CBN and Sleep – Does it Really Help?

Lack of sleep and insomnia are some of the most common health issues in this day and age. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, over 80 million adults in the United States get less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep. The body requires adequate sleep, just like it needs food, water, and air, to optimally function. During sleep, the body heals and restores its internal chemical balance. Some of the common causes of sleep deprivation include stress, depression, poor sleeping habits, pain, and sleep apnea.

Good eye cream, strong coffee, and sleeping pills can be a temporary fix for sleep deprivation, but inadequate sleep has severe repercussions for your health in the long run. A lack of sleep puts you at risk for stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Even a single night of inadequate sleep can lead to circles under the eyes and droopy eyelids, something to think about if you care about your personal appearance. After all, they call it ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason. While sleeping pills and prescription medication do work, they can lead to addiction, have adverse side effects, and, ironically, actually end up worsening your sleep deprivation.

Well, this is where CBN or cannabinol comes in. It is a compound similar to CBD and CBG in that it has numerous potential therapeutic benefits, and it is non-intoxicating. The compound recently caught the eye of researchers, and they since began looking seriously into it. Early research on it indicates that acting as a sleep aid is one of these potential benefits. That said, we are going to delve deeper into CBN and sleep. Does CBN really help with sleep deprivation and insomnia?

So, What is CBN?

CBN or cannabinol is a byproduct of old cannabis. Until just recently, this compound was considered a waste product. When cannabis experiences exposure to oxygen and heat for a long time, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) breaks down into CBN.

Cannabinol is non-psychoactive, implying you won’t experience the ‘high’ that comes with consuming THC products or weed. But what is CBD good for? Well, users claim it’s useful in reducing anxiety, increasing appetite, alleviating pain and inflammation, and as we’ll see as we delve further, a sleeping aid.

Cannabinol is available as CBN isolate, CBN distillate, and CBN oil forms. With an increase in interest and demand came an increase in studies on this new cannabinoid. Researchers, manufacturers, and hobbyists have come up with different extraction methods to explore the effects of this potentially unsung hero of the cannabinoid world.

How Does Cannabinol Work?

Cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN affect the body in so many ways. Like the other cannabinoids, cannabinol can affect your body through the endocannabinoid system or ECS. That is a complex cell signaling system responsible for regulating a wide array of bodily functions and responses. Those include appetite, mood, pain, memory, sleep, and many others.

Cannabinol also affects the body by influencing neurotransmitter and hormone activity. In turn, this affects focus, body temperature, pain, mood, cognition, immune function, etc. Given the fact that CBN has an almost similar chemical structure to the cannabinoid CBD, it produces similar effects. These include pain relief, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep.

CBN and Sleep- Is it a Sedative? Does it Make You Feel Tired?

Well, this depends on who you ask. Promising reviews and user reports point out that cannabinol leads to falling asleep faster than usual and contributes to a heavy-eye feeling before bed. CBN users also report a rapid onset of sleepiness that causes them to shut eyes as soon as they lay on their beds. On the contrary, scientific research isn’t so clear cut.

CBN and Sleep – Will it Make You Drowsy, Dizzy, and Drunk?

According to a study conducted in 1975, cannabinol has a substantial effect on sleep in human beings, but the suggested sedation only happened when taking CBN with THC. The study shows that participants felt more drowsy, dizzy, drugged, and drunk when they took oral doses of CBN combined with THC rather than CBN alone.

Often quoted and referenced, that study tends to come up when discussing cannabinol; the research methodology is not airtight. The study’s main criticisms are too many comparisons, a small sample size, and a mismatch between dosage and effects.

According to another research paper from 1995, CBN was effective in prolonging sleep in mice, in some cases, at least. Similarly, while this study keeps coming up when promoting the compound’s effects on sleep, numerous other studies contradict these findings.

CBN and Sleep – Research Says: Maybe. Users Say: Yes!

Like CBD and CBG, CBN has been getting a lot of attention for its therapeutic benefits and effects on sleep and pain. While studies are still inconclusive, it is essential to note that most of these studies were last conducted decades ago. Given the legalization of cannabis, we expect cannabinoids such as CBN to require further research, especially the effect on the endocannabinoid system.

Just like cannabidiol a few years back, there was little to no evidence for its efficacy in boosting health and getting rid of various ailing symptoms. Fast forward to today, and millions of people vouch for it.

Cannabinol could be the same. As positive testimonials and anecdotal evidence increase, the compound should garner more attention from the media, scientific community, and users alike.

CBN vs CBD – Which is Better for Sleep?

Both CBN and CBD share a lot of properties and purported effects. However, among users, CBN comes out on top when choosing which is better for inducing sleep. Neither of the cannabinoids produces psychoactive or intoxicating effects, but they give different effects when combined with THC.

When you mix CBD with THC, you will likely reduce the high’s intensity and the chances of effects such as paranoia. On the other hand, CBN with THC may produce a more pronounced sedative accompanied by a mild high.

On its own, CBN also shows to be capable of sedative effects as well without having to consume THC with it. Thus, saving you from its psychoactive effects.

CBN and Sleep- How Much CBN Should You Take?

Finding the right CBN dosage for sleep, as with most cannabinoids, calls for some trial and error on your part. There’s no standard dose, and that’s because people are different, and the dose depends on factors like age, weight, and sensitivity to cannabinoids. It would help if you started with a low dose and gradually work your way up to an amount that allows you to get the desired effects.

We found that users report experiencing the desired effects after taking between 4mg and 66mg orally and 1mg to 6mg when vaped. That is a wide range, so it is imperative to start low and work your way up. We reviewed all the current best practices before testing that and vouch for the stated amounts. Yet, they are merely a guide; you need to do the work yourself to find your own sweet spot.

If you are vaping, consider waiting at least half an hour before deciding to up the dosage. If you are taking CBN orally, the onset of effects will take time and so, consider waiting for at least 2 hours before taking another dose.

Where to Find CBN Products

Due to the focus on other cannabinoids like CBD, CBN-infused products are yet to become widespread. However, with the compound’s obvious therapeutic benefits, new products are likely to emerge not so far in the future.

You can currently find a small selection of new products such as topicals, strips, tinctures, and oils. However, most products containing cannabinol will have infusions of CBD and other cannabinoids.

Full-Spectrum Oils have CBN

If you want to enjoy the benefits of cannabinol without waiting for THC in your cannabis to start breaking down, there’s another way. As you wait for the industry to grow and develop new products made of CBN isolate, you can experience CBN benefits by getting full-spectrum CBD.

Full-spectrum CBD oils contain not just cannabinoids but also flavonoids and terpenes, all of which are beneficial. They ideally contain fiber, protein, and an array of fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.

Full-spectrum oils come in a vast array of presentations, including sprays, salves, capsules, balms, and tinctures.

CBN and Sleep- Potency & Quality

High quality, potent cannabis is highly recommended and makes for some of the best cannabinoid products. It is imperative to consider sourcing, growing, and look for a brand with integrity and a high commitment to quality.

Search for CBD and CBN products that are organic and free from toxic chemicals used in lower quality, cheap extraction methods. If you want to find the best full-spectrum cannabidiol for your needs, you can check out the comprehensive catalog we got up on our website.

The Future of Cannabinol

As more people begin to understand CBN’s potential therapeutic benefits, new products and applications will ultimately become available. Industrial hemp producers in the United States are already producing cannabinol isolates to create commercial grade CBN products.

With more potential therapeutic uses on sight, cannabinol may not be as well-known or popular as CBD yet. But Its reputation will definitively grow as scientific research studies continue to reveal its true potential.

As cannabinoid enthusiasts, saying we are excited to see what new benefits these new studies will reveal is an understatement.