Cannabinol (CBN) for Improved Sleep Quality
In the United States, 50-70 million adults have a sleep disorder. These include; restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, insomnia, and REM sleep behavior disorder. CBN is showing to be a promising solution. In this article, we discuss insomnia and the potential benefits of CBN for sleep.
What is CBN?
Most people are familiar with the more popular forms of cannabis THC and CBD, but there is also Cannabinol, aka CBN. CBN comes from THC: as THC ages, it breaks down into CBN. CBN is considered a “minor cannabinoid” that is non-intoxicating, with ¼ the potency of THC. The process of creating CBN can be accelerated when the dried plant is exposed to heat and oxygen.
Can CBN Help Improve Sleep Quality?
Also known as “aged cannabis,” CBN consumers note it produces more sleep-inducing and sedative effects than fresher cannabis. Cannabis also contains Myrcene, a terpene (hydrocarbon) that occurs naturally in plants. Myrcene has many qualities that are believed to help improve sleep quality:
- Pain reliever
- Muscle relaxant
- Anti-anxiety
Myrcene is a recognized sedative as part of hops preparations and is currently used in Germany to aid sleep. [1]
Preliminary studies on CBN indicate it can be helpful for getting a good night’s sleep:
- Reduced Anxiety. The excess fear and worry caused by anxiety can make it difficult for people to fall asleep. Studies indicate cannabinol has a calming effect on the central nervous system: In a study on 72 adults suffering from anxiety, 79% saw their anxiety scores reduced during the first month of cannabinol use with 66%of users having improved sleep quality. [2]
- Sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is temporarily disrupted during sleep. It is estimated that 3 million people in the US suffer from sleep apnea. Preliminary studies indicate cannabis may provide short-term relief of sleep apnea due to their effects on serotonin. [3]
- Pain relief. Pain can directly impact sleep quality, with studies indicating sleep disturbances are typical among those with chronic pain. This loss of sleep can cause hyperalgesia, which is an abnormally heightened pain sensitivity. [4] Cannabidiol is recognized as a pain reliever and was approved in Canada in 2005 for helping with central neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis and in 2007 for intractable cancer pain.[5]
- PTSD Treatment. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that develops after frightening, stressful, or traumatic life events. Common feelings that result from PTSD are stress, avoidance, helplessness, and intense fear. Studies indicate cannabinoids may decrease PTSD symptomology, in particular sleep disturbances and nightmares.[6]
Dangers of Chronic Sleep Deprivation
Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of several health issues:
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Decreased sex drive
- Fatigue
- Depression
The average person needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimum health. For those who have trouble sleeping, CBN may be an option to consider.
Other Uses Of CBN
In addition to improved sleep quality, CBN has been used in other ways as well:
- Treat glaucoma
- Antibacterial
- Appetite stimulation
- Antibiotic
- Bone healing (osteoporosis)
Difference Between CBN and CBD
CBN and CBD have a few similarities, but they have a few differences as well. Both of these cannabinoids are extracted from the cannabis plant.However, CBD is typically used for anxiety, seizures, and pain management. On the other hand, CBN helps more for relaxation and sleep.
Melatonin and CBN
Melatonin is a hormone that plays a vital role in the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is also a very common over-the-counter sleep supplement. A combination of CBN and small amounts of melatonin may provide even better sleep-inducing effects.
Getting the Maximum Benefit From CBN
Here are a few tips to maximize the effectiveness of CBN:
- Take 30-45 minutes before bedtime
- Resist the urge to take naps
- Avoid caffeinated beverages at least 6 hours before bedtime
- Avoid spicy foods or large meals before bedtime
- Instead of looking at your phone or tablet before bed, listen to soft music or read a book
CBN Side Effects
CBN has many health benefits and few reported side effects. CBN can be purchased in states where marijuana is legal or when prescribed by a licensed medical professional. Individuals who have never taken CBN might want to first consume in small amounts to see how their bodies react. In addition, those who are pregnant or on medication should consult with a physician before taking CBN.
Summary
CBN is a “minor cannabinoid” derived from THC. Unlike THC, it is non-intoxicating and used to help improve sleep quality. Individuals who suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea may want to consider trying CBN.
[1] Ethan B Russo. Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy And Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011 Aug; 163(7): 1344–1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. [PMCID: PMC3165946]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
[2] Scott Shannon, MD, corresponding author1 Nicole Lewis, ND, Heather Lee, PA-C.Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series.Perm J. 2019; 23: 18-041. Published online 2019 Jan 7. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041. [PMID: 30624194]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
[3] Kimberly A Babson 1, James Sottile 2, Danielle Morabito. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017 Apr;19(4):23. doi: 10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9. [PMID: 28349316}.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349316/
[4] Ebru Aytekin,1 Saliha Eroglu Demir,2,* Ece Akyol Komu (et al). Chronic Widespread Musculoskeletal Pain In Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome And The Relationship Between Sleep Disorder And Pain Level, Quality Of Life, And Disability. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Sep; 27(9): 2951–2954.Published online 2015 Sep 30. doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.2951. [PMCID: PMC4616133]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4616133/
[5] Ethan B Russo. Cannabinoids In The Management Of Difficult To Treat Pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008 Feb; 4(1): 245–259. Published online 2008 Feb. doi: 10.2147/tcrm.s1928. [PMCID: PMC2503660]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
[6] C Hindocha, J Cousijn, M Rall, (et al). The Effectiveness of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Systematic Review. Jan-Mar 2020;16(1):120-139. doi: 10.1080/15504263.2019.1652380. Epub 2019 Sep 3. [PMID: 31479625]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31479625/