With sleep disorders becoming a crisis in many parts of the world, a lot of people have started looking for topical solutions to their sleeping issues. And probably one of the most exotic solutions is CBN (cannabinol), a rather unusual author of cannabis. CBN is not psychoactive like THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and is getting popular for its alleged ability to promote better sleep quality and especially deep sleep, which is optimal for complete body recuperation.
In this article, we take a closer look at CBN, its known effects on sleep and sleep disturbances, and how CBN can be used before bedtime to achieve deeper sleep.
What is the Relation Between Cannabinol and Sleep?
Cannabinol, or CBN as it’s more commonly known, is one of the many cannabinoids that can be extracted from the cannabis plant. However, it is quite different from both CBD and THC in the way it is produced.
CBN is a direct result of the breakdown of tetrahydrocannabinol when it is exposed to heat, air, or light over a long period. The breakdown of THC into CBN also explains why aged cannabis is usually CBN dominant.
However, unlike THC, which can be intoxicating, CBN is the end product of THC degradation, making it non-psychoactive. CBN may enhance the effectiveness of other body functions as it works together with the ECS to relax the body and possibly act as a sleep aid.
What Are the Effects of CBN on Deep Sleep?
Let’s look at the effects of CBN on deep sleep.
Sleep Inducing Compound
CBN cannabinoids may possess some sedative effects on the body’s system in quite lower concentrations. CBN is still undergoing research but many enthusiasts report that CBN does make them calm and induces sleep when used.
Also, imbuing CBN with THC enhances the sedating effects of THC. This specifically indicates that CBN may help with sleep when deriving the benefits of other cannabinoids.
Relaxation and Muscle Recovery
CBN has the ability to induce deep sleep, and this is particularly relevant to muscle recovery and general body repair. CBN possesses muscle relaxers, where easing body tension can allow for deeper sleep and more effective rest. For those individuals who experience pain and sleep disturbances, CBN, through its muscle-relaxing properties, can help these individuals by relaxing the muscles and nervous system. This is ideal for athletes or those healing injuries because they require deep sleep for effective recovery.
Reducing Anxiety and Calming the Mind
Restlessness in the mind is one of the reasons for poor sleep, and this happens to most people. Worry, excessive thinking patterns, and loads of stress often make complete sleep out of reach or lead to frequent sleep interruptions. The role of CBN in the modulation of ECS helps mood and stress by activating brain CB1 receptors. Thus, the individual becomes calm and a reduction of the mental clutter that is responsible for hellish nights occurs.
CBN may assist people in achieving and maintaining sleep more rapidly and for longer periods of time, thus increasing the amount of time spent in deep, restorative sleep.
Improved sleep-wake cycles
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates a variety of functions, including sleep, and the levels of endocannabinoids in the body are responsible for our circadian rhythms, or the times we feel tired and awake. By supporting the ECS, CBN may assist people who have these innate sleep patterns.
It is commonly known that patients with certain sleeping conditions spend their sleep whining and tossing. CBN, however, may strengthen this type of sleep through its ability to promote the self-regenerative abilities of the body. With slower and unwinding waves, more time can be spent in deep sleep.
How to Use CBN for Better Sleep
Here’s how you can begin to use CBN for better deep sleep.
CBN Oils and Tinctures
Some of the most effective CBN sleeping products are usually oils and tinctures. These deliver quick relief and therefore can be used when there is a need for immediate effects. Before going to bed, use a few drops underneath the tongue about 30 minutes to one hour before bedtime for sleep inducing effects.
CBN Edibles
Other forms of CBN such as CBN gummies or capsules are useful for people who want to use a small dosage of CBN concentrated over a long period of time. One con of edible CBN products is their delay – that is because these have to traverse through the gastrointestinal tract first and are thus slower acting but are beneficial in patients with chronic insomnia that has a lot of mid-sleep awakenings.
CBN Vape Pens
CBN enters the bloodstream through the lungs which means that CBN vape pen is one of the quickest ways to experience relaxing effects. This is a perfect method to recommend for those who can’t fall asleep quickly as the pen is instant acting. But also noted, they do not last as long as the edibles or tinctures.
CBN Infused Topicals
Topicals infused with CBN are not predominantly sought for sleep, but aside from this fact, they can also work to offer relief from tension or pain in particular regions of the body that could be disrupting the ability to sleep. This practice may help with sleeping because the application of topical CBN-containing products on muscular or joint soreness before bedtime helps the diseased portion of the body rest and be able to sleep better in the end.
Use Both THC or CBD and CBN Instead of CBN Alone
CBN’s sedative properties are more prominent when combined with other cannabinoids, such as CBD or THC. Most products made to help with sleeping utilize a mix of these cannabinoids since this is the most efficient way to help people fall asleep. For example, CBN and CBD combined may promote relaxation without the high concentration of THC and, therefore, psychoactive effects, while little amounts of THC may enhance the overall sedative nature of CBN.
Are There Any Side Effects?
CBN has been shown to have a good tolerance rate since it does not contain the psychoactive properties of THC. Like any other cannabinoid, however, there are a few side effects that some people might experience that may include, but not be limited to:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
To combat these side effects, it is recommended to first start with low concentrations and monitor how the body reacts, increasing concentration if needed over time.
CBN for sleep may also be too risky where other medications are involved, or other known medical conditions are present, so it is advisable to talk to a doctor in such cases before using CBN for sleep.
Conclusion
Though sleep disorders remain a challenge and an impediment for most, the emergence of natural alternatives continues to gain popularity. One such natural alternative, CBN, is appealing due to its sedative effects, its relaxation capabilities, and its potential in enhancing deep sleep.
CBN, whether on its own or with other cannabinoids, may allow you to fall into the deep sleep needed, which is essential for good health. Introduce CBN into your night routine and enjoy the restorative powers of deep slumber, only to awake in the morning with zest and energy.