Nearly 30% of adults in the United States have trouble sleeping. Around 10% deal with daytime consequences, including drowsiness, irritability, and difficulties concentrating. Many people that have trouble sleeping take medication to help them fall asleep and stay asleep. Unfortunately, these medications often come with side effects such as nausea, digestive issues, and dizziness. Some people use cannabis as an alternative. As more research comes out, we’re finding that a specific cannabinoid may help best with sleep: CBN. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the CBN benefits for sleep.

Trouble Sleeping

A condition in which a person has trouble falling asleep or maintaining sleep . You may not fall asleep for hours after you go to bed, or you might wake up numerous times throughout the night. If you wake up at night, you might find that you have trouble falling asleep again. Some people suffer chronic sleeplessness, in which they experience these symptoms three or more nights a week.

CBN: A Minor Cannabinoid with Major Potential

Many people who use cannabis do so to relax at the end of the night. Smoking, vaping, or taking an edible can help your mind and body unwind. When you’re more relaxed, it’s often easier to fall asleep or stay asleep.

As scientists continue to research cannabis, they’re finding all kinds of different compounds and properties about it. One thing they’re learning is that “minor” cannabinoids could provide some significant benefits.

The interesting thing about CBN (cannabinol) is that it isn’t present in fresh cannabis flowers. It develops over time as THC degrades. As a byproduct of THC, it does have some psychoactive properties, but it’s only about one-tenth of the potency. As such, you’re not likely to experience the same high as you would if you took a high THC tincture. Like THC, CBN also binds with the CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system. In addition to potentially promoting sleep, CBN may help with:

• Inflammation
• Pain
• Anxiety 
• A lack of appetite

How CBN Benefits Your Sleep

The answer as to how CBN helps with sleep isn’t clear cut. There aren’t very many studies on the subject just yet. Most of what we have currently is anecdotal. Many people swear it helps.

One study from 1975 suggests that the minor cannabinoid may help to improve sleep, particularly when combined with THC. The study demonstrated that taking CBN with THC induced drowsiness more effectively than CBN alone. Another study from 1995 showed that CBN could be effective at prolonging sleep . This study, however, was performed on mice. 

We may have limited scientific research available at the moment, but many users swear by it. As cannabis products don’t have the same side effects as conventional sleep medications, you may find it worth investigating so that you can get the rest you need.

If you’re considering CBN for sleep, check your local dispensary. Today, there are several CBN tinctures on the market. Some are isolates, while others contain additional cannabinoids to help enhance the effects and promote better sleep. Don’t hesitate to ask your friendly Kush Cart representative for some suggestions.