Cannabinol, or CBN, is a cannabinoid best associated with its calming effects that may lead to sleepiness. Often referred to as a “natural sleep aid” by cannabinoid users, it can be a good idea to know what to expect when taking CBN.
CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, which helps regulate various physiological processes, including sleep.
Why Does CBN Make You Sleepy?
Even though CBN products are marketed as a sleep aid, CBN on its own doesn’t appear to have sedative properties in research. In fact, only when CBN is combined with other cannabinoids like THC and CBD does it seem to make people feel relaxed and even sleepy. though the exact mechanisms behind how it may induce sleep are still being studied.
As we said, CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system, as most cannabinoids do. CBN is unique as its interaction with the ECS is not the same as other cannabinoids, like CBD or CBG. CBN binds weakly to the CB1 receptors located in the brain, which play a key role in modulating sleep patterns.
It’s also important to consider the impact of the potential discomfort support and immune supporting effects of CBN.
Sleep issues are often nuanced and highly individual. Stress, chronic pain, muscle soreness, and anxiety are common factors that negatively impact sleep cycles. So while targeting some of these factors may not directly make you feel drowsy, it may indirectly support feeling more relaxed.
A 2019 study conducted on murine models found that CBN, both alone and in combination with CBD, decreased nerve growth factor-induced mechanical sensitization [1]. This finding led researchers to feel optimistic that CBN may be able to provide relief for chronic pain muscle disorders [1]. Positive conclusions on studies conducted on murine models often can lead to conducting studies on humans, which is a step in the right direction to better understanding cannabinoids’ full potential.
How Does CBN Make You Feel?
Generally, CBN consumers report feeling relaxed when taking full spectrum CBN oil, gummies, or tablets. Of course, it’s important to remember that the effects of CBN are highly individualized. Tolerance, weight, metabolism, and other individual factors all play a role in how someone might feel when taking CBN. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend following a CBN dosage guide to try to match your weight and experience level best.
CBN is often described as having sedative-like effects, so online reviews often point out that CBN makes them feel sleepy. While researchers are still in the process of trying to understand the exact function that is causing this effect, we do understand some of the functions that cause CBN to produce calming effects.
Some research suggests that CBN may affect the activity of GABA [2]. GABA, or Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, is responsible for reducing neuronal excitability and promoting relaxation. If CBN can increase GABA activity, then it will enhance the calming effects.
There are other potential health benefits connected with CBN use, but you may “feel” them the different way that a THC high might hit you. CBN is also being studied for its potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, you won’t necessarily feel these effects like you will feel CBN’s calming effects.
The Takeaway: Does CBN Make You Sleepy?
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that more research is needed before CBN can be considered a natural sleep aid. However, personal anecdotes and preliminary research definitely have led to increased interest in the potential CBN that may be able to play an impact on sleep.
It’s essential always to discuss implementing CBN into your wellness plan with a healthcare professional. CBN is quickly growing in popularity due to its range of potential benefits.
References:
- Wong, H., & Cairns, B. E. (2019). Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain. Archives of oral biology, 104, 33-39.
- James, S. P., & Bondugji, D. (2022). Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and the Endocannabinoids: Understanding the Risks and Opportunities. Natural Drugs from Plants, 1.
