The Sleep Revolution: From Melatonin to Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

Sleep is a fundamental human need, yet for many, it remains elusive. As we search for ways to get the rest our bodies crave, various sleep aids have emerged, including melatonin and cannabinoids derived from hemp, most frequently THC and CBN. In this article, we'll explore melatonin, its effects, pros, and cons, and make the case for why hemp-derived cannabinoids, THC, CBD and CBN, may be superior alternatives for promoting healthy, restful sleep.

Melatonin: The Traditional Sleep Hormone

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle (1). When it's dark, your body produces more melatonin, signaling to your brain that it's time to sleep. As the sun rises, melatonin levels drop, telling your body to wake up (3).

Supplemental melatonin has been widely used as a sleep aid, and research has shown that it can be effective in helping people fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality (2). However, its effectiveness can vary, and there are some potential drawbacks to consider.

Pros of Melatonin:

• Natural hormone (1)
• Effective for some sleep issues, such as jet lag or delayed sleep phase disorder (3)
• Relatively safe for short-term use (4)

Cons of Melatonin:

• Inconsistent effectiveness, especially for chronic sleep issues (5)
• Potential side effects like headaches, dizziness, and daytime drowsiness (6)
• Timing is crucial for optimal effectiveness (7)
• Dependence concerns with long-term use (8)

The Hemp Revolution: THC, CBD, and CBN

While melatonin has been a go-to sleep aid, compounds derived from the hemp plant are gaining attention for their potential as alternatives. Hemp, a variety of Cannabis sativa, contains various cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), and CBN (cannabinol) (9).

THC: The Psychoactive Cannabinoid THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana use. While it can have sedative effects, its psychoactive properties make it less suitable as a sleep aid for many individuals.

CBD: The Versatile Cannabinoid CBD has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. Some studies suggest that CBD may help with anxiety and pain, which could indirectly improve sleep. However, its direct effects on sleep are still being researched.

CBN: The Sleepy Cannabinoid CBN, often referred to as the "sleepy cannabinoid," is a minor cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBN is non-intoxicating, making it an attractive option for those seeking sleep support without psychoactive effects (9).

The Effects of CBN

Research on CBN is still limited, but the available evidence suggests that it may have therapeutic benefits, including the potential to promote better sleep (9). Studies have shown that CBN may act on the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors and signaling molecules that play a crucial role in regulating sleep and wakefulness (10).

Pros of CBN:

• Potential for improving sleep (9)
• Non-intoxicating (9)
• Potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (9)

Cons of CBN:

• Limited research compared to more well-studied compounds
• Potential drug interactions (9)
• Legality and accessibility issues in some regions

Why Hemp-Derived CBN May Be a Better Alternative to Melatonin

While melatonin has its place as a sleep aid, there are several reasons why hemp-derived CBN may be a superior alternative for promoting healthy, restful sleep:

1. Broader Therapeutic Potential: In addition to its potential sleep-promoting effects, CBN may also offer anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits, making it a more comprehensive solution for individuals dealing with sleep issues compounded by other health concerns (9).
2. Potential for Improved Sleep Quality: Preliminary research suggests that CBN may have a more direct impact on the sleep-wake cycle, potentially leading to improved sleep quality and duration compared to melatonin (9, 10).
3. Potential for Reduced Dependence: The unique mechanisms of action of CBN may make it less likely to lead to dependence or withdrawal issues compared to melatonin (9).
4. Entourage Effect: When used in conjunction with other hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD, CBN may benefit from the "entourage effect," where multiple compounds work synergistically to enhance overall effectiveness (9).

In conclusion, while melatonin has been a popular sleep aid for many, the growing body of research on hemp-derived cannabinoids, particularly CBN, suggests that they may be superior alternatives for promoting healthy, restful sleep. With their potential for broader therapeutic benefits, non-intoxicating effects, and promising sleep-enhancing properties, hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBN could be the sleep solution that many individuals have been searching for

Citations:

1. Srinivasan, V., Spence, D. W., Pandi-Perumal, S. R., Trakht, I., & Cardinali, D. P. (2008). Therapeutic actions of melatonin in cancer: possible mechanisms. Integrative cancer therapies, 7(3), 189-203.
2. Buscemi, N., Vandermeer, B., Hooton, N., Pandya, R., Tjosvold, L., Hartling, L., ... & Baker, G. (2005). The efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin for primary sleep disorders. A meta-analysis. Journal of general internal medicine, 20(12), 1151-1158.
3. Zisapel, N. (2018). New perspectives on the role of melatonin in human sleep, circadian rhythms and their regulation. British journal of pharmacology, 175(16), 3190-3199.
4. Costello, R. B., Lentino, C. V., Boyd, C. C., O'Connell, M. L., Crawford, C. C., Sprengel, M. L., & Deuster, P. A. (2014). The effectiveness of melatonin for promoting healthy sleep: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature. Nutrition journal, 13(1), 1-16.
5. Gooley, J. J. (2008). Treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders with light. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 37(8), 669.
6. Brzezinski, A., Vangel, M. G., Wurtman, R. J., Norrie, G., Zhdanova, I., Ben-Shushan, A., & Ford, I. (2005). Effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep: a meta-analysis. Sleep medicine reviews, 9(1), 41-50.
7. Paul, M. A., Gray, G. W., & Arendt, J. (1997). Melatonin and circadian phase in young adult humans. Neuroreport, 8(6), 1463-1467.
8. Olde Rikkert, M. G., & Rigaud, A. S. (2001). Melatonin in elderly patients with insomnia. Drug safety, 24(15), 1123-1133.
9. Nuutinen, T. (2018). Medicinal properties of terpenes found in Cannabis sativa and Humulus lupulus. European journal of medicinal chemistry, 157, 198-228.
10. Pava, M. J., Makriyannis, A., & Lovinger, D. M. (2016). Endocannabinoid signaling regulates sleep stability. Sleep, 39(7), 1373-1394.