How CBN And Delta-8-THC May Help Improve Sleep
Several hemp-derived cannabinoids have been marketed as sleep aids in the last few years, with anecdotal reports and several scientific studies backing up the claims.
It started with CBD after the legalization of hemp in 2018. However, people are now shifting to the lesser-known CBN for sleep improvement. But does it work?
Insufficient sleep has become a matter of public health concern in the last few years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has described it as a public health epidemic linked to a wide range of medical complications.
As a result, many people are now switching to natural sleep aids such as CBN and delta-8. But do they work? In this article, we look at two of hemp’s 100+ cannabinoids to determine if they can help improve sleep.
CBN For Sleep – Why We Need A Natural Solution To Sleep Problems
The demands of the modern world have left us feeling like we have so much to do and no time to do it. And with technological distractions increasing by the day, poor/insufficient sleep has gone under-reported and is largely unrecognized.
Poor or insufficient sleep is linked to many medical conditions, including diabetes, depression, obesity, and hypertension. But that is only one part of the problem. Sleep deprivation leads to low productivity and has huge economic costs. It is also linked to fatal road accidents in the United States.
The CDC estimates that a third of US adults get less than the recommended amount of sleep. These sleep problems can be in the form of medical disorders or can be linked to work schedules.
If you suffer from sleep deprivation, there are usually two ways to get relief. The most popular method and the most readily available is sleep medication. However, continued use of sleeping pills may lead to dependence and addiction.
These and other problems related to sleep aids are why most people are turning to natural solutions such as hemp-derived cannabinoids – CBN and Delta-8-THC.
But are they any better?
Anecdotal and latest research studies suggest that they are.
But how do they improve sleep?
First Things First – What Is CBN?
CBN, short for cannabinol, is one of the 100+ cannabinoids in hemp that is quickly gaining attention for its potential health and wellness benefits.
CBN promises to be the next big thing in the health and wellness industry. Once dismissed as a byproduct of THC, researchers and industry leaders are now turning their focus on CBN as a sleep aid.
Some research indicates that CBN is non-psychoactive like CBD, while other studies say that it has very mild psychoactive effects.
Like the other known cannabinoids, CBN appears to have the same benefits, including helping to relieve pain and inflammation but what sets it aside is the rumored potential as a sleep aid.
CBN For Sleep – The Connection
There appears to be very little scientific research suggesting that CBN can help; this is because it is far less studied than CBD and THC. However, anecdotal reports all seem to be in support of its sleep improving properties. So, where did the connection come from?
Old cannabis flower.
If you have ever used cannabis, you may be aware that smoking aged cannabis flowers puts you to sleep quicker than fresh buds. Many people believe this is due to the prominence of CBN in old or improperly stored buds.
CBN is found in increasing amounts in older flowers. When tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is exposed to air for more extended periods, it breaks down into THC while some of it turns to CBN. The flowers with more CBN amounts tend to have more sedating effects.
This is yet to be scientifically confirmed.
One of the most popular studies linking CBN to sleep was a report by Steep Hill Labs, a cannabis testing facility which at the time claimed that CBN has the same level of sedation as a mild pharmaceutical sedative. However, this claim was changed after the sedative properties were not observed in several small trials.
Another 1975 study only looked at CBN used with THC. Therefore, the sedative effects could be attributed to THC. It is not clear if CBN is sedating by itself.
So, why does CBN seem to work for people with sleep problems?
How Does CBN Act As A Sleep Aid?
Many experts believe that it could be a result of the entourage effect. This is a mechanism in which compounds in the cannabis plant work synergistically to provide even more significant effects.
Back to our 1975 study, the researchers noted that CBN appeared to increase the effects of THC. Could that be the reason?
Delta-8 And CBN For Sleep
Anecdotal evidence suggests that delta-8-THC by itself helps users fall asleep more easily and also helps them stay asleep for longer. But like in CBN, there is not enough scientific studies on this topic.
By using both CBN and delta-8-THC for sleep, you can experience the benefits of the entourage effect. Here is how CBN and Delta-8-THC may improve your sleep quality and quantity.
- Pain and Inflammation Relief – Pain and inflammation are major causes of insomnia. Both CBN and delta-8 have analgesic properties, which means if your sleep problems are caused by pain and inflammation, using both cannabinoids may help you sleep better by tackling the root cause.
- Reducing anxiety – Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBN and delta-8 may help tackle anxiety and depression, which may cause sleep difficulties. By calming your thoughts, CBN and d8 may help you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.
- An overall sense of mind, body tranquility, and relaxation – Both cannabinoids provide a sense of relaxation and wellness throughout the body. This may help alleviate your sleeping problems.
Three Best CBN For Sleep – With Delta-8-THC
1. 3CHI Comfortably Numb Cartridge 1000mg
This premium cartridge from 3CHI is designed to deliver the maximum relaxation effects, as the name suggests. With a new delta-8-THC and CBN ratio, it is the perfect way to unwind after a long day and enjoy it’s unbelievably soothing properties before you go to sleep.
Comfortably Numb cart comes with a 1:1 delta8 and CBN ratio but also contains CBC and a proprietary terpene blend to enable the entourage effect for maximum relaxation.
It is available in two sizes – 0.5ml and 1ml.
2. Natures8 Delta Dream Delta-8-THC + CBN Vape Cartridge
Featuring four terpene profiles, this Natures8 cartridge is formulated to give you the most relaxation as well as satisfy your taste buds.
Natures8 has combined Delta-8 and CBN in a 50-50 blend to maximize the relaxation benefits that may aid sleep.
This exceptional cartridge is available in four-strain profiles – GSC, OG Kush, Grape Ace, and Granddaddy Purple.
3. Spensary – CBN/Delta-8 Vape Cartridge 1 Gram
Spensary d8/CBN cartridge is a perfect way to relax and drift off into your dreams. It is packed with 93% pure delta-8 and 99% pure CBN in an 8:2 ratio for the ultimate relaxation and peace of mind.
In addition to the two cannabinoids, it also contains cannabis-derived terpenes and botanical derived terpenes from Taiga Labs. This proprietary blend provides an exciting taste that will have you wanting more.
The cartridge is a premium all-ceramic Ascent iCells that ensure your distillate is not contaminated by any metals and gives you the best flavor, vapor production, and performance.
Delta-8 And CBN for Sleep – Conclusion
While there isn’t enough scientific research on how CBN and delta-8 can improve sleep, anecdotal evidence and industry experts suggest that the two cannabinoids may help alleviate sleep problems in several ways, including providing relief from anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
If you want to give it a try, ensure you research the brands available and only buy from reputable companies. Consult a doctor if your sleep problems persist.