A team of researchers from the University of Sydney has discovered a compound in cannabis that may help improve sleep. Their study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, is the first to use objective data to show that cannabinol (CBN), a compound found in cannabis, enhances sleep in rats.
CBN is a byproduct of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Over time, THC breaks down into CBN, which means older cannabis contains higher levels of this compound. It has long been thought that older cannabis may lead to a sleepier “high.” In the United States, some highly purified CBN products are being marketed as sleep aids, but there has been limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
The research, conducted by the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, tested purified CBN’s impact on sleep in rats. The team used advanced monitoring technology to track the rats’ sleep patterns, specifically focusing on non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
NREM sleep is deep and restorative, helping with physical recovery and memory consolidation, while REM sleep is linked to dreaming and emotional processing. The study found that CBN increased both NREM and REM sleep, leading to longer total sleep time. The effects were comparable to the sleep medication zolpidem.
Unlike THC, which causes intoxication by activating CB1 receptors in the brain, CBN had a much weaker effect on these receptors. Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that a metabolite of CBN, 11-OH CBN, had a more significant impact on the CB1 receptors and may play a role in CBN’s sleep-enhancing effects.
“This is the first evidence that CBN increases sleep using objective measures,” said Professor Arnold. “It was surprising to find that CBN metabolism produces a stronger effect on CB1 receptors than CBN itself, which has more limited activity.”
Currently, the results are based on rat studies, and further research is needed to determine if these findings apply to humans. A related human clinical trial, led by Professor Iain McGregor, is currently underway. The trial, which involves insomnia patients, has shown promising results that were recently presented at major scientific conferences.
Professor McGregor emphasized the need for further research, including larger trials with repeated doses of CBN. “Our research suggests CBN could be a promising new treatment for sleep disorders like insomnia,” he said.
The team is also exploring whether combining CBN with other cannabis compounds or conventional sleep aids, like melatonin, could enhance its sleep-promoting effects.
Related topics:
- Here’s How Many Push-Ups The Average Person Should Be Able To Do, According To Experts
- Gut Microbiota Plays Key Role in Stress Responses, Study Finds
- Can More Education Change The Way Your Brain Works?
