Updated February 18, 2025
Written By Tony Schwartz
Cannabinol (CBN) is so often associated with its benefits for sleep, such as those reported in the sleep study Slumber conducted showing the average study participant improved sleep by 72 minutes per night. Many of us would benefit from an extra hour and fifteen minutes of sleep, including the 30+ million people in the U.S. who are not getting enough sleep according to the Center for Disease Control. However, CBN is offering a benefit that can help even more individuals in the United States!
The Anxiety & Depression Association of America reports that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness affecting Americans with 40 million of us suffering from stress, social anxiety, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In that same sleep study conducted by Slumber and the Deep Zzzs gummies for sleep, 7 out of 10 people reported experiencing less stress, lower anxiety, and a calmer mind. Although this isn’t a clinical or peer-reviewed study, the consumer experience is meaningful enough to share with anyone else looking for an evening solution for sleep and anxiety woes.
Below, we go into details about anxiety reduction as the unsung benefit of CBN citing its anxiolytic benefits with pre-clinical studies and practical ways for you to incorporate CBN into your evening routine for anxiety and stress mitigation. Let’s dive in!
Photo Credit: Uday Mittal
Key Takeaways
CBN is commonly associated with its sleep benefits, and a growing body of evidence, anecdotes, and user feedback suggests CBN may also reduce stress, calm the mind, and mitigate anxiety.
In Slumber’s sleep study featuring Deep Zzzs gummies, 7 out of 10 participants reported feeling less anxious and stressed. These consumer experiences point to CBN’s potential for both sleep and anxiety support.
Preclinical research indicates that CBN may calm the nervous system by interacting with receptors involved in mood and stress responses. Its anxiolytic effects help create a state of relaxation conducive to better rest.
CBN is emerging as a promising natural compound with potential benefits for both sleep and anxiety reduction. While much of the popular conversation centers on CBN’s role in promoting better sleep, there is growing interest in its anxiolytic effects—a term used to describe the reduction of anxiety and stress. In this essay, we explore the current research on CBN’s anxiolytic properties, define what these benefits entail, and offer practical suggestions on incorporating CBN into an evening routine to help manage anxiety and stress.
Photo Credit: Taylor Deas-Melesh
The term anxiolytic refers to the ability of a substance or medication to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. In the context of CBN, anxiolytic benefits involve reducing the intensity and frequency of anxious thoughts and feelings, calming the nervous system, and creating a state of relaxation conducive to restful sleep. This calming effect is believed to arise from CBN’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in regulating mood, stress responses, and overall emotional balance.
Research, including preclinical studies in animal models, indicates that low doses of CBN may help reduce anxiety-like behaviors by modulating receptors in the brain that control stress responses. Although human studies are still in the early stages, emerging evidence, along with positive user experiences, suggests that CBN could be a valuable natural option for those seeking to manage anxiety without the intoxicating effects associated with other cannabis compounds.
If you’re considering adding CBN to your evening routine to help combat anxiety and promote relaxation, here are some practical steps you can take:
CBN is available in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, edibles, and even topicals. Gummies and capsules are popular for their precise dosing and ease of use. Start with a low dose, as individual responses can vary, and gradually adjust as needed.
Consistency is key in any wellness routine. Take CBN about 30–60 minutes before your planned bedtime. This allows time for the compound to interact with your endocannabinoid system and help ease you into a relaxed state.
Enhance the calming effects of CBN by integrating it into a broader evening routine. Consider activities such as reading a book, using sleep spray, practicing meditation or deep-breathing exercises, or taking a warm bath. These practices not only reduce stress but also signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
Dim the lights, play soft music, or use aromatherapy with calming scents like lavender to create a peaceful ambiance. This environment, in tandem with the anxiolytic properties of CBN, can facilitate a deeper sense of relaxation.
Keep a journal to track your experiences with CBN, noting any changes in your anxiety levels, sleep quality, or overall mood. This self-monitoring can help you fine-tune your routine and dosing for optimal benefits.
Photo Credit: Marcos Paulo Prado
User-based evidence, such as that reported in the Slumber's sleep study, shows that participants not only experienced improved sleep quality but also a reduction in nighttime anxiety. More than 7 out of 10 participants noted a reduction in anxiety, stress, and physical pain. This study, along with emerging preclinical research, points to the dual benefit of CBN as both a sleep aid and an anxiolytic agent. Consumer studies like this can support more formal research behind CBN’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety, and Slumber is committed to supporting the evolution of the wellness industry especially involving the growing body of research of minor cannabinoids.
While research on CBN is still developing, the existing evidence and user experiences indicate that it may offer significant anxiolytic benefits—reducing anxiety and fostering a calm, relaxed state—making it a promising natural remedy for stress management. By incorporating CBN into a thoughtful, consistent evening routine, individuals may experience not only better sleep but also relief from anxiety and stress. As further studies emerge, CBN continues to garner attention as a natural, non-intoxicating option for enhancing overall well-being.
