How CBN Helps as a Sleep Aid

Sleep is an integral part of our existence as humans. It plays a critical role in brain health and the general wellbeing of the body. Most processes involved in growth take place during sleep. This process involves the recruitment of hormones and enzymes that coordinate the activities in the body hence the need for proper sleep. Sleep has also been identified to play an active role in building the immune system, lowering blood pressure, improving memory, reducing stress, maintaining mood, enhances heart health, and promoting hormonal balance. Sleep also possesses some analgesic effects which come in handy in pain relief.

It will interest you to note that about 70 million Americans suffer from poor sleep. This may be triggered by an underlying condition such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. The inability to sleep or achieve quality rest can lead to several health conditions relating to energy reduction, increased risk of heart disease, chronic diseases such as those affecting the brain, cardiovascular activity, and diabetes.

In order to examine the role of sleep in the general wellbeing of the body, scientists studied the electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns associated with sleep. The aim of the research was to identify how sleep-related disorders can affect healthcare. The results obtained from the research were later published in The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in 2005. Today, there is a generalized increase in the cellular and subcellular effects of disrupted sleep as well as how it can serve to affect gene expression, metabolism, and gene regulations. Information gathered from more research works shows how inadequate sleep can serve as a potential ground for several medical disorders including those relating to impaired immune functioning, mood disorders, dementia, neurodegenerative disorders, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and arrhythmias.
The majority of sleep-related diseases are treated by proffering solutions to the underlying conditions such as anxiety and chronic pain, which are both controlled by the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining internal balance and controlling cognitive responses. Its receptors (CB1 and CB2) serve important roles in modulating brain activities. The receptors can interact with cannabinoids i.e., endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. The endocannabinoids are indwelling lipid-based molecules like anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol that can react with the ECS receptors to promote internal balance and cognitive activities. These endocannabinoids also have some cannabimimetic like CBD and THC that are extracted from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant is also rich in other cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, CBN, THCA, and others, which can interact with the ECS receptors to promote sleep. These cannabinoids are unique in their activity with the ECS and can serve important purposes in controlling sleep.

CBN sleep studies and benefits:

Since CBN (Cannabigerol) occurs in little to negligible concentrations in the cannabis plant, only a few studies have pointed to its potential health benefits. However, one of the main benefits being hypothesized is its effect on sleep:
It is pertinent to note that both THC and CBN possess some similarities. Apart from being formulated from THCA, they also interact with CB1 receptors to elicit a sedative activity. Information gathered from research shows that CBN exhibits the most active sedative properties. It can serve as a potential treatment for people suffering from sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep-related conditions. CBN and its derivatives have shown a considerable level of activity in prolonging sleep time in mice. Although the mechanism of activity is quite unknown, some users have reported enjoying a good sleep after taking CBD products containing CBN. This claim may be submitted to more research since it is not clear if the activity is attributed to the presence of CBN or other cannabinoids in the product. Please note that CBD also produces a similar effect on the body. CBN’s sedative activity is enhanced by the presence of THC.

Further benefits of CBN:

It is important to note that the science of CBN is at an incredibly early stage, but other notable benefits being explored are:

Anti-inflammatory properties

Some researchers believe CBN and its derivatives can also elicit some anti-inflammatory properties, thus suggesting its possible roles in serving as a potential treatment for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and allergic asthma. This anti-inflammatory property can serve to balance the immune responses.

Pain relief

It is quite impossible to mention the therapeutic activities of cannabinoids without making reference to its pain-relieving properties. CBN and other members of the endocannabinoid system can stimulate the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from sensory nerves. One unique property of this pain-relieving property is how it impacts the body without interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This indicates that CBD and CBN could form a perfect mixture for lowering pain levels via the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors, thus providing a more potent pain relief. This activity can serve to promote sleep since chronic pain can bring about discomfort during sleep.

Please note that CBN may also elicit some potential side effects which may have been neglected by researchers. If you intend to use any CBD product for sleep, it is important that you consult with your CBD expert or medical practitioner for professional counsel.

Don’t forget to contact us (contact@cbdworldnews.com) if you have questions on the use of CBN as a sedative or the laws guiding the use of Cannabis for sleep. Our team of experts will love to hear from you soon.