More than almost anything else in our lives, sleep matters. Science shows that sleep may be one of the most significant factors that affects our health.
It’s no secret that we need good sleep, but that raises the question: what can you take to support an uninterrupted night’s sleep? One lesser-known supplement that is becoming more popular is CBN.
CBN for Sleep (Staying Asleep)
CBN is perfect for people who can fall asleep effortlessly but inevitably find themselves awake in the middle of the night after only a few hours of sleep.
CBN is short for cannabinol, it’s one of over 100 different cannabinoids that can be extracted from the hemp plant. And just like CBD, it is non-intoxicating.
Science shows that CBN can provide support for a great, restful, uninterrupted night of sleep.
Some unique benefits of CBN for sleep include:
- CBN helps you stay asleep*
- CBN supports a good night’s sleep*
- CBN supports quality sleep*
- CBN supports decreased nighttime awakenings*
How CBN Works to Help You Stay Asleep
CBN interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system works to keep our bodies in balance and plays an integral role in maintaining general health. The ECS is essential to the development of the nervous system, homeostasis, energy regulation, communication between neuronal synapses, and so much more. The ECS also has a prominent role in sleep and sleep neurophysiology.
Is CBN like other sleep aids?
There are several properties that make CBN stand out as unique compared to other sleep aids.
Different Sleep Aids Work Through Different Pathways
CBN functions differently from other traditional sleep aids because it works within the body through a different mechanism of action. CBN works with the endocannabinoid system making it more suitable or effective for some individuals to sleep uninterrupted through the night.
How Common Prescription Sleep Aids Work
Some sleep aids are prescribed pharmaceuticals, and a lot of these are called sedative-hypnotics. These drugs are designed to boost the action of GABA, a key neurotransmitter that inhibits many of the neural processes associated with brain activity like wakefulness. For example, Zolpidem interacts with GABA receptors in the brain and results in a sedative effect.
How Common Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids Work
Common over-the-counter drugs like Doxylamine are antihistamines. These medications primarily work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that contributes to alertness and wakefulness. By blocking histamine receptors in the brain, these antihistamines produce a sedative effect.
CBN is Not Like Other Sleep Aids
CBN is different because it is not a sedative. CBN does not block anything, in fact it does the opposite, it supports the functioning of the endocannabinoid system.
Different Sleep Aids Have Different Side Effects
Some people find that CBN has milder side effects compared to traditional sleep medications, which can include next-day drowsiness.
Individual responses to sleep aids can vary greatly. Some people may not respond well to certain medications due to their specific physiology, health conditions, or other medications they are taking. CBN may be effective where other sleep aids are not. It’s important to use one that works for you without unwanted side effects. As with any dietary supplement, consult your physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, have or suspect a medical condition or are taking any medications.
What about the Sleep Aid Melatonin?
The sleep aid melatonin is a synthetic form of the hormone melatonin. It’s created in a laboratory to chemically mimic the natural melatonin produced in the human brain. It’s commonly used to help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. One of the most noted unwanted side effects of melatonin is daytime drowsiness, with people reporting feeling groggy or sleepy during the day after taking it.
Melatonin Alternatives
There are alternatives to melatonin for those who experience daytime drowsiness. People who do not want to take prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs commonly seek dietary supplements. There are many plant-based options that have potential for sleep support. One alternative to melatonin is CBN, with many unique benefits, as highlighted above.
How Does CBN Make You Feel? How Long Does CBN Take to Work?
As with many supplements, the answer to both questions is, essentially, “It depends.” It depends on many factors such as the starting point of your body’s systems, as well as the concentration of CBN you’re using. CBN may affect everyone a little differently and work gradually over time. Results come by way of steady use, which will make beneficial changes more sustainable.
Scientific Research of CBN
CBN has been shown to provide a range of unique benefits. CBN has a reputation for helping with sleep, and recent human research studies have supported this reputation. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled scientific study looked at people who took 20mg of CBN for 1 week, it showed improved sleep outcomes compared to placebo, particularly through reducing overall sleep disturbance and number of nighttime awakenings. Interestingly, this study also tested the combination of CBN and CBD and found that adding CBD to CBN did not improve sleep as well as CBN alone.
It may be helpful to know that many brand’s sleep gummies include both CBD and CBN.
How to Use CBN to Stay Asleep
While scientific research continues to explore the full extent of CBN’s benefits, we can offer some practical tips to help you harness the benefits of CBN to stay asleep through the night.
Determining the Right CBN Dose to Stay Asleep
The ideal CBN dosage should be based on what empirical studies have shown as effective, which is a suggested serving size of 20mg.
Timing Your Dose to be Effective
To ensure safety, first try CBN on an evening when your schedule is clear the next morning. Since CBN supports staying asleep, it is best to take it consistently before bedtime.
Consistency is Key
To integrate CBN into your nightly routine, keep your CBN on your bathroom counter, or near your toothbrush. Setting a reminder can also be helpful to maintain consistency. Remember, it might take a few nights or weeks for your body to fully adjust to CBN and exhibit noticeable benefits, so patience is important.
CBN in Summary
In summary, there are many options to aid sleep, and CBN stands out because of its unique benefits to help you stay asleep by supporting the endocannabinoid system. CBN is ideal for individuals who don’t have any trouble falling asleep but have a hard time staying asleep.
Poor sleep affects people across the nation. Here’s a list of the most sleep deprived places in every state.
If you are interested in understanding even more about CBN, read our articles What is CBN? and CBD vs. CBN, Decoding the Differences.
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