CBN for Hormonal Insomnia | Natural Menopause Relief

Written by Debra Dullaghan

It's 3 a.m. again. You're wide awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering why your body refuses to rest. For many women over 50, this is more than a bad night—it's hormonal insomnia, often triggered by the shift into Menopause. As sleep disruptions become a regular part of midlife, natural compounds like CBN (cannabinol) are gaining attention. But can this lesser-known cannabinoid actually support better sleep?

What Causes Hormonal Insomnia?

Hormonal insomnia is linked to declining estrogen and progesterone, both of which regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Estrogen influences serotonin and melatonin levels—two chemicals essential for initiating sleep. Progesterone, meanwhile, acts as a mild sedative. When these hormones decrease during perimenopause and Menopause, many women find themselves waking throughout the night, unable to reach restorative sleep.

Hot flashes, night sweats, and a surge in cortisol (your body's stress hormone) can further disrupt rest. It's not just about quantity—menopausal sleep is often poor in quality too.

The Link Between Menopause and Hormonal Insomnia

Sleep disturbances are common during and after the menopausal transition. A peer-reviewed study reported that between 35% and 69% of postmenopausal women experience issues like difficulty falling asleep, frequent night wakings, or waking too early in the morning.¹

These disruptions are often linked to hormone fluctuations, nighttime hot flashes, and mood changes. And while prescription sleep aids may offer short-term relief, they aren’t ideal for long-term use—leading many women to seek natural alternatives like CBN for support.

Can CBN Help with Hormonal Insomnia?

CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms as THC oxidizes. While it doesn't produce a high, it may influence sleep through several mechanisms:

Improved sleep architecture: A study in Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBN increased both REM and non-REM sleep in rodents, with effects comparable to those of zolpidem (Ambien).²

Reduced nighttime awakenings: A randomized controlled human trial showed that 20 mg of CBN led to fewer night wakings and improved overall sleep satisfaction without next-day grogginess.³

Endocannabinoid system interaction: CBN binds weakly to CB1 receptors, part of the endocannabinoid system, which influences circadian rhythm, mood, and sleep stability.

GABAergic modulation: Research shows that CBN may impact GABA transmission, the same calming neurotransmitter targeted by common sleep aids (PMC).⁴

While CBN isn’t a traditional sedative, its mechanisms may support more profound, more restorative sleep, especially when hormonal shifts are in play.

CBN and Menopause: What We Know So Far

There’s limited research directly linking CBN to Menopause, but interest is growing. A study published in Menopause found that 67.4% of women using cannabis products for symptom relief reported improvements in sleep quality.⁵ Though the survey evaluated cannabis use more broadly, it underscores a clear need for plant-based alternatives during midlife transitions.

As of now, CBN’s role in Menopause remains under-researched—but early signals suggest it may help address one of the most common and disruptive symptoms: insomnia.

How to Use CBN for Hormonal Insomnia

If you're considering CBN, here’s how to get started:

Product Formats

• Tinctures for seniors and oils offer quick absorption and flexible dosing.
• Softgels for seniors and gummies for seniors are convenient and easy to standardize.
• Blended CBN sleep formulas for seniors often include melatonin, CBD, L-theanine, or valerian root alongside CBN.

Dosing Tips

Start low with about 2.5–5 mg of CBN, 30–60 minutes before bed. Gradually increase if needed, tracking how your body responds. Some users find that combining CBN with a low dose of melatonin improves results.

Ingredient Check

Look for THC content on labels. Some CBN products contain trace THC. Choose broad-spectrum or THC-free options if you're sensitive or subject to drug testing.

Quality Control

Buy from brands that provide third-party lab testing to verify purity and cannabinoid content.

Medical Guidance

Consult your healthcare provider, especially if you take HRT, SSRIs, or sleep aids. Even natural remedies can interact with prescriptions.

Is CBN Safe for Long-Term Use?

Currently, there’s no evidence of serious side effects or dependency risk associated with CBN when used appropriately. Most available research has evaluated short- to medium-term use (weeks to months), and studies to date suggest it’s well tolerated.

That said, because CBN is a relatively new supplement in mainstream wellness, long-term human data is still limited. To use CBN safely over time:

• Take occasional breaks (e.g., 1–2 nights off per week).
• Use the lowest effective dose.
• Rotate with other natural sleep aids if needed (like magnesium or herbal teas).
• Monitor for any tolerance or reduced effect.

As with any supplement, consistency matters—but so does awareness of your own body’s response.

CBN vs. CBD: What’s the Difference for Sleep?

CBN and CBD are both non-intoxicating cannabinoids, but they function differently, especially in the context of sleep:

Feature	CBN	CBD
Primary Use	Sedation, sleep depth	Anxiety reduction, mood regulation
Effect on Sleep	Promotes drowsiness, helps stay asleep	Helps reduce stress that may interfere with falling asleep
Psychoactive?	Mildly (in high doses)	No
Ideal For	Hormonal insomnia, mid-sleep wakings	General sleep support, stress-related insomnia
Best Paired With	Melatonin, THC, valerian root	CBN, magnesium, adaptogens

CBN is often described as the "sleep cannabinoid," while CBD plays a supportive role by calming the mind and body. Many people benefit from blends that include both cannabinoids, especially for insomnia related to menopause.

A Science-Backed Natural Option

Hormonal insomnia is one of Menopause’s most stubborn and exhausting symptoms. While traditional sleep meds can offer short-term relief, they’re not always ideal for ongoing use—and they don't address root causes like hormone disruption or anxiety.

CBN offers a science-supported, low-risk alternative that may help restore deeper sleep during midlife. From its interaction with the endocannabinoid and GABA systems to its gentle sedative properties, this cannabinoid is gaining traction for good reason.

If you’re struggling to rest through the night, CBN might be worth a conversation with your provider. It won't fix everything—but it may be a step toward feeling like yourself again.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBN for Sleep & Hormonal Insomnia

What is hormonal insomnia during menopause?

Hormonal insomnia is sleep disruption caused by declining estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause. These hormones help regulate melatonin, serotonin, and relaxation pathways—so when levels drop, women often experience night wakings, hot flashes, and poor sleep quality.

How can CBN help with hormonal insomnia?

CBN may support deeper, more stable sleep by interacting with CB1 receptors, influencing GABA activity, and improving overall sleep architecture. Studies show CBN may reduce nighttime awakenings and increase REM and non-REM sleep, making it promising for menopause-related sleep issues.

Is CBN safe for women over 50?

Current research suggests CBN is well tolerated with no known serious side effects. It does not appear to cause dependency and is considered safe for short- to medium-term use. However, women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), antidepressants, or sleep medications should consult a provider first.

What is the best way to take CBN for menopause-related insomnia?

Popular options include tinctures, softgels, and blended sleep formulas containing melatonin or CBD. Most women start with 2.5–5 mg of CBN taken 30–60 minutes before bed and increase gradually based on response.

What’s the difference between CBN and CBD for sleep?

CBN is more sedating and supports sleep depth and staying asleep, while CBD primarily helps reduce anxiety and stress that interfere with falling asleep. Many menopause sleep formulas combine both cannabinoids for more comprehensive support.

Can CBN be used long-term for sleep?

Possibly. While long-term studies are still limited, CBN appears safe when used responsibly. To avoid tolerance, experts recommend using the lowest effective dose, taking short breaks during the week, and rotating with other natural sleep aids such as magnesium or herbal teas.

Sources Cited

1. Maki, Pauline M. PhD1; Panay, Nick BSc, FRCOG2; Simon, James A. MD, MSCP3. Sleep disturbance associated with the menopause. Menopause 31(8):p 724-733, August 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002386 https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2024/08000/sleep_disturbance_associated_with_the_menopause.11.aspx

2. Arnold, Jonathon C et al. “A sleepy cannabis constituent: cannabinol and its active metabolite influence sleep architecture in rats.” Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 50,3 (2025): 586-595. doi:10.1038/s41386-024-02018-7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528623/

3. Bonn-Miller, Marcel O et al. “A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality.” Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology vol. 32,3 (2024): 277-284. doi:10.1037/pha0000682 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37796540/

4. Trainito, Alessandra et al. “Cannabinol (CBN) Influences the Ion Channels and Synaptic-Related Genes in NSC-34 Cell Line: A Transcriptomic Study.” Cells vol. 13,18 1573. 19 Sep. 2024, doi:10.3390/cells13181573 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11430194/

5. Dahlgren, M Kathryn et al. “A survey of medical cannabis use during perimenopause and postmenopause.” Menopause (New York, N.Y.) vol. 29,9 (2022): 1028-1036. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002018 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35917529/