Research indicates that a component of marijuana, which does not cause hallucinations, boosts both REM and non-REM sleep in rats, with human trials currently in progress.
Scientists at the University of Sydney have discovered a compound in the cannabis plant that enhances sleep.
Their findings are the first to utilize objective methods to demonstrate that this substance, called cannabinol (CBN), promotes sleep in rats.
This study has been published in the prestigious journal Neuropsychopharmacology.
“For many years, cannabis enthusiasts have claimed that older cannabis leads to sleepiness due to the accumulation of CBN, yet there was no solid evidence to support this,” stated Professor Jonathon Arnold, the lead author of the study and Director of Preclinical Research at the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics and the Sydney Pharmacy School.
“Our research provides the first objective proof that CBN increases sleep, at least observed in rats, by positively affecting the structure of sleep.”
CBN is a byproduct formed from the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Over time, THC in cannabis is gradually converted into CBN, meaning that older cannabis typically has more CBN. It’s been suggested that older cannabis may lead to a more lethargic cannabis experience.
In the U.S., highly refined CBN products are marketed as sleep aids, although robust scientific support for this use is lacking.
The team at the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics investigated the effects of pure CBN on rat sleep. Advanced monitoring techniques were employed to gain insights into the rats’ sleep behaviors, including non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep patterns.
NREM is deep sleep that aids physical recovery and enhances memory retention, while REM sleep is associated with dreaming and emotional processing.
Professor Arnold shared: “CBN was noted to enhance both NREM and REM sleep, which resulted in increased overall sleep duration, similar to the known sleeping medication zolpidem.”
NON-INTOXICATING
In contrast to THC, CBN does not seem to intoxicate rats. THC causes intoxication by activating CB1 cannabinoid receptors found in the brain. The study revealed that CBN only slightly activates these receptors, unlike THC. Interestingly, the researchers also found that a metabolite of CBN had more substantial effects on CB1 receptors.
A metabolite is a substance produced through the body’s metabolism of a larger molecule.
The researchers discovered that the 11-OH CBN metabolite had some impact on sleep structure, potentially contributing to the overall effects of CBN on sleep.
“This is the first proof that CBN significantly enhances sleep using objective sleep assessments. The finding that metabolizing CBN in the body can have a more pronounced effect on cannabinoid CB1 receptors than CBN itself was unexpected,” Professor Arnold noted.
“Currently, our findings are limited to rat studies. More research is necessary to determine if these effects apply to humans.”
FURTHER STUDY
In a related study, not yet published, Professor Iain McGregor, Director of Clinical Research at the Lambert Initiative, initiated a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial on insomnia patients. This was carried out under the guidance of PhD candidate Isobel Lavender and leading sleep researcher Dr. Camilla Hoyos from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. The trial has recently concluded with very promising outcomes that were presented at both the International Cannabinoid Research Society and Sleep DownUnder conferences.
“Our research supports continued basic and clinical investigations of CBN as a potential treatment for sleep disorders, including insomnia. Our clinical study only administered CBN once. A larger study with multiple doses is the natural next step,” explained Professor McGregor.
Professor Arnold added: “The team has now started a preclinical drug discovery initiative focused on CBN, as well as exploring whether the sleep-inducing effects of CBN can be enhanced with other cannabis compounds or conventional sleep aids like melatonin.”
