{"id":55558,"date":"2026-10-08T14:43:51","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T13:43:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/sleep-better-with-cannabis-the-science-behind-cannabinol-cbn\/"},"modified":"2026-10-09T06:40:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T05:40:23","slug":"sleep-better-with-cannabis-the-science-behind-cannabinol-cbn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/blog\/sleep-better-with-cannabis-the-science-behind-cannabinol-cbn\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is CBN? Effects, Sleep, and Recent Studies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is CBN, and what are the effects of cannabinol?<\/strong> While CBD and THC are well known, another component of the hemp plant is increasingly becoming the focus of research. This lesser-known cannabinoid is generating particular interest in connection with sleep and nighttime rest. But can cannabinol actually make you sleepy or help you sleep? <\/p>\n\n

As early as 2024, the University of Sydney published a widely acclaimed study on the sleep patterns of rats. Since then, controlled studies in humans have also been conducted, including new research findings from 2026. We explain how this plant compound is produced, how it differs from CBD, and which effects have been scientifically studied. <\/p>\n\n

What is cannabinol, and how is it produced?<\/h2>\n\n
\"Diagram<\/figure>
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CBN stands for cannabinol<\/strong>, a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Unlike many other plant compounds, a large portion of it is produced through chemical changes in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When cannabis is exposed to light, oxygen, or heat over an extended period, oxidation and degradation processes can contribute to the formation of cannabinol. For this reason, older cannabis flowers sometimes contain higher concentrations of this cannabinoid than fresh plant material, depending on storage conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the actual amount produced depends on various factors. These include the plant’s original composition, the processing method, and storage conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a higher cannabinol content does not automatically mean that a cannabis product has a stronger sedative effect or makes users drowsy. Such correlations must be scientifically investigated independently of the chemical composition. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

How does this plant compound work in the body?<\/h2>\n\n

Research into the effects of CBN<\/strong> is being conducted, among other things, in connection with the body\u2019s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This biological network consists of receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes. It is involved in various regulatory processes, including sleep, stress response, and pain perception. <\/p>\n\n

The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are particularly well known. While CB1 receptors are found primarily in the nervous system, CB2 receptors play a role in immune system processes, among other things. <\/p>\n\n

Cannabinol can interact with these receptors. However, it activates CB1 receptors to a much lesser extent than THC. For this reason, its pharmacological effects differ from the typical intoxicating effects of tetrahydrocannabinol. <\/p>\n\n

What role does 11-hydroxy-CBN play?<\/h3>\n\n

An Australian study conducted in 2024 provided interesting insights into the significance of a metabolite called 11-hydroxy-CBN (11-OH-CBN)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

This metabolite is produced when cannabinol is metabolized in the body. In laboratory studies, it exhibited significantly greater activity at CB1 receptors than the original plant compound. In addition, it affected certain sleep parameters in animal studies. <\/p>\n\n

The results thus provide a possible explanation for the observed effects. However, it is not yet sufficiently clear whether this mechanism plays a comparable role in humans. <\/p>\n\n

CBN and Sleep: What Does Science Say?<\/h2>\n\n

It has long been assumed that older cannabis causes drowsiness due to its cannabinol content. However, scientific evidence supporting this assumption has been limited. <\/p>\n\n

Several studies have since provided new insights. Of particular relevance are an Australian animal study and two controlled human studies that examined different aspects of sleep quality. <\/p>\n\n

2024 Rat Study: Changes in Sleep Phases<\/h3>\n\n
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In November 2024, a research team led by Jonathon Arnold of the University of Sydney published a study in the journal *Neuropsychopharmacology<\/em>*.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using polysomnography, the scientists analyzed how cannabinol affects sleep in rats. In particular, they examined NREM sleep\u2014which includes deep sleep\u2014as well as REM sleep, during which intense dreams often occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The results showed that, following administration of the plant-based substance, both REM and NREM sleep duration increased. However, this effect was delayed. Initially, the researchers even observed a decrease in sleep in some cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some individual measurements, the effect was of a similar magnitude to that of the sleep aid zolpidem. However, this comparison applies exclusively to the animal study and to selected sleep parameters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study thus demonstrates changes in sleep architecture in rats, but provides no evidence of clinical efficacy in humans.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

2024 Human Study: Fewer Nighttime Awakenings?<\/h3>\n\n

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study by Bonn-Miller and colleagues examined cannabinol alone and in combination with CBD.<\/p>\n\n

Data from 293 adults<\/strong> were available for the analysis. The participants had previously rated their sleep quality as poor or very poor and used the products under study for seven consecutive nights. <\/p>\n\n

In the group treated with pure CBN, the researchers observed fewer nighttime awakenings and less overall sleep disturbance compared to the placebo group.<\/p>\n\n

However, the improvement in the primary endpoint\u2014sleep quality\u2014did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were observed in the time taken to fall asleep or in the time spent awake after falling asleep either. <\/p>\n\n

It was also noteworthy that the additional combination with CBD did not enhance the observed effects.<\/p>\n\n

The study therefore provides evidence of potential benefits regarding individual sleep parameters, but does not confirm any generally reliable effect on sleep.<\/p>\n\n

Clinical Trial 2026: New Findings on Insomnia<\/h3>\n\n
\"Sleep<\/figure>
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In February 2026, Lavender and colleagues published another study in the *Journal of Sleep Research<\/em>*.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twenty adults diagnosed with insomnia<\/strong> participated in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. The researchers compared the short-term effects of two cannabinoid doses with those of a placebo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important measured variable was the time spent awake after falling asleep. No statistically significant difference was observed between the conditions studied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, at the higher dosage, the researchers observed improvements in several other sleep parameters. These included a shorter time to fall asleep, changes in a NREM sleep stage, and better subjectively rated sleep quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the study was small and limited to the short-term effects of single doses. In addition, adverse events were recorded. The doses studied therefore do not constitute a general dosage recommendation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does that mean?<\/strong> The clinical results are scientifically interesting, but they are not yet sufficient to recommend cannabinol as a proven treatment for sleep disorders.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

CBN vs. CBD: What Are the Differences?<\/h2>\n\n

Although cannabinol and cannabidiol come from the same plant, they differ in their origin, pharmacological properties, and the current state of research.<\/p>\n\n

CBD (cannabidiol)<\/strong> is one of the best-known cannabinoids and has already been studied in numerous clinical trials. These include studies on neurological disorders, stress, and sleep. <\/p>\n\n

Cannabinol<\/strong>, on the other hand, is produced primarily through chemical changes in THC. Its potential effects on sleep and the nervous system have only recently been studied in greater depth. <\/p>\n\n

A meta-analysis from 2025 evaluated six randomized studies involving a total of 1,077 participants. While various cannabinoid supplements showed overall evidence of an improvement in subjective sleep quality, pure CBD supplements did not yield any statistically significant benefit. <\/p>\n\n

However, this does not mean that CBN is generally more effective than CBD. There are still not enough large-scale clinical studies to allow for a reliable direct comparison. <\/p>\n\n

For more information on the role of cannabidiol in sleep cycles and nighttime dreaming, check out our article \u201cCBD and Dreams<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

What is the significance of cannabinol for Swiss hemp products?<\/h2>\n\n

The cannabis plant contains numerous different cannabinoids. In addition to THC and CBD, these include, for example, CBG, CBC, and cannabinol. Their concentrations vary depending on genetics, processing, and storage. <\/p>\n\n

Anyone interested in the composition of hemp should therefore not focus solely on the CBD content. The other plant components and verifiable laboratory analyses are also important factors in evaluating a product. <\/p>\n\n

If you want to buy CBD online in Switzerland, it\u2019s worth taking a close look at the product information. For example, in Herba di Berna\u2019s Swiss CBD online shop<\/a>, you\u2019ll find Swiss CBD flowers<\/a> with different cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Whether cannabinol is present\u2014and in what quantity\u2014can be determined based on the corresponding lab analyses. <\/p>\n\n

The results of medical studies involving isolated cannabinol should not automatically be applied to over-the-counter hemp products. The actual ingredients and the intended use are the decisive factors. <\/p>\n\n

If you’re interested in other, lesser-known cannabinoids, our article ” What Is CBG?<\/a>” explains the role cannabigerol plays in the hemp plant and how it differs from CBD.<\/p>\n\n

Conclusion: What does the research to date show?<\/h2>\n\n

Cannabinol is one of the lesser-known cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Animal studies and initial clinical trials are now providing interesting insights into its potential effects on sleep. <\/p>\n\n

However, human studies paint a mixed picture. While individual sleep parameters improved, key primary study endpoints did not yield statistically significant results. <\/p>\n\n

CBN therefore remains an interesting area of research, but so far it has not been sufficiently clinically validated as a sleep aid.<\/strong> Furthermore, a reliable muscle-relaxing effect has not yet been demonstrated in humans.<\/p>\n\n

At Herba di Berna, we closely follow research on cannabinoids. Our goal is to provide a clear overview of scientific findings and to distinguish between established knowledge and open research questions. <\/p>\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions About CBN and Cannabinol (FAQ)<\/h2>
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What is CBN, explained simply?<\/h3>
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CBN stands for cannabinol and is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It is primarily produced through chemical changes in THC. CBN has become particularly well-known due to research into its potential effects on sleep. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Does CBN help you fall asleep and stay asleep?<\/h3>
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Small clinical studies show evidence of improvements in certain sleep parameters, including the time taken to fall asleep and nighttime awakenings. However, the most important study endpoints did not consistently show statistically significant improvements. Further research is therefore necessary. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Is CBN as intoxicating as THC?<\/h3>
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CBN activates CB1 receptors to a much lesser extent than THC and therefore does not produce the same typical intoxicating effects. Nevertheless, cannabinol should not be generally described as completely ineffective or risk-free. Its effects in humans have not yet been comprehensively studied. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What are the effects of CBN?<\/h3>
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Among other things, CBN interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Studies suggest possible effects on certain sleep parameters. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence to demonstrate reliable medical efficacy for sleep disorders or other conditions. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between CBN and CBD?<\/h3>
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CBD is a cannabinoid that has been the subject of relatively extensive research and is found in significant quantities in certain hemp varieties. CBN, on the other hand, is primarily produced through the breakdown of THC. The two substances differ in their pharmacological properties and the current state of research on them. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Is CBN a natural sleep aid?<\/h3>
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Research is being conducted on CBN in relation to sleep. However, there is currently a lack of sufficiently large and long-term clinical studies to confirm its reliable efficacy and safety for treating sleep disorders. Therefore, cannabinol cannot currently be recommended as a proven sleep aid. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Sources and Further Information<\/h2>\n\n