CBN for better sleep and insomnia
Troubles with falling asleep? You are not alone
According to statistics, up to sixty percent of Czechs suffer from sleep problems. A great deal of them suffers from chronic insomnia, the most common type of sleep problem.
CBN oil - cannabinol for sleeping
Deep, peaceful sleep plays an essential role in our mental and physical health. Our cells are given time to heal and recover from daily stress, injuries, and diseases during the sleep. The body also flushes out toxins that accumulate in the brain while we are awake.
Numerous studies have revealed that sleep deprivation increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, and stroke. To reduce these risks, we need at least seven to nine hours of deep sleep.
Sleeping pills can help you fall asleep faster, but they have side effects that you should be aware of. They cause drowsiness (even during the day), changes in appetite, heartburn, and affect bowel movement. It is also known that sleeping pills create burning sensations in the limbs and tremors. Long-term use of sleeping pills can also lead to addiction and an increased risk of overdose.
Scientists have discovered that CBN has strong sedative effects, which promote sleep and reduce the symptoms of insomnia.
But what is CBN? How does it affect sleep and insomnia? The more important question is; is it safe and effective?
What is CBN (cannabinol)?
In addition to THC and CBD, CBN is the third most common cannabinoid found in cannabis. It has almost the same benefits as THC and CBD.
Its therapeutic benefits include pain relief and controlling of inflammation. It is also known for its anticonvulsive and antibacterial effects. CBN stimulates appetite and promotes bone cell growth. Also, CBN is best known for its very powerful sedative effects.
Unlike CBD, which is an entirely different cannabinoid than THC, CBN comes from THC itself. Enzymes present in the plant transform a compound called CBGA (CannabigerolicAcid) into precursors of three main cannabinoids:
- THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
- CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
- CBCA (Cannabichromenic Acid)
As the plant is exposed to heat and sunlight, these three precursors become the cannabinoids we know most – THC, CBD, and CBC. While we consider CBG to be a minor cannabinoid, it is interesting to note that THC and CBD come from it.
Thanks to further exposure to the sun and air, THCA degrades. It loses four of its hydrogen atoms and transforms into CBNA, which is the precursor of CBN. Further exposure to air and ultraviolet rays then causes CBNA to change into CBN. Heat also helps with CBNA to change into CBN.
Although CBN comes from the process of THC degradation, it produces little or no psychoactive effects. This makes it a good alternative for patients who do not tolerate the psychoactive effects of THC. Patients benefit from the therapeutic effects of CBN without any experience of intoxication.
How to obtain CBN?
As mentioned earlier, THCA is converted into CBN if it is exposed to sun, air, and heat for an extended period of time. Longer growing plants and poorly stored flowers contain higher levels of CBN.
Unfortunately, most plants contain only a tiny amount of CBN. So if you are looking for varieties high in CBN to deal with sleep problems, it will be easier to look for first-class CBN oils.
How does CBN oil induce sleep?
Our body produces its own natural cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. These bind to cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid systems (ECS). After activation, ECS modulates several physiological reactions, including sleep.
Two main cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are present in ECS. Activation of CB1 receptors induces sleep.
Cannabinoids also stimulate ECS. THC, for example, binds to the CB1 receptor and induces sleep. However, activation of this receptor by THC also invokes psychoactive effects such as increased paranoia or anxiety. THC also stimulates the centers of pleasure and reward in the brain. Thus, its use can be quite addictive.
Studies have found that CBN partially acts as an agonist of the CB1 receptor. Although it is rather a weak one, it produces the strongest sedative effect compared to THC and CBD. According to a study that focused on the sedative effects of CBN, 2.5 mg of this cannabinoid corresponds to 5 mg of diazepam.
However, unlike THC, CBN does not cause any psychoactive effects. This makes CBN a better and safer alternative to THC for use as a sedative, especially for those who want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC.
What are the other ways CBN oil promotes better sleep?
In addition to being a powerful sedative, CBN also has other therapeutic properties that help you sleep better.
CBN help reduce pain
Pain, particularly if it is chronic, negatively affects sleep. It keeps the patient awake at night and prevents them from sleeping well. Studies have found that lack of sleep contributes to the deterioration of health.
CBN induces analgesia when it activates the endocannabinoid system. Thanks to coping with painwell, you can enjoy better quality sleep. It was also proven to heal bruns.
CBN reduces inflammation
Scientists have found that, same like THC and CBD, CBN has strong anti-inflammatory effects.
CBN has a greater affinity to the CB2 receptor. This receptor is abundant in immune cells, which activation leads to the modulation of inflammation.
When CBN binds to CB2 receptors of abnormal immune cells, it triggers their apoptosis, thus the death of cells. It effectively regulates inflammation and stops immune cells from releasing pro-inflammatory chemicals. Thanks to the reduction of pain and inflammation, you can indulge in a better quality of sleep.
Are there terpenes that work with CBN?
Besides cannabinoids, cannabis also contains terpenes. Terpenes are basically essential oils that are contained in most plants. They give plants their distinctive colors, aromas, and flavors.
Terpenes also induce their own therapeutic effects. When cannabinoids and terpenes work together, they mutually enhance the therapeutic effects while reducing the negative ones. This is called the entourage effect. Some terpenes work very well with CBN when inducing sleep.
For example, beta-caryophyllene promotes better sleep. According to one study, beta-caryophyllene reduces the time it takes to fall asleep. It also prolongs sleep time. In addition, beta-caryophyllene also helps to suppress pain and inflammation. These are the two main factors that affect good sleep.
Another terpene found in cannabis, which also has a sedative effect, is myrcene. One study showed that myrcene helps to enhance the duration of sleep by about 2.6 times. This terpene is also known for its effect on muscle relaxation. Painful muscle cramps, spasticity, and tremors disturb sleep and can keep you awake at night.
Linalool also increases the sedative effects of CBN. It induces sleep and lengthens sleep time. In addition to these, linalool also shows anti-anxiety effects, helps with depression, and contributes to muscle relaxation. Stress, anxiety, and depression are factors that affect sleep.
So if you are looking for high-quality CBN oil for sleep, which helps with insomnia, make sure it also contains some of these essential terpenes. Their synergic effects significantly improve sleep.
Can CBN oil be purchased?
Fortunately, you do not have to smoke cannabis or spend hours searching for strains high in CBN. There are currently CBN-rich products on the market, which you can easily get hold of. CBN-rich oils are supplied in the form of tinctures, capsules, and even balms for external use.
CBN oils also come with different dosages. Therefore, if you are using CBN oil for the first time to improve sleep or treat insomnia, you should always start with a lower dose.
Please note: You must review local law regarding the use of CBN before purchasing a CBN product.
What properties should be sought in CBN oil that is used for insomnia and to support sleep? There are several factors that you need to take into account when purchasing CBN oil in order to improve sleep and get rid of insomnia.
What extraction method was used?
High-quality CBN-rich oils are produced using safe isolation and extraction methods, such as supercritical CO2 extraction. This method ensures that the extracted concentrates are pure.
What is the origin of CBN?
Look for CBN that comes from organic hemp. Therefore, it should not contain traces of pesticides, artificial fertilizers, or other aggressive chemicals. After all, you are going to use CBN oil to treat health problems, so the oil must be pure.
What does the oil contain?
CBN is a powerful sedative. However, if you want to maximize its effects to handle insomnia or improve the quality of sleep, go for CBN oil that contains other terpenes. These compounds work synergically, increasing and strengthening their therapeutic effects.
Is CBN oil always produced by trustworthy and reliable manufacturers?
You should be in touch with the CBN oil producer to find out about their products as much as possible. A good manufacturer will always be ready to answer all your questions about their CBN oils.
You can also find relevant information about CBN oil on their website. If you look at the product's details, you should see information about the efficacy of the present cannabinoids and terpenes. You should also cross-check the data with third parties. This means that their product has been tested for the presence of pesticides, bacteria, mold, heavy metals, and residual solvents. Look for certifications, which prove that the product is safe and free of toxins.
What is the best way to use CBN oil to improve sleep and treat insomnia?
You must assess your reactions to CBN oil the same way you would do with other cannabinoid oils. At the same time, you will find out if the oil helps. If a small dose can not promote better sleep, you can always increase it.
It is very important to start with a low dose of CBN oil since it is a powerful sedative. As mentioned earlier, the sedative effects of CBN are much stronger than THC or CBD can offer. A small dose, approximately one drop, half an hour before bedtime is usually enough to help you fall asleep faster. If the dose is not enough, increase it one drop at a time.
There are several ways you can take CBN oil. You can place a drop under your tongue or take it in the form of capsules. The former provides a faster kick in as it is directly absorbed into the bloodstream. The latter still has to pass through the digestive system and liver, where the oil will be metabolized before it gets into the blood. Sedation usually comes into effect half an hour after use.
What are the side effects of CBN?
THC is psychoactive. CBD is not. CBN lies somewhere in between. After all, CBN comes from the degradation of THC.
However, the psychoactive effects of CBN are much milder (if any) compared to THC. In fact, its psychoactive effects consist of about 10 % of the strength of THC. In other words,you would need to take about 100 mg of CBN to feel the same effects as taking 10 mg of THC. Such a high dose is absurd since CBN produces relaxing and sedative effects already at 2.5 mg.
Taking CBN oil has several side effects, especially if you try it for the first time. Some patients report fatigue, dizziness, and drowsiness. However, the therapeutic benefits of CBN far outweigh these side effects. Moreover, the side effects usually disappear after a certain period of time. If you experience any side effects, reducing the dose helps.
CBN has a good security profile. To understand this, nicotine is fatal at a dose of 3 mg per one kilogram in mice. At the same time, the median lethal dose for CBN is 13,500 mg per kilogram.
A summary of the use of CBN oil for improvement of sleep
- CBN (cannabinol) has been found to have powerful sedative effects.
- About sixty percent of Czechs have sleep problems.
- Numerous studies have revealed that sleep deprivation increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, and stroke.
- Sleeping pills can help you fall asleep faster, but they have side effects that you should be aware of. They cause drowsiness even during the day, changes in appetite, - heartburn, and affect bowel movement.
- Long-term use of sleeping pills can also lead to addiction and an increased risk of overdose.
- CBN is the third most common cannabinoid found in hemp.
- Its therapeutic benefits include pain relief and controlling of inflammation.
- CBN is best known for its very powerful sedative effects.
- CBN does not cause any or only very weak psychoactive effects.
- Pain, particularly if it is chronic, negatively affects sleep. CBN oil reduces pain.
- CBN reduces inflammation.
- Thanks to coping with pain well, you can enjoy better quality sleep.
You must review local law regarding the use of CBN before purchasing a CBN product.
Before buying CBN oil, you need to take into account the following questions:
- What extraction method was used?
- What is the origin of CBN?
- Is CBN oil always produced by trustworthy and reliable manufacturers?
- Start with a low dose of CBN oil since it is a powerful sedative.
- THC is psychoactive. CBD is not. CBN lies somewhere in between.
- CBN has a good security profile.
Do not let insomnia deprive you of the benefits of good quality sleep. Take control of your life right now and ask your doctor for information about CBN oil, which can help you treat insomnia and improve your sleep.
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