What Are Terpenes and How Can They Help with Sleep?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a hemp compound that continues to be researched for its wide range of therapeutic and life-enhancing benefits. It’s hard to find someone these days who hasn’t tried CBD drops or other CBD products! But hemp contains many other beneficial compounds as well, and it’s our mission to introduce you to some exceptional ones called terpenes and show you how they can help with your sleep. We’ll cover how terpenes can be essential in creating a favorable cannabinoid experience when taking CBD and cannabinol (CBN). 

Terpenes are compounds that give particular plants a distinct taste and smell, and scientists have found over 30,000 different varieties. What is even more interesting is that they can also be used to help induce sleep or relaxation. However, not all terpenes offer the same level of relief or the same kind of benefits, so it’s best to learn more about them before you go shopping! 

This article will explore what terpenes are and how the ones found in hemp can work with CBD and other cannabinoids to promote relaxation while providing their own unique properties. By the end, you’ll know a little more about common terpenes found in hemp and be able to see how they’ll benefit you and lead to better sleep.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic organic hydrocarbon compounds produced by a wide variety of plants that may have varying therapeutic properties. Terpenes contribute to the taste and smell of a plant, providing a sense of its intrinsic nature. When you think about essential oils, for example, the terpenes are what you’re smelling. 

According to research, many terpenes are being investigated for their potential as anti-inflammatory agents, antiseptics, antivirals, expectorants, bronchodilators, blood thinners and sedatives. 

It’s suspected that terpenes work with cannabinoids to enhance their properties. For example, a terpene known as caryophyllene has been investigated for its ability to enhance the pain-relieving effects of CBD by interacting with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Linalool has a similar effect, with an ability to strengthen the suppression of seizures alongside other compounds. And limonene may function to alleviate symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders that also work with CB1 receptors.

If some of this talk about receptors and such sounds a little confusing, you may want to learn more about your endocannabinoid system (ECS). It plays various roles in your continued well-being and overall homeostasis. The ECS is really worth knowing more about if you’re keen on using multiple CBD products like CBD gummies, whether they contain terpenes or not. There are many other terpenes found in hemp, and unlocking their potential is easier than you think. But how and why do terpenes work with CBD? Let’s find out.

How and Why Terpenes Work with CBD: The Entourage Effect 

When CBD was first discovered, it was isolated and then basically forgotten about for many years. However, after some time, scientists realized that CBD had potential when used on its own. This was magnified when CBD was combined with other compounds found in hemp plants. This is because different hemp compounds can synergistically interact with each other when combined together. This is known as the entourage effect. The terpenes found in hemp give it its distinct taste and smell, but they also interact to enhance what CBD and CBN have to offer.

CBD is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s helpful. However, when it comes to sleep, combining CBD with terpenes can enhance this benefit. The terpenes found in hemp give it its distinct aroma and help deliver the effects of CBD to the neurological system. Linalool, a terpene found in hemp that we’ve already mentioned, has been studied for its sedative qualities. It may act as a sleep inducer while helping to alleviate anxiety at the same time. So if you’re wondering “Does CBD help you sleep?” Yes, it does. And adding terpenes into the mix can elevate that potential. 

Why Do You Keep Mentioning CBN?

If you haven’t heard of CBD’s “sleepy cousin,” allow us to introduce you to CBN! For the uninitiated, CBN was the first cannabinoid discovered. It works in similar ways to CBD, which means it interacts with your body’s ECS. It’s an exciting compound for researchers due to its calming, sedative effects. This leads many to see its benefit as a sleep aid as well. When paired with CBD and terpenes, it’s a fantastic team.

Getting the Terpenes You Want

When it comes to getting terpenes in your CBD and CBN products, you’re going to want to look for ones that are broad spectrum. This is different from CBD isolate products with only CBD and no other compounds from hemp plants. But don’t worry! Broad spectrum is still THC-free.

You’ll find terpenes paired with CBD, CBN and melatonin in our Sleepi Bedtime Bestie gummies. They’re formulated to give you the deep sleep you need and crave using only organic ingredients. Enjoy one of these delicious Bedtime Besties 30 minutes to an hour before bed, and you’ll put yourself in a calmer frame of mind, setting yourself up for the perfect slumber. 

However you choose to add terpenes to your routine, be sure to check the company’s third-party lab results and certificates of analysis to ensure you’re getting the top-quality product you want.