Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a groundbreaking discovery, providing the first scientific evidence that cannabinol (CBN), a compound found in cannabis, significantly enhances sleep quality.
Study Findings
Published in Neuropsychopharmacology, the study demonstrated that CBN:
- Increases deep sleep (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
- Extends total sleep time.
- Has a comparable effect to known sleep aid zolpidem.
- Does not cause intoxication.
What is Cannabinol (CBN)?
CBN is a non-intoxicating compound derived from THC, the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis. It accumulates in aged cannabis.
Experiment Details
Researchers used high-tech monitoring to track sleep patterns in rats, providing valuable insights into CBN’s effects.
Key Takeaways
- CBN increases sleep quality without intoxication.
- CBN metabolites play a significant role in sleep architecture.
- Human clinical trials are underway to confirm efficacy.
Expert Insights
Professor Jonathon Arnold, lead author: “Our study provides the first objective evidence that CBN increases sleep…beneficially modifying sleep architecture.”
Professor Iain McGregor, Director of Clinical Research: “Further research is needed to translate these findings to humans.”
Next Steps
Ongoing human clinical trials, led by PhD student Isobel Lavender, aim to confirm CBN’s efficacy in treating insomnia.
Sources
- University of Sydney. (2024). Cannabinol improves sleep quality.
- Arnold et al. (2024). Cannabinol increases sleep via modulation of sleep architecture. Neuropsychopharmacology.
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics. (2024). CBN and sleep study.
