Can CBN Help You Sleep Better Than Melatonin? Here’s What the Science Says
By Dr. Hannah Beaumont, PhD. Chief Scientific Officer at STILL_
Understanding Sleep Aids: Melatonin vs. CBN
Most people have heard of melatonin, and many have tried it. In fact, the global melatonin supplements market was valued at $2.84 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 14.9% from 2025 to 2034. Clearly, people are searching for sleep solutions.
But melatonin isn’t perfect. While it’s safe and well-studied, it’s best at resetting your body clock (like after jet lag) rather than improving nightly sleep quality. Some common drawbacks include:
- Feeling groggy the next morning
- Experiencing vivid dreams or headaches
- Limited effectiveness for deeper, restorative rest
That’s why more people are turning to CBN (cannabinol), a natural hemp compound that offers a gentler, more restorative approach to sleep.
What Scientists Have Found in the Lab
In controlled animal studies, researchers measured brain activity and discovered that CBN increased time spent in both deep sleep and REM sleep. These two stages are crucial for restoring energy, repairing the body, and consolidating memory.
This suggests that CBN may not just help you fall asleep, but also support the quality of your sleep, leaving you feeling more refreshed.
What Early Human Studies Show
At a leading sleep research conference, results from a large clinical trial with over 1,000 adults revealed that participants who took CBN reported better sleep than those given a placebo. Even more promising, CBN showed a slight edge over melatonin in improving sleep quality.
Although further research is needed, these initial findings align with growing anecdotal reports from individuals who report feeling less groggy and more restored after using CBN compared to traditional melatonin.
Why People Are Turning to CBN
Unlike melatonin, which can sometimes feel like it “forces” sleep, CBN works more gently by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system. Early evidence suggests it:
- Encourages deep, restorative rest without heavy next-day drowsiness
- May improve overall sleep quality better than melatonin in some users
- Supports your body’s natural sleep rhythms rather than overriding them
Individual Differences Matter
It’s important to note that, like melatonin or any supplement, results vary by individual. Factors like body chemistry, lifestyle, and dosage all influence outcomes. While some people find melatonin helpful, others feel CBN provides a more balanced, natural night’s rest.
The Bottom Line
If you need to reset your sleep schedule, such as during travel or adjusting to new time zones, melatonin is still a reliable option.
But if you’re seeking richer, more restorative sleep night after night, CBN may be the better choice. With fewer next-day side effects and growing scientific support, CBN is becoming a trusted natural solution for better rest.
Try It for Yourself
At Harrelson’s Own, our CBN gummies are carefully crafted to deliver fast-acting, effective support for deeper, more restful sleep. They’re organic, naturally flavored, and designed to fit seamlessly into your nightly wind-down ritual.
If you’ve been curious about alternatives to melatonin, now may be the perfect time to explore what CBN can do for your sleep health.
References
- Arnold JC, et al. A sleepy cannabis constituent: cannabinol and its active metabolite influence sleep architecture in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology (2025)
- Lindquist A. Exploring the Efficacy of Cannabinol in Sleep Enhancement: A Breakthrough in Non-Intoxicating Solutions. Sleep (2024)