The more we learn about the hemp plant, the clearer it becomes that each cannabinoid has its own ideal uses and special benefits. Scientific inquiry sometimes reveals these benefits, but users more often discover them accidentally while exploring new forms of hemp. In the case of CBN for sleep, it’s a little bit of both.
New research supports CBN’s usefulness for sleep, but anecdotal evidence from countless users has primarily shaped the consensus on this topic.
Is it a good idea to use CBN for sleep? If so, which brands are best to turn to when you’re in need of a solid CBN sleep product? Find the answers in this guide.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is a natural THC metabolite formed through oxidative stress from aging or UV light exposure. In THC-rich cannabis, CBN concentrations increase over time as the plant material ages or is exposed to other oxidative stressors.
Like CBD, CBN is considered to be non-intoxicating, but the cannabinoid can’t entirely get away from its roots in THC. CBN doesn’t cause a high but is often described as more profoundly relaxing than CBD.
[Updated] New 2024 Research on CBN and Sleep
Recent research has provided new insights into the potential of cannabinol (CBN) as a sleep aid. A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology demonstrated that CBN increased both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in rats, leading to an overall increase in total sleep time. Notably, these effects were comparable to those of zolpidem, a commonly prescribed sleep medication.
The study confirmed that CBN doesn’t cause intoxication, setting it apart from cannabinoids like THC. Additionally, the metabolite of CBN exhibited a stronger affinity for cannabinoid receptors, which may enhance its sleep-promoting properties.
These findings align with earlier research indicating that CBN can prolong sleep duration in animal models. These preclinical results are promising, but more research and human clinical trials are needed to confirm CBN’s safety and efficacy.
As the body of evidence grows, CBN continues to show potential as a natural alternative for improving sleep quality. Individuals interested in exploring CBN for sleep should consult healthcare professionals and consider current research findings to make informed decisions.
Effects of CBN
Users often describe THC-rich cannabis high in CBN as very relaxing or sleep-inducing. This effect persists when CBN is isolated from THC, with many calling it the most relaxing, sleep-inducing cannabinoid.
Is CBN intoxicating?
No, CBN does not cause the type of intoxication associated with THC. CBN can be so relaxing it induces sleep, but it won’t cause paranoia, hallucinations, or significant mental effects.
CBN vs. CBD
Though they’re each unique compounds, CBN and CBD are more similar than they are dissimilar. Neither cannabinoid causes intoxication, and both occur naturally in the hemp plant.
CBN and CBD differ significantly in the amount of research conducted on each. While CBN received early attention in cannabis science, it has been largely overlooked until its recent surge in popularity.
While CBD’s potential benefits are easier to predict, studies alone make it harder to confirm CBN’s effectiveness for sleep. To support anecdotal evidence suggesting CBN aids sleep, we’ve mainly relied on scientific research conducted on CBD. However, the study in the updated section above shines a positive list of the usefulness of CBN for sleep!
Is CBN good for sleep?
Anecdotal evidence and limited studies suggest CBN has potential as a sleep aid, warranting further research. Initial studies are inconclusive, but enough evidence has been accumulated to justify further research into CBD and sleep. Many users now prefer CBN to CBD for sleep, a shift in the market that speaks to this cannabinoid’s unique benefits.
CBN sleep studies
In recent decades, researchers have published a handful of studies exploring CBN’s potential benefits for sleep. We’ll start with an exhaustive review of evidence¹ related to the subject published in the journal Cannabis & Cannabinoid Research in October of 2021.
Jamie Corroon notes that claims about CBN’s sleep-promoting effects may originate from “cannabis lore” about old cannabis causing sleepiness. He then examines the evidence supporting CBN’s sleep-inducing properties gathered over the years.
Is it dangerous to use CBN for sleep?
We may not know enough about CBN yet to conclude whether or not it’s useful for sleep, but there’s significantly more evidence regarding CBN’s overall safety. Most of the clinical studies that included CBN in the late 20th century, for instance, closely examined this cannabinoid’s safety, generally finding that it had a favorable side effect profile compared to THC.
Using CBN for sleep will not cause psychoactive effects, and it won’t make you feel paranoid and anxious, either. Similar to CBD, CBN’s side effects are typically limited to sleepiness and occasional mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea.
As a result, trying CBN for sleep shouldn’t pose any significant additional risks. You might find it helpful to start by trying CBN and CBD at the same time: Helpfully, most CBN products also include CBD already.
Is CBD good for sleep?
Research into CBN’s effectiveness for sleep is just beginning, unlike CBD, which has more evidence supporting its potential benefits. While CBD hasn’t been definitively proven as sleep-promoting, existing studies suggest its potential against insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep-related issues warrants further investigation.
CBD sleep studies
To date, enough studies have been conducted into the effectiveness of CBD for sleep to result in hundreds of endnotes attached to popular studies on the subject. One of the most-cited CBD sleep studies circulating on the internet is entitled “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series²” and was featured in the January publication of The Permanente Journal.
As the first major clinical study into the effects of CBD on sleep, it’s understandable that this piece of research received a lot of attention. Consisting of a sample of 72 adults with anxiety and poor sleep, the study found that CBD reduced anxiety in 79.2% of patients and improved sleep scores in 66.7% with fluctuations over time. The study also yielded some results on CBD’s safety: All but three patients tolerated the cannabinoid with no major side effects.
In 2021, this clinical research was followed up with an exhaustive review of available evidence on CBD and sleep³ published in Neurotherapeutics. Starting with the assessment that “the results indicate a potential therapeutic role for cannabinoids in the management of some sleep disorders,” the review goes on to note that “CBD use has been shown to increase total sleep percentage [… and] had a positive effect on anxiety-related REM sleep suppression.” Furthermore, the review relates how a “case series evaluating CBD for treatment of insomnia in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) showed decreased sleep disturbances.”
Overall, it’s clear that the evidence surrounding CBD and sleep is mounting from multiple directions. It wouldn’t be surprising if CBD received increased recognition as a promising sleep-promoting substance over the coming years.
Is it dangerous to use CBD for sleep?
CBD has been the subject of a great deal of safety-related studies over the last decade or so as products containing the cannabinoid have flooded the market. One of the latest of said studies, published in 2020, summarizes all previous research on the subject. Titled “Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials⁴,” the review was published in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research and began by admitting that “the administration [of CBD] was well tolerated with mild side effects.”
In reaching this conclusion, the authors reviewed over 350 studies including 22 controlled clinical trials. They separated their analysis into the use of CBD for specific conditions and found that serious adverse effects (AE) were hardly ever reported. While using CBD may pose some risks in certain situations, it appears quite difficult to make this cannabinoid dangerous.
5 brands to buy CBN products from
Encouraged by CBD’s success, hemp brands are diving into CBN, incorporating this unique, non-intoxicating cannabinoid into their products. Usually, in combination with CBD, CBN is gradually making its way into the world of online hemp, making it important for potential users to be able to determine which CBN brands are worth buying from.
As you search the CBN market for the best deals on the best products, consider these five brands before any others:
#1 Calmy Wellness
Calmy is taking an unusual approach to the CBD industry by offering a line of hemp drink mixes. Called Mornin’, Anytime, and Sleep-Aid, these powdered drink mix packets contain a variety of different cannabinoids: In the case of Sleep-Aid, both CBD and CBN.
Each pouch of Calmy Sleep-Aid Drink Mix contains 10mg CBD and 5mg CBN, which is usually considered to be an ideal ratio. Also present are magnesium and theanine, both of which are believed to have calming or sleep-promoting effects.
If you’re looking for an unconventional method of getting CBD and CBN into your system, this drink mix packet is certainly worth a shot. Also worth trying are Calmy’s vitamin D Anytime pouch and their CBG and green tea Mornin’ pouch.
#2 Daytrip CBD
Next on our list is Daytrip CBD, a clean and simple CBD brand that offers a trio of edibles and a line of sparkling waters. In its sparkling water products, Daytrip is notable for using high-bioavailability, fast-acting extracts that deliver the effects of their cannabinoids with greater intensity than usual.
Daytrip’s Blueberry Hibiscus gummies are enhanced with terpenes to provide flavor-specific effects, offering a unique and enjoyable experience. For those seeking deep relaxation, these gummies are an excellent choice. Additionally, Daytrip has introduced a new sleep-enhancing gummy, the Blackberry Lemon Sleep-Enhancing Gummies, designed to promote better sleep.
#3 Binoid
Binoid is a massive brand that offers a huge array of different cannabinoids. For their core tinctures, however, Binoid has chosen to focus on CBD and CBN with both cannabinoids present in Binoid Good Night CBD Oil. This powerhouse tincture contains not only CBD and CBN but also valerian root, skullcap, and lemon essential oil for a flavorful, all-natural experience.
Some CBN users might like the idea of drink mixes, but others may prefer to take a more conventional route. For those who still rely on tinctures as their preferred method for using cannabinoids, Binoid’s Good Night tincture provides a familiar approach in the form of an unusually high-quality hemp oil.
#4 Moonstruck CBD
The brain naturally uses melatonin to tell itself that it’s time to go to sleep, so it only makes sense to include melatonin in a hemp tincture designed to help you get to sleep. That’s exactly what Moonstruck CBD has done in their Melatonin Sleep Tincture, an oil that combines 1500mg CBD and 90mg melatonin for a combined approach to getting you to sleep at night.
This broad-spectrum tincture is THC-free and lightly flavored with lemon and vanilla to mask any hemp taste. One of the most impressive benefits of this tincture is its concentration: With 50mg CBD per milliliter, you don’t have to take much to feel the effects.
#5 Twine CBD
Twine CBD is an up-and-coming hemp company that recently launched a line of hemp gummies. One offering from this lineup features melatonin, combining hemp cannabinoids with this natural hormone in a tasty and convenient format.
Featuring 25mg CBD and 2mg melatonin per gummy, these berry-flavored edibles contain everything necessary to experience the desired effects in just 1-2 gummies. For those who would rather take their nightly dose of hemp in the form of a tasty treat, these delicious CBD isolate gummies are well worth a shot.
The bottom line: Trying CBN for sleep is easy
With new compounds becoming available to try all the time, it’s a fact that the cannabinoid renaissance is now upon us. And, while in the past getting your hands on cannabinoids to try as an individual was next-to impossible, it’s now easy to buy CBD, CBG, and even CBN products online from any number of different sources.
The risks of trying CBN for sleep appear to be minimal, but based on anecdotal evidence and scientific research, there seem to be plenty of reasons to try CBN if your nightly sleep cycle could use some improvement. When you’re ready to give CBN a shot for yourself, choose one of the five brands we listed above, and pick a product.
Sources
- 1. Corroon, J. (2021). Cannabinol and Sleep: Separating Fact from Fiction. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0006
- 2. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019b). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041
- 3. Kaul, M., Zee, P. C., & Sahni, A. S. (2021). Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep and their Therapeutic Potential for Sleep Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 18(1), 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-021-01013-w
- 4. Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J. (2020). Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, 12(3), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4090
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