sleep quality.
  • THCA supports serotonin production, a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep, potentially leading to more restful nights.
  • Conversion to Delta 9 THC occurs when THCA is heated, unlocking stronger sleep-inducing properties that help with falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.
  • THCA’s anti-inflammatory properties may help address sleep disruptions caused by arthritis or chronic pain, offering a natural sleep aid.
  • THCA’s effects on dreaming are minimal, but when converted to Delta 9 THC, it may suppress REM sleep, leading to fewer dreams or altered sleep patterns.

Does THCA Help You Sleep Better?  

Yes, Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCA, has specific mechanisms that have favorable potential effects on sleep quality. While research is ongoing, some indications are that THCA may influence sleep in various ways. The calming effects associated with THCA might help reduce anxiety-related sleep disturbances or could be beneficial for those with insomnia.

THCA’s Mechanism on Sleep-Related Issues

THCA is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw cannabis plants. Its effects on sleep quality are not as well-studied as those of Delta 9 THC, but there are several potential ways it might influence sleep:

  • Serotonin Production – THCA may enhance the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and sleep, potentially contributing to improved sleep quality.
  • Pain Management – THCA’s anti-inflammatory properties could potentially alleviate conditions that disrupt sleep, such as chronic pain or arthritis. By reducing pain, THCA might indirectly improve sleep quality.
  • Potential Sleep Aid – Some users have reported that consuming THCA-rich products before bedtime may promote relaxation and aid in falling asleep, albeit to a lesser extent than THC.
  • Neuroprotective Qualities – THCA’s potential neuroprotective qualities and anti-inflammatory properties might help with certain symptoms affecting sleep.
  • Relaxation and Stress Reduction – THCA may help reduce anxiety and stress levels, improving sleep quality. Promoting relaxation might make it easier for some individuals to fall asleep.
  • Conversion to Delta 9 THC—When THCA is heated (e.g., through smoking or vaporizing), it converts to Delta 9 THC. Delta 9 THC has been more extensively studied for its sleep-inducing properties. It may help with insomnia by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and increasing total sleep time. It also has the potential to alter sleep architecture, particularly by increasing deep sleep.

What is Insomnia? 

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, even when a person has the opportunity for adequate sleep. This condition can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, causing various daytime symptoms and potentially affecting overall health and well-being. Insomnia symptoms can include difficulty falling asleep at night, waking up during the night, having trouble going back to sleep or waking up too early in the morning. 

People who have insomnia can also feel unrefreshed upon waking and experience daytime fatigue or sleepiness. This often results in irritability, depression, or anxiety. Other undesirable effects can include difficulty paying attention or focusing on tasks, increased errors or accidents, and ongoing worries about sleep. 

Potential Benefits for Insomnia

  • Falling Asleep Faster – THCA, especially when converted to THC, may help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, which is a common issue for those with insomnia.
  • Staying Asleep – By potentially reducing pain and anxiety, THCA might help individuals remain asleep throughout the night.
  • Improving Sleep Quality – The relaxation effects associated with THCA could contribute to better overall sleep quality.
  • Addressing Underlying Causes – For individuals whose insomnia is related to conditions like chronic pain or anxiety, THCA’s potential anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties might help address these underlying causes.

THCA vs. Delta 9 THC for Sleep Quality

Delta 9 THC and Sleep 

Delta 9 THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, has been more extensively studied for its effects on sleep:

  • Sleep Latency – Delta 9 THC has been shown to reduce sleep latency, meaning it helps people fall asleep faster. This effect is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with insomnia or have difficulty initiating sleep.
  • Sleep Architecture –  Short-term use of Delta 9 THC appears to increase slow-wave sleep (SWS), also known as deep sleep, and decrease wake time after sleep onset. This suggests that Delta 9 THC may improve sleep quality by promoting more restorative sleep stages.
  • REM Sleep –  Delta 9 THC tends to decrease rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in the short term. While this might be beneficial for individuals with PTSD who experience nightmares, it could potentially affect memory consolidation and emotional processing that occur during REM sleep.
  • Sleep Duration – Some studies have found that Delta 9 THC can increase total sleep time, which may be helpful for those who struggle to maintain sleep throughout the night.
  • Next-Day Effects – Higher doses of Delta 9 THC (15 mg) have been associated with increased next-day sleepiness and mood changes. This suggests that dosage is crucial when using Delta 9 THC for sleep improvement.

THCA and Sleep

  • Non-Intoxicating Effects –  THCA is not psychoactive in its raw form, which means it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with Delta 9 THC. Some users find this appealing as a milder alternative for sleep support.
  • Potential Benefits – While research on THCA’s direct effects on sleep is limited, it may indirectly aid sleep through its potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. These effects could help alleviate conditions that interfere with sleep, such as pain or inflammation.
  • Conversion to Delta 9 THC – When THCA is heated (e.g., through smoking or vaporizing), it converts to Delta 9 THC. This means that many of the sleep benefits associated with using THCA products may be due to its conversion to Delta 9 THC.

Which One Helps You Sleep Better?

Based on the available data, Delta 9 THC appears to have more direct and pronounced effects on sleep compared to THCA:

  • Stronger Sleep-Inducing Properties – Delta 9 THC has demonstrated clear effects on reducing sleep latency and increasing total sleep time, which are not as well-established for THCA in its raw form.
  • More Research Support – There is significantly more research on Delta 9 THC’s effects on sleep, which has improved our understanding of its benefits and risks.
  • Immediate Effects – Delta 9 THC can provide more immediate sleep-inducing effects, which may be preferable for those seeking quick relief from insomnia or sleep disturbances.

Considerations 

​While Delta 9 THC appears to be more effective for directly improving sleep, the choice between Delta 9 THC and THCA should be based on individual needs, preferences, and responses to cannabis.​ It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using either cannabinoid for sleep, as factors such as dosage, timing, and individual health conditions can significantly impact their effectiveness and safety.

The choice between Delta 9 THC and THCA may depend on individual factors:

  • Psychoactive Effects – If you prefer to avoid the psychoactive “high” associated with THC, raw THCA might be a better option.
  • Tolerance and Sensitivity – Some individuals may be more sensitive to THC’s side effects, such as next-day grogginess or mood changes. In these cases, THCA or lower doses of THC might be more suitable.
  • Long-Term Use – It’s important to note that long-term use of Delta 9 THC may lead to tolerance and potentially negatively impact sleep quality over time.

Man and woman cuddling in bed.

Pexels Photo by Ron Lach

Does THCA Affect Dreaming?

THCA itself has not been extensively studied for its direct effects on dreaming. However, we can draw some insights from what we know about cannabis and its components, particularly Delta 9 THC, which THCA can become when exposed to heat.

Possible effects on dreaming:

  • Minimal Direct Impact – THCA is not likely to significantly alter sleep architecture or dreaming patterns in its raw form. However, if THCA is consumed in a form that leads to its conversion to Delta 9 THC (such as smoking or vaporizing), it could then have similar effects to Delta 9 THC on dreaming.
  • Potential for Vivid Dreams – Some anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis use, which could include THCA-rich products, might lead to more vivid or intense dreams, particularly when consumption is discontinued. This phenomenon is often referred to as “REM rebound.”
  • Variable Effects – The impact on dreaming can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals might experience fewer dreams, while others might report more vivid or memorable dreams.

It’s important to note that research in this area is still limited. These findings are a combination of preliminary research and anecdotal reports; thus, further and long-term studies must be conducted to verify its impact on sleep and dreaming. To understand how THCA might affect dreaming, we need to consider both THCA itself and its relationship to Delta 9 THC, as THCA can convert to THC when heated. 

REM Rebound and Dreaming

The concept of REM rebound is an important consideration when discussing THCA, Delta 9 THC, and dreaming. ​REM rebound is a body phenomenon characterized by increased amount, frequency, and intensity of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep following periods of sleep deprivation or REM sleep suppression.​ During REM rebound, individuals may experience more extended periods of REM sleep than usual, more frequent REM sleep cycles throughout the night, or more intense and vivid dreams.

The effects of REM rebound and dreaming include:

  • Increased Dream Activity – When regular cannabis use is discontinued, some people experience a sudden increase in REM sleep and dreaming, known as REM rebound. This can lead to more frequent, vivid, or even unsettling dreams.
  • Temporary Nature – REM rebound is typically a temporary phenomenon as the brain readjusts to standard sleep patterns without the influence of cannabinoids.

Methods of Using THCA for Sleep

THCA can be consumed in various forms for potential sleep benefits:

  • THCA Tinctures – These offer rapid absorption and quick onset for sleep support.
  • THCA Capsules – Provide controlled dosing and sustained effects throughout the night.
  • THCA Edibles – Offer a longer-lasting sleep aid to help individuals stay asleep.
  • Raw THCA – Consuming raw cannabis or its juice allows for the ingestion of THCA in its natural form.
  • THCA Flower – THCA can be consumed by smoking cannabis flower in joints or pipes. This method provides immediate effects that some users find helpful for falling asleep quickly.
  • THCA Vape – Using THCA-rich cannabis in vaporizers is another inhalation method. Live resin THCA vapes offer high potency and may provide smooth hits. 
  • THCA Dabs – This method involves heating concentrated THCA products and inhaling the vapor. It can provide potent and immediate effects.

Final Thoughts 

While THCA shows potential for improving sleep, further research is needed to understand its efficacy and safety profile fully. The benefits of THCA for sleep may be more pronounced when it’s converted to Delta 9 THC through heating. As existing preliminary and anecdotal reports on Delta 9, THC has been shown to help with falling asleep faster and increasing deep sleep time. 

While dreaming is directly correlated to sleeping, its potential to occur is suppressed by cannabis use. Initial findings tell us that cannabis use, including THCA, reduces REM sleep activity. This reduced phenomenon decreases the likelihood of having any type of dream. 

Finally, consider THCA for sleep. In that case, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective utilization, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications. They can provide personalized guidance and help you weigh the potential benefits against risks.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

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