Is CBD or CBN Better for Sleep?

Modern day stress is at an all time high, and people are consistently reporting that they are having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.

In fact, according to the American Psychiatric Association, over 50 million U.S. citizens have chronic sleep disorders!

Many Americans have turned to pharmaceuticals in order to help, but the high risk of dependency and brutal side effects tend to be a huge turn off.

So, these sleep deprived individuals are starting to turn to more natural remedies. Beyond overdosing melatonin, which leads to next day drowsiness, the most popular options on the market are CBD (cannabidiol) and CBN (cannabinol), two cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant.

Both of these compounds are non-psychoactive, meaning they won't get you “high,” but they have unique characteristics that make them extremely popular for improving sleep.

Let's dive into their individual benefits, how they contribute to better sleep, the synergistic effects when used together, and how additional sleep-enhancing agents like magnesium, melatonin, L-theanine, and GABA can further amplify their efficacy.

Understanding CBD and CBN

To start off, let's simply define what these are: 

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. It's basically THC's (tetrahydrocannabinol) therapeutic sister, offering health & wellness benefits without the mind altering euphoria. Research suggests CBD can help manage stress, improve relaxation, alleviate discomfort and improve sleep quality. 

What is CBN?

CBN, or cannabinol, is a minor cannabinoid (lesser prevalent and known than CBD) that  is often associated with sedative effects. Early research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBN may have specific benefits for sleep, particularly for individuals struggling with insomnia or restless nights. While it may not be as versatile as CBD, its targeted impact on sleep has piqued the interest of many researchers and users.

How CBD Contributes to Better Sleep

CBD’s impact on sleep is primarily attributed to its ability to regulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors in the body responsible for maintaining balance (homeostasis) in various physiological processes.

Yup, every human has an ECS in our body... and CBD affects how the ECS operates in multiple different functions:

1. Stress Reduction:

One of the primary ways CBD improves sleep is by reducing stress. Stress is a common cause of mind racing, which keeps you up at night, and can often lead to insomnia. By interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, CBD promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation.

2. Body Ache Relief:

Aches and pains can significantly disrupt sleep. CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can help reduce swelling and discomfort, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

3. Regulating Sleep-Wake Cycles:

CBD may influence the sleep-wake cycle by interacting with ECS receptors that regulate circadian rhythms. This helps ensure a more consistent sleep pattern.

4. Promoting REM Sleep:

Some studies suggest that CBD may enhance REM sleep, which is essential for cognitive function and overall well-being.

How CBN Contributes to Better Sleep

CBN is often dubbed the “sleep cannabinoid” due to its sedative-like effects. While research is still in its infancy, many users are writing reviews on how profound its effects are. CBN's benefits for sleep are becoming more and more mainstream:

1. Mild Sedation:

CBN is believed to promote sedation by interacting with specific receptors in the ECS. This can help individuals fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep, while not completely "knocking them out" like prescription sleep medication would. The "knock out" often leads to next day brain fog or drowsiness. 

2. Muscle Relaxation:

CBN may contribute to relaxation by reducing muscle tension, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience physical discomfort at night. This is especially beneficial for athletes who work their bodies hard or for the older, boomer demographic. 

3. Prolonged Sleep Duration:

Some studies suggest that CBN may help individuals stay asleep longer, reducing nighttime awakenings, reducing sleep disturbances and improving overall sleep quality.

Using CBD and CBN Together for Synergistic Effects

When CBD and CBN are used together, they can create a synergistic effect known as the entourage effect. This phenomenon occurs when cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis work together to enhance their individual benefits.

So, in easy to understand language: the sum is greater than the parts.

CBD + CBN = a greater whole. 

Here’s how this synergy plays a role in improving sleep:

1. Balanced Effects:

CBD’s calming properties complement CBN’s sedative effects, creating a balanced solution for sleep. While CBN helps you fall and stay asleep, CBD ensures that a racing mind and stress don’t disrupt your rest.

2. Enhanced Relaxation:

The combination of CBD and CBN targets multiple pathways in the ECS, promoting a deeper sense of relaxation and well-being by simultaneously reducing stress, calming overactive neural activity, and supporting the body’s natural sleep mechanisms.

3. Comprehensive Sleep Support:

Together, CBD and CBN address both mental and physical aspects of sleep disturbances, from self-doubt and stress to body aches and muscle tension. Many users have trouble falling asleep because of their known pattern with being unable to fall asleep. CBD can help break this self-fulfilling prophecy and CBN is there decompress your body while your mind takes a breather.  

4. Reduced Grogginess:

Unlike prescription and some over-the-counter sleep aids, the combination of CBD and CBN is much less likely to leave you feeling groggy or sluggish the next morning. The cannabinoids are naturally occurring vs. synthetically derived, and they work harmoniously with your body’s natural rhythms.

Enhancing Efficacy with Additional Sleep Agents

To maximize the sleep-enhancing effects of CBD and CBN, incorporating other natural agents can be highly effective. Here’s how magnesium, melatonin, L-theanine, and GABA contribute to better sleep:

1. Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation. It promotes sleep by:

• Reducing Cortisol Levels: Magnesium helps lower cortisol, a stress hormone that can interfere with sleep.
• Activating GABA Receptors: By stimulating GABA receptors, magnesium encourages relaxation and calmness, which are vital for sleep onset.

2. Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland to regulate sleep-wake cycles. When combined with CBD and CBN, melatonin can:

• Support Circadian Rhythms: It helps synchronize your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at the desired time.
• Enhance Deep Sleep: Melatonin works synergistically with CBD and CBN to promote restorative sleep stages.

3. L-Theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that promotes relaxation without sedation. Its benefits include:

• Reducing Stress: L-theanine enhances alpha brain waves, which are associated with a relaxed yet alert state.
• Improving Sleep Quality: When paired with CBD and CBN, L-theanine helps create a calm mental state conducive to restful sleep.

4. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits overactive brain activity, promoting relaxation. Its sleep-related benefits include:

• Easing Anxiety: GABA’s calming effect can significantly reduce pre-sleep anxiety.
• Encouraging Deep Sleep: By dampening neural excitability, GABA ensures that your brain can fully rest during sleep.

The Ultimate Sleep Formula: A Holistic Approach

For individuals struggling with persistent sleep issues, a holistic approach that combines CBD, CBN, and additional agents like magnesium, melatonin, L-theanine, and GABA can provide comprehensive support.

This combination addresses multiple factors that influence sleep, including:

• Stress and Anxiety: CBD and L-theanine work together to calm the mind, while GABA reduces neural excitability.
• Physical Discomfort: CBN’s muscle-relaxing properties are amplified by magnesium, which alleviates tension.
• Sleep Regulation: Melatonin helps regulate circadian rhythms, ensuring a consistent sleep schedule.
• Sleep Quality: The entourage effect of CBD and CBN enhances the depth and duration of sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed.

What are the Best CBN Sleep Products?

• The best non-psychoactive CBN sleep product is Sunday Scaries CBD Sleep Oil. It's a full spectrum hemp tincture with an organic MCT oil carrier that incorporates 5-HTP, valerian root, chamomile extract, l-theanine, GABA and lemon balm to give you the best sleep of your life, without the "high".
• The best psychoactive CBN sleep product is Sunday Scaries THC Gummies for Sleep. It's a full spectrum hemp gummy boosted with 2.5mg delta-9 THC and enhanced with l-theanine, magnesium, GABA and microdosed-melatonin. Get the best sleep of your life, WITH the "high". 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing between CBD and CBN for sleep, the best option often depends on individual needs and preferences.

CBD excels in reducing stress relieving body aches, and promoting overall relaxation, while CBN offers targeted sedative effects and muscle relaxation. However, combining the two creates a powerful synergy that addresses a wide range of sleep challenges.

By incorporating additional natural agents like magnesium, melatonin, L-theanine, and GABA, you can create a tailored sleep regimen that maximizes efficacy and ensures a restful night’s sleep.

Whether you’re seeking to calm a racing mind, ease physical tension, or simply enjoy deeper sleep, the combination of these compounds offers a safe, effective, and holistic solution for better sleep.