How CBN (Cannabinol) Can Help You Sleep

If you’ve been struggling for several days, weeks or even months, to get a good night’s rest, then you may be interested in learning more about how CBN cannabinol can help you sleep. Does it really work? How do you take it? What type of results can you expect? These are all common questions that most people have regarding this powerful compound, especially for those who are suffering from chronic insomnia and other sleep-related issues. Unfortunately, we don’t know as much about CBN as we do other cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. However, the research that has been conducted shows that CBN use can promote a better night’s rest.

Learning how CBN cannabinol can help you sleep can change everything for people suffering from insomnia. Since CBN is derived from THC it does possess some psychoactive and sedative effects that will benefit people suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia. CBN works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and helps by binding to the CB2 receptors which are responsible for regulating a number of systems in the body. Because CBN binds to the CB2 receptors it will provide both sedating and pain-relieving effects, both of which can help you rest better at night. However, when combined with another type of cannabinoids such as CBD or THC, CBN is said to be much more effective. Because CBN is somewhat psychoactive since it’s derived from THC, you can mix it with CBD to eliminate the psychoactive effects, or you can use it with THC to boost the sedating and psychoactive effects of that particular compound.

Table of Contents

A Better Night’s Rest

These days, roughly 60 million people in America have some type of sleep disorder, with insomnia being the most common type. Approximately 20% to 25% of people will develop acute insomnia which can last for several days or weeks. Fortunately, all-natural compounds such a CBN, can provide a safer alternative to prescription sleep aids, which can be habit-forming.

CBN, also referred to as cannabinol, is derived from cannabis and it’s been closely linked to promoting a healthy sleep pattern. While more popular cannabinoids such a CBD are typically known for their relaxation and calming effects, CBN is considered one of the best natural sleep aid supplements

Will CBN Work for Me?

So how does it work? CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid receptor system in the body. This system influences a person’s neurotransmitters and intrinsic hormones, which results in changes in sleep, pain, appetite, energy level, moods, and behavior.

Basically, this cannabinoid promotes a response in the CB2 and CB1 receptors. The CB1 receptor is expressed in the brain and areas that are related to nausea, appetite, depression, anxiety, memory, and pain. The CB2 receptor is expressed throughout the entire body including the skeletal system, peripheral nervous system, and immune system.

So, how does CBN help you sleep better at night? Well, it works by primarily binding to the CB2 receptors. Here, it will produce a type of pain-relieving effect. This could be why it is widely known as a beneficial sleep aid. Lately, you may have noticed CBD infused products have risen in popularity, such as Diamond CBD Full Spectrum MCT Hemp Oil, which is considered one of the best CBD drops on the market. But with the rise in CBD use, you may be wondering why you don’t know more about CBN. However, the lack of CBN infused products is partially due to a legal gray area and federal regulations that surround the status of all cannabinoids. Additionally, CBN is not quite as commonly known as CBD because there have not been as many studies conducted on the health benefits and effects.

CBN naturally forms much slower than CBD which means it’s available in very small quantities, and because of this, CBD is way easier to manufacture. The process that involves CBN extraction is very complex and difficult. As an example, you can grow a plant that’s high in CBD but not CBN, since CBN is extracted from aged THC.

Because of how it’s extracted and the fact that it derives from THC also means that CBN can appear to be slightly psychoactive.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Other than sedation, the potential side effects of CBN include intoxication. Many researchers consider CBN to be a powerful sedative. Studies have shown that mice that were given CBN displayed a a prolonged sleep pattern, however, there have been no viable studies in humans that can demonstrate this type of effect. Further research is needed in order to better understand CBN and its many benefits.

More rsearch is certainly needed in order to conclude how CBN works and what makes it such a powerful sedative. Some scientists believe that earlier studies have suggested that this compound can be useful in the development of pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications.

How it Will Affect You

Just like THC and CBD, it’s important to keep in mind that CBN will affect each person differently. This means that while it may work to help one person sleep it may do nothing for the next. If you’re considering trying out CBN speak with a medical professional first, especially if you normally take prescription sleep sedatives or over-the-counter medication.

A Closer Look at This Powerful Compound

Unlike CBD and THC, CBN comes directly from another cannabinoid. However, this process is gradual and takes time. Essentially, THC transforms into CBN over time. After a plant is harvested, the marijuana buds are placed in containers before processing. However, if they’re not stored correctly and the plants are exposed to oxygen, as THC oxidizes it loses some of its hydrogens. This type of chemical reaction degrades the compound, transforming it into CBN. The longer the marijuana buds are exposed to these types of conditions the higher the CBN content

Over time, THC gradually and slowly degrades. A study that analyzed chemical compounds and genetics of ancient cannabis found that it contained very high CBN levels. Of course, most consumers and growers want their marijuana tasting fresh. In this state, and when fresh, the CBN content is very low.

UV light exposure and heat can work to speed up the THC degradation process and turn it into CBN. This is very beneficial for manufacturers and consumers and researchers who are now more aware of the therapeutic benefits of CBN and how it can improve sleep.

The Sedative Effects

CBN produces a strong sedative effect on the endocannabinoid system which plays an important role in a variety of physiological functions. It works by modulating the inflammatory response in the immune system and also helps to regulate the brain’s perception of pain, learning and memory, emotions and mood, sensory and motor functions, appetite, and more. The system also plays a vital role in terms of sleep. CB1 receptor activation is why we feel relaxed and sleepy when THC is consumed.

Because CBN is directly derived from THC it also works to bind to this receptor, activating it and producing sleep-inducing and sedative effects. CBN currently produces the strongest effect on sleep compared to other cannabinoids including THC.

Some research showed that CBN provided even better effects than prescription sleep sedatives.

Benefits

So can people who are suffering from sleep disorders benefit from CBN use? Yes. This compound can be used as a natural sleep aid. People suffering from sleep problems such as insomnia can find relief from regular use. Compared with other types of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, CBN sedating effects will also be amplified. However, if you’re not able to tolerate THC use, then you can choose a product that contains CBD instead. CBN and CBD together will also boost each other’s effects in regard to promoting sleep. Both compounds reduce anxiety and stress, and pain. They also help to minimize inflammation and relax the muscles. CBD also works to counteract the minimal psychoactive effect that CBN possesses.

How You’ll Feel

As you probably already know THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana. It produces a higher effect once it binds with the CB1 receptors. Because CBN is derived from THC it also possesses the ability to promote psychoactive effects. However, these effects are much milder in comparison. In reality, this compound only has about 10% of THC potency. But when combined with CBD, CBN’s psychoactive effects are diminished significantly. This is because CBD possesses anti-psychoactive properties which will reduce the effects of the CB1 receptor’s activation. It will also work by finding an activating The TRPV1 receptors which are known to produce antipsychotic effects. To learn more, stop by and read my article on does CBN get you high?

Can You Overdose on CBN?

No. Like other cannabinoids, CBN will not cause an overdose. Because there are no cannabinoid receptors in the part of the brain that controls pulse rate and breathing, cannabinoids will not cause you to overdose unlike other dangerous medications, such as opiates.

Does it Work to Treat Insomnia?

Yes. As you may already know, chronic insomnia can contribute to the development of other types of chronic conditions including heart problems and type 2 diabetes. It can also worsen pre-existing conditions. If your suffering from sleep disorders including insomnia than this cannabinoid can help. It won’t cause an overdose, it’s completely safe, and for most users, It’s very effective. It’s also a better alternative to THC which produces psychoactive effects.

Final Thoughts

CBN will help you sleep better at night by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors in the body. This compound promotes a response that causes the CB1 and CB2 receptors to produce pain-relieving and sedating effects. Because it is derived from THC there’s also an increased chance that it can cause psychoactive effects. However, if you want to completely avoid these affects you can combine CBN with CBD which will diminish any psychoactive effects. If taken with THC then the sedating effects and psychoactive effects will increase. When combined with another cannabinoid CBN is said to become even more potent and powerful. The goal here is to find the right combination of cannabinoids that works for you based on your health needs, sleep needs and your tolerance for CBD and THC use.