A cannabinoid supplement containing 3 mg THC, 6 mg CBN, and 10 mg CBD significantly improved sleep quality and insomnia symptoms compared to placebo in 20 adults with mild sleep problems.
Sleep medicine clinicians, adults with mild sleep problems, cannabinoid researchers
What the researchers found
In a double-blind crossover trial of 20 adults with subthreshold insomnia, a multi-cannabinoid oral supplement (3 mg THC, 6 mg CBN, 10 mg CBD, plus terpenes) significantly improved sleep quality/efficiency, insomnia symptoms, and health-related quality of life compared to placebo after 10 days. Mood and anxiety showed non-significant trends toward improvement. Anxiety improved significantly from baseline for the supplement group. No adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
This is one of the few controlled trials testing a low-dose multi-cannabinoid formulation specifically for sleep. The combination of THC, CBN, and CBD at low doses with a terpene blend may offer a more targeted approach than high-dose single-cannabinoid products.
The numbers in context
20 adults; mean age 47.4; 10-day treatment periods; 3 mg THC + 6 mg CBN + 10 mg CBD per softgel; significant improvements in sleep quality, insomnia symptoms, quality of life (p<0.05); no adverse events; non-significant mood improvements
How the study worked
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot trial. 20 adults with subthreshold insomnia (mean age 47.4) completed 10 days in each condition with a 2-week washout. Validated questionnaires assessed sleep, mood, stress, pain, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life.
What this study cannot tell us
Very small sample (N=20). Short treatment period (10 days). Self-reported sleep measures without objective polysomnography. Subthreshold insomnia only; may not apply to clinical insomnia. Washout adequacy not verified. Industry-funded study warrants independent replication.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: very small pilot trial with short treatment duration and subjective outcomes only.
When this study was published
2025 publication
The bigger picture
Many cannabis users report using it for sleep, but controlled evidence is limited. Low-dose multi-cannabinoid formulations represent a growing product category that may be more appropriate for sleep than high-THC products.
Questions still open
- Would these benefits persist with longer-term use?
- Which cannabinoid component (THC, CBN, or CBD) drives the sleep benefit?
Read the original research
Effectiveness of a Cannabinoids Supplement on Sleep and Mood in Adults With Subthreshold Insomnia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Trial.
Health science reports, 8(2), e70481
Citation
Hausenblas, Heather; Hooper, Stephanie; Lynch, Tarah. (2025). Effectiveness of a Cannabinoids Supplement on Sleep and Mood in Adults With Subthreshold Insomnia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Trial.. Health science reports, 8(2), e70481. https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70481
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