Do You Really Need 8 Hours of Sleep?
Understanding Your Sleep Needs + Natural Ways for Better Rest
For years, we've heard that 8 hours of sleep is the gold standard. But is that number set in stone?
The answer is—not exactly. The “8-hour rule” is a helpful guideline, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all formula. More important than the number of hours is how restorative your sleep actually is.
In this article, we’ll break down how much sleep you really need, what happens during sleep, and how natural solutions—like CBD and indica-dominant THC—can support more restful nights. Plus, we’ll share why avoiding alcohol before bed can make a big difference.
⏱️ The Truth About the 8-Hour Sleep Rule
According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults generally need 7–9 hours of sleep. But needs vary based on:
- Age
- Genetics
- Stress levels
- Lifestyle
In fact, a 2015 study in Current Biology observed that traditional hunter-gatherer societies sleep around 6.4 hours per night—and they report far fewer sleep disorders than modern populations.
[Source]
So, if you’re sleeping 6.5 or 7 hours but wake up feeling energized and focused, you’re doing just fine.
🧠 Why Sleep Matters
During sleep, your body and mind go into deep repair mode. This is when:
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Muscles and tissues regenerate
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Your brain stores memories and learning
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Hormones are regulated (including stress and appetite hormones)
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Your immune system gets a reset
Chronic lack of quality sleep can contribute to mood swings, brain fog, a weakened immune system, and even long-term risks like diabetes and heart disease.
[CDC Sleep Guidelines]
🌿 Natural Sleep Support: CBD + Indica THC
Many of our customers struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety, stress, or pain. That’s where plant-based solutions can help, without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
✅ CBD (Cannabidiol)
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A non-intoxicating hemp compound that supports the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
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Promotes calm, reduces anxiety, and helps prep the body for rest.
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In a 2019 study, 67% of participants using CBD reported better sleep in just one month.
[The Permanente Journal]
🌙 Indica-Dominant THC
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Known for its sedative, body-relaxing effects.
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May help with:
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Easing physical tension
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Calming a racing mind
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Reducing chronic pain
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Best used 30–60 minutes before bed in low doses—such as a Delta-9 THC wine, gummy, or vape cartridge.
🥃 Why You Should Avoid Alcohol Before Bed
While alcohol may make you feel drowsy, it actually disrupts sleep quality in several ways:
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Suppresses REM sleep, the dream phase essential for emotional and cognitive recovery.
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Increases chances of waking up in the middle of the night.
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Causes dehydration, snoring, and night sweats.
A review published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research confirmed that alcohol can significantly fragment sleep, especially during the second half of the night.
[Source]
So, if you’re looking for deep, uninterrupted sleep—skip the nightcap and try a gentle THC or CBD solution instead.
🛌 Tips for Better Sleep (Even If It’s Less Than 8 Hours)
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Keep a consistent sleep schedule—even on weekends.
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Wind down electronics 1 hour before bed.
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Use plant-based tools like CBD or indica THC products.
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Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet.
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Limit caffeine after 2 PM.
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Avoid alcohol in the evening—it hinders quality sleep.
🌟 Final Thoughts
You don’t need exactly 8 hours to be well-rested—but you do need quality sleep. Whether you're sleeping 6 hours or 9, what matters is how refreshed you feel and how well your body and mind recover overnight.
With the right support—like calming CBD tinctures or sleep-promoting indica THC edibles—your body can return to its natural rhythm, night after night.
Looking to improve your sleep naturally?
Visit us in-store or browse online to explore our trusted selection of sleep-focused wellness products.
✨ Your path to better sleep starts here—naturally.