The Best Cannabis Terpenes for Sleep and Relaxation

Ready to explore terpenes for sleep and harness nature to feel rejuvenated?

The world is getting faster-paced, and many (myself included) consider a good night’s sleep a luxury. But as the demands of our daily lives increase, so does our need to rest well.

How do you escape this vicious cycle? By relying on cannabis terpenes.

These aromatic compounds do wonders for our brains and bodies. Among their numerous uses, sleep promotion is well-researched, reliable, and a must-try.

Join me to learn about terpenes for better slumber. I discuss the science behind them and the most effective compounds we encounter in cannabis. I also share my favorite strains under each category.

How can terpenes help you sleep?

Learning what terpenes do is fascinating for cultivators and consumers. Beyond acting as plant protection mechanisms and making marijuana connoisseur-tier, they turn smoking sessions into wellness-boosting activities.

Scientists discovered these compounds carry health benefits, from fighting inflammation to promoting relaxation.

When present in weed, terpenes operate synergistically with cannabinoids. They add beneficial properties and let you pick the best strain for every situation.

Sleep aid is one of these effects. Terpenes may help you sleep better by interacting with your brain receptors. This effect occurs through several mechanisms:

• Sleep induction: Several terpenes have mild sedating effects, leaving you hazy and sleepy. Doing so may facilitate falling and staying asleep.

• Anxiety reduction: Stress is the enemy of relaxation. Studies have associated some terpenes with anxiolytic effects, and consuming them can prepare your mind and body for sleep.

• Neurotransmitter regulations: Weed compounds interact with endocannabinoid systems, which modulate sleep patterns. Research is scant, but the possibilities are plentiful.

• Aromatherapeutic usage: Beyond cannabis, terpenes are a common ingredient of essential oils. Inhaling them can let you relax and create a calming environment.

You shouldn’t disregard cannabinoids, either.

Modern research has shown that CBD and CBN can induce sleep. We know less about THC, but anecdotes and reviews agree it might help you doze off. If you’ve ever been couch-locked post-blunt, you’ll know what I’m saying.

5 best terpenes for sleep

Each tiny aromatic chemical has unique chemical properties and effects, not all equally suitable for nighttime use. Scientists and tokers find these five the best terpenes for sleep.

1. Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a spicy chemical in black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Thanks to its anxiety-busting properties, it’s also the best terpene for sleep.

This potent compound might offer anxiety, inflammation, and pain relief. It’s ideal for folks who twist in their bedsheets due to chatter or racing thoughts. Since it’s among the few terpenes that bind directly to the endocannabinoid receptors, its effects don’t miss.

I opt for these three spicy strains for higher-quality slumber:

• Raisinberry autoflower is a tasty indica relaxer with 18% THC and a recognizable scent of pine, pepper, and sage. Stress and worries leave your brain with the first few exhales, and the body is soon too heavy to move.

• Jedi Cookies feminized is a balanced hybrid with 21% THC and a deliciously buttery pine-lemon aroma. It’s perfect for late afternoons. A blunt lets you unwind and immerse yourself in hobbies before inducing a bone-deep tranquil state.

• Strawberry Cough feminized is a feel-good sativa with 23% THC and a strawberry-cedar scent. It’s uplifting, energizing, stress-busting, and conducive to activity-packed days. As the high dissipates, you’re ready for a catnap.

2. Nerolidol

Nerolidol is a minor terpene with an earthy aroma similar to wood bark. It’s common in tea trees, lemongrass, and ginger. While it has a subtle influence, it causes sedation that lets you sleep better.

This calming terpene has long been a popular herbal sleep aid. Besides quieting and slowing down your mind, it may offer analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Perfect for those kept awake by sore muscles and joints.

Choose these two strains with pronounced nerolidol contents for stress-free days and nights:

• Skywalker OG feminized is a tasty, heavy indica with 20% THC and a lemon-diesel flavor. It induces euphoria, unstoppable munchies, and a sleepy body stone ideal for at-home nights of hedonistic self-care.

• Sweet Island feminized is a blissful sativa with 19% THC and a sweet-and-spicy aroma. It leaves you giggly, talkative, and carefree, letting you engage with hobbies or friends. If stress is your trouble, this strain is the go-to daytime remedy.

3. Linalool

Linalool is among the best-tasting terpenes that make you sleepy. Its floral aroma is prevalent in lavender, sage, mint, and jasmine.

There’s emerging research on linalool for anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia. It may improve your outlook and reduce sleep-hindering stress.

When it comes to floral cultivars, these three are my go-to’s:

• Gelato autoflower is a hybrid with 20% THC and a bouquet of fruit, herbs, and cream. The effects are fast-acting, long-lasting, and multi-layered. The high begins with a mental uplift and ends in profound physical relaxation. I suggest larger doses for nighttime use.

• Dolato feminized is an indica hybrid and Gelato’s direct offspring. It has 20% THC, the sweetness of fresh flowers, and super-calming effects. Smoking this strain leaves you in a serene state suitable for a short siesta or calling it a night.

• Zombie Death Fuck feminized is a sativa-dominant powerhouse with 25% THC and smells of flowers, citrus, and spice. It brings uplifting mental feelings, an invigorating physical high, and stress-fighting capabilities. A sense of calm underpins the rush.

4. Terpinolene

Terpinolene has a fresh fragrance often compared to green apples. It’s present in lilac, nutmeg, cumin, and various strains. It packs an uplifting, sedating punch for smoking at bedtime.

This sleep terpene interacts with the central nervous system, leaving you drowsy. It’s also effective at calming a hyperactive mind, letting you avoid vivid dreams.

I adore these three cultivars with plenty of terpinolene:

• Electric Blue autoflower is a connoisseur-tier indica with 18% THC and earthy, fruity, skunky, and herbal smells. It causes pleasurable mental stimulation and a body buzz that’s not too lethargy-inducing. Just enough for a nap.

• Do-Si-Dos feminized is a potent indica with 27% THC and a funky, skunky fragrance. The high is relaxed and somewhat sedative, leaving your brain and limbs heavy, warm, and buzzy. Sleep often follows the comedown.

• Jack Herer feminized is a legendary sativa with 24% THC and a refreshing pine-citrus flavor. It’s invigorating and motivation-enhancing, helping you breeze through your daily tasks. You end the day in a good mood and enjoyably exhausted.

5. Myrcene

Myrcene is the most abundant chemical in cannabis and among the best terpenes for relaxation. It contributes a musky, herbal fragrance to hops, thyme, and basil. This sedative compound is one of the main reasons you get couch-locked after toking.

Studies suggest myrcene aids sore muscles and induces general sedation. It’s a godsend for wound-up, strung-out minds and bodies.

Myrcene-dominant strains are plentiful, but I’d suggest these three for sleep deprivation:

• Candy Glue feminized is an exclusive indica hybrid with 22% THC and a sugar-diesel aroma. It delivers an incredibly happy high streaked with focus and creativity. Tension melts off your back, making it easier to get comfortable.

• Sour Cookies feminized is a high-energy sativa with 18% THC and fragrances of earth, cheese, and diesel. The mind is giddy and carefree after the first puff, and several more eliminate tension and discomfort. Sleep is near-inevitable as the effects wear off.

• Mango Smoothie feminized is a resin-rich hybrid with 18% THC and a flavor profile reminiscent of a fruit salad. The experience starts with mental stimulation, but indica effects soon take over and ease you into a seat.

Calming terpenes for catching zzz’s

Understanding terpenes is the top way to pick the right strain every time. These chemicals modulate the cannabinoids and let you tweak your toking experience to your precise needs and preferences.

Science and anecdotes are on the same page regarding the terpenes that help with sleep. The five from above are exhausted consumers’ allies, helping them rest and live their best lives.

Eager to give nature a go? Visit our store, buy THC seeds from terpene-rich strains, and grow a stash of certified sleep aids at home.