Updated January 15, 2025
Written By Tony Schwartz
Tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling—we've all been there. Millions of Americans struggle with sleep deprivation. Finding a solution to sleeplessness can feel impossible with so many options available on the market and their accompanied promises. Together, we'll explore the top five benefits of CBN, a cannabinoid gaining popularity for its benefits for sleep and other health advantages so that you can have a detailed understanding about CBN to inform your search for a natural sleep aid.
Key Takeaways:
CBN (Cannabinol) is a natural compound derived from the aging process of THC and has demonstrated significant potential as a sleep aid. Studies, including consumer sleep trials like Slumber's Deep Zzzs gummies study, suggest that CBN can improve sleep quality by reducing nighttime awakenings, increasing sleep duration (up to 72 minutes per night), and eliminating morning grogginess.
Beyond sleep, CBN has potential therapeutic applications in pain relief, inflammation reduction, appetite stimulation, and neuroprotection
CBN is positioned as a gentle, non-habit-forming alternative to pharmaceuticals like Valium, ibuprofen, and melatonin. Unlike synthetic solutions that can disrupt natural sleep cycles or lead to dependency, CBN supports the body’s natural mechanisms for relaxation and sleep.
CBN (cannabinol) comes from the cannabis plant. CBN forms as THC ages and oxidizes, so aging plants have higher CBN concentrations. When isolated, CBN products can produce amazing sleep benefits such as the ability to induce relaxation, mild sedation, help initiate sleep, and supports ongoing sleep throughout the evening. While research is ongoing and growing, preliminary evidence suggests that there are several benefits of CBN. Let's dive into the research!
When industry-defining CO2 extraction methods are used to isolate cannabinol from raw product, the extraction oil is a powerful and natural sleep aid. The most common forms of CBN extraction are CBN oil and CBN gummies, which are gaining popularity for their sleep benefits and approachability. Studies suggest CBN can be a powerful sleep aid when dosed correctly.
One common complaint about other sleep aids on the market is the hangover effect, which is only nominally reported by CBN users. For the majority, CBN does not produce an undesirable effect in the morning.
In a sleep study by Slumber and MoreBetter, participants taking Deep Zzzs sleep gummies reported fewer nighttime awakenings, no grogginess, and an additional 72 minutes of sleep per night! That's more than an hour gained of sleep per night by the average participant of this at-home sleep study. Some participants improved their sleep to an even greater extent and also reported less anxiety, stress, and a calmer mind. More research is needed, but this is promising for sleep quality.
CBN interacts with pain receptors, making it a potential therapy for conditions like fibromyalgia. A 2019 study indicated CBN's pain-relieving effects in rats. These neurons are also targeted by topical capsaicin treatments. Investigation and research is underway for ingestible applications of CBN and pain mitigation. Although, CBN's properties are reportedly similar to common medications like Advil or Valium, suggesting potential benefits for pain signaling.
CBNshows anti-inflammatory promisesimilar to its related cannabinoids CBD and THC. A study suggests cannabinoids, including CBN, fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in inflammation, and since cannabinoids like CBN interact with the ECS to produce homeostasis and desired outcomes, CBN is known for a calming, neuroprotective effect. Besides reducing inflammation directly, CBN could have benefits for neurological diseases and pain relief. Additional scientific research will continue to investigate its effects.
CBN affects appetite differently than CBD. Unlike some cannabis products that suppress appetite, CBN can stimulate appetite. CBN might help with appetite loss due medical treatments or therapies. It’s always important to check in with a medical professional or your primary care physician to determine whether or not CBN is a viable solution for your specific needs.
Early research suggests CBN has neuroprotective qualities. Older cannabis products contain more CBN (due to THC breakdown), which contributes to their sleep-inducing effects. This is valuable for potential treatments of neurological diseases.
These neuroprotective properties have garnered scientific interest for addressing various neurological issues. More research will examine the benefits of using aged cannabis.
CBN shows anti-inflammatory promise similar to its related cannabinoids CBD and THC. A study suggests cannabinoids, including CBN, fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in inflammation, and since cannabinoids like CBN interact with the ECS to produce homeostasis and desired outcomes, CBN is known for a calming, neuroprotective effect. Besides reducing inflammation directly, CBN could have benefits for neurological diseases and pain relief. Additional scientific research will continue to investigate its effects.
One study published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology found CBN's sleep-inducing properties helpful for reducing sleep disturbances. In a consumer-facing study by Slumber with ~500 participants who measured their sleep quality and patterns, participants also reported a reduction in sleep disturbances. Albeit a consumer-facing sleep study, the corroborating studies point to the possibility of CBN as a desirable sleep for those who experience waking up in the middle of the night.
CBN may improve sleep quality, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, stimulate appetite, and protect the nervous system. More research is needed to fully understand CBN and its potential therapeutic uses. Existing evidence and patient experiences (such as with Slumber’s Deep Zzz’s gummies) support these benefits. CBN appears to improve sleep and might help with pain and appetite loss related to other conditions.
CBN is mildly psychoactive, meaning it won't cause a high like THC. Some people feel relaxed and drowsy, which is why it's used as a sleep aid. Users in Slumber's Deep Zzz's study experienced less nighttime awakening, no daytime fatigue, and better sleep quality.
These effects are comparable to medications like Valium. Minor cannabinoids such as CBN sometimes have strong sedative effects. These effects are stronger than those produced by major cannabinoids, making it a powerful sedative. It is milder than a main psychoactive such as THC.
Research on CBN and heart health is limited. There's no evidence to support or deny its cardiovascular effects. Consult your doctor before using CBN if you have a heart condition. Discuss whether Slumber’s Deep Zzz’s CBN gummies are appropriate for your sleep concerns. CBN may lower blood pressure, so be cautious when standing up to avoid dizziness. Always be sure to take additional consideration regarding the psychoactive effects, including being mindful that the compound can prolong sleep and sleep time, before ingesting or using.
The potential benefits of CBN in 2024 remain the same: better sleep, pain management, anti-inflammatory effects, appetite stimulation, and neuroprotection. These health benefits may offer convenient, long-lasting relief compared to medications like Valium, ibuprofen, and Tylenol. Clinical trials should clarify safety, efficacy, and interactions.
Consult your doctor before using CBN regularly. Ongoing research aims to improve understanding, standardize dosing, and explore other potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, including CBN. Patient-reported data from Slumber’s partnership with MoreBetter is also furthering understanding of sleep improvement from CBN gummies. Further investigation may verify CBN's full effectiveness and reveal additional health benefits. Always seek a medical professional's guidance for treating specific health conditions, and for the proper and safe treatment of mrsa. It's therapeutic potential requires more research.
CBN is gaining popularity for its potential to improve sleep, manage pain, and provide other therapeutic benefits. Early research is promising, but more studies are needed. Consult your doctor before trying CBN products like Slumber’s Deep Zzzs gummies. Ongoing research will further uncover CBN's potential.
Be wary of unsubstantiated claims. Growing research on cannabinoids like CBN suggests potential future applications for chronic pain (from bone loss diseases, nerve damage, etc.), neurological diseases (MS, ALS), and even certain cancers. As scientists learn more, CBN could offer improved treatments for pain relief, appetite stimulation, bone regeneration, immune system support, anti-inflammatory responses, and better sleep. It could be a strong anti-convulsant as well.
