With more people losing sleep, more companies are turning their eyes to sleep technology and a new generation of supplements and edibles to help those with sleep problems.
According to the Sleep Foundation, 80% of people who take supplements or prescription drugs for sleep experience residual effects such as feeling groggy, lack of concentration, and oversleeping the next day.
Some of the more popular over-the-counter sleep supplements include melatonin, valerian root, GABA, lavender products, and CBD oil. However, most of these still lack clinical research evidence to support their effectiveness as a sleep aid.
In recent years, people have begun to consider other cannabis-derived molecules besides CBD as sleep aids, as more wellness products tout the “relaxing” and “sleep-inducing” properties of rare cannabinoids like the CBN and the CBG.
There is not enough clinical evidence that melatonin helps with insomnia
The sleep-regulating hormone, melatonin, is one of the most popular sleep supplements, and in recent years, medical professionals have seen an increasing number of pediatric patients taking over-the-counter melatonin as a sleep aid.
According to an article published by the American Medical Association, melatonin can have negative side effects if used in excess, such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness or daytime sleepiness or even more serious consequences such as increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Some experts say that despite its popularity, melatonin needs more clinical research to prove its effectiveness and may not be right for everyone. However, there is not enough evidence that melatonin helps with chronic insomnia, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends avoiding melatonin to treat it.
U.S. melatonin sales in 2020 reached $821 million, double the 2017 sales of $339 million, according to a Statista review.
CBN and CBG are increasing in popularity as sleep and relaxation supplements
Cannabinol or CBN has been gaining popularity for its non-psychoactive medical properties, as some plant and rodent research has determined that the cannabinoid is antibacterial, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory, among other benefits. However, there is not enough research to prove its effectiveness.
Cannabigerol or CBG has been the latest rare cannabinoid to catch some eyeballs in the cannabis industry. Recent patient surveys of CBG use have shown that people are using the cannabinoid to deal with anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and insomnia.
The scant research on CBG in mice has shown that it might be effective as a treatment supplement for inflammatory bowel disease and to fight Huntington’s disease, but more studies are needed.
Chart by Potential Clinical Uses of CBG, Rahul Nachnani, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, and Kent E. Vrana, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics February 1, 2021.
Read more: Sleep technology market ‘dominated’ by US companies: DelveInsight report
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Dynaleo launches Canada’s first Delta 8 and CBG soft chews
On Wednesday, Dynaleo Inc. announced the launch of its soft chews under the Sunshower brand, which are among the first delta-8 and CBG products in Canada to be sold on the regulated market.
Its DynaThrive Pro Asian Pear CBG 1:1 soft blend will be available in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia in September, followed by Ontario in November.
Sunshower Delta 8 Solar Punch soft chews will be available in packs of 10 with 10 milligrams of delta-8 and 1 milligram of THC per piece.
On Wednesday, Dynaleo Inc. announced the launch of its soft chews under the Sunshower brand, which are among the first delta-8 and CBG products in Canada to be sold on the regulated market. Photo via Dynaleo
Other licensed producers in Canada, such as Aphria, which is owned by Tilray Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY) have launched products with CBN such as their Solei Renew Moonlight vaporizer that the company suggests to “turn off the lights and enjoy the moonlight”
Last month, Aphria launched its CBN Night oil which is supposed to help improve the duration and quality of sleep. The 50 milligram bottle contains 30 milligrams of CBN and 10 milligrams of THC per milliliter and is made from a broad spectrum cannabis distillate.
Peace Naturals Project Inc., owned by Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON ) (TSX: CRON ) released its Spinach FEELZ Blackberry Kush CBN (Deep Dreamz) which contains a blend of THC and CBN.
Based in Toronto MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS ) (OTCQX: MEDIF ) (FSE: MLZ ) sells the White x Appalachia hybrid, which is a hybrid high-CBG, high-CBD vape cartridge.
Read more: Dynaleo releases high-CBN gummies for use as sleep aids
Read more: Curaleaf expands portfolio of CBD edibles for relaxation and sleep
Some US companies, such as Wana Brands’ Wana Optimals, have released gummies that they say make a person fall asleep quickly and include a combination of cannabinoids and melatonin.
Wana Optimals Fast Asleep gummies were launched in September last year and contain CBD, CBN, CBG, THC and melatonin.
The Denver-based cannabis grower Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CWEB) (OTCQX: CWBHF) launched Charlotte’s WebCalm and Sleep Sprays with CBG and CBN aim to support a healthy sleep cycle.
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) has launched a line of edibles and topical gels targeting the health and wellness market. This July, the company launched its Plant Precision product line that will include gummy edibles with customizable doses of THC and other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN and THCV. Edibles are meant to fit different times of the day, such as ‘resting’, ‘sleeping’ or ‘starting the day with a buzz’.
Read more: 3 wearable devices that help you sleep and relax
Read more: Five-month Hapbee study shows products improve sleep and recovery
Read more: Sleep technology market ‘dominated’ by US companies: DelveInsight report
Sleep aid technology and wearables are gaining popularity
While supplements and pharmaceuticals are the most popular options for dealing with sleep problems, other companies are tackling the problem using clothing and technology using micro-vibrations.
According to a market study by research firm DelveInsight, the sleep devices market is estimated to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.67 percent during the period 2022-2027.
Companies like the one in Montreal Hapbee Technologies, Inc. (TSXV: HAPB ) (OTCQB: HAPBF ) (FSE: HA1 ) launched a neckband that uses its patented ultra-low radio frequency energy (ulRFE) “biostreaming” platform that delivers low-power electromagnetic signals that help to sleep and improve productivity. , recovery and relaxation during downtime.
Other wearables include Happy Health’s Happy Ring, which aims to improve sleep and accurately measure a person’s stress levels and mood throughout the day. The ring will be available exclusively in the United States and has received $60 million in funding for the debut of the new product from ARCH Venture Partners, an investor with offices in the US and Dublin, Ireland.
Pittsburgh-based startup Apollo Neuroscience Inc. has created a wearable, worn on the wrist or ankle, that improves the body’s endurance and stress response. The purpose of the wearable is to make you sleep, relax, focus, recover and generally feel better.
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