Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active ingredient in cannabis that may help people sleep. However, more studies are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness as a sleep aid.
People have long used the cannabis plant for medicinal and recreational purposes. Compounds called cannabinoids in the plant are responsible for the effects on the brain, and the two most abundant of these are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC and CBD are both psychoactive, but they affect the brain differently. Unlike THC, CBD is nonimpairing.
People use CBD for a variety of
Some studies have demonstrated that CBD may also be a sleep aid. In this article, we look at whether it works and any associated risks.

In the last decade, growing public interest in the benefits of marijuana, and CBD in particular, has encouraged researchers to study its effects.
Early studies indicate that high dosages of CBD may support sleep.
One investigation found that, compared with a placebo, a CBD dosage of
Levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, typically
In one study on the effects of CBD, researchers found that cortisol levels decreased more significantly when participants took
A more
The CBD dosages ranged from 25–175 mg. The researchers found that
During the 3-month study, the investigators followed up with the participants monthly. At the first follow-up, 66.7% reported an improvement in sleep, but 25% had worsened sleep. At the second, 56.1% of the participants reported improved sleep, but 26.8% had worsened sleep.
The researchers conclude that although CBD might help people sleep in the short term, the effects may not be sustained.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
Overall, the available evidence suggests that CBD is well-tolerated.
Some people report fatigue and mental sedation with CBD use, but researchers believe that this may be
Taking
However, determining whether there are long-term risks of CBD use will require further studies.
So far,
One study indicates that dosages of
Researchers do report that CBD may cause other
- alterations of cell viability, in studies conducted in cell cultures
- decreased fertilization capacity
- inhibition of drug metabolism in the liver
- decreased activity of P-glycoprotein and other drug transporters
If these effects on drug metabolism and transportation are confirmed, it would indicate that CBD interferes with other medications. Overall, more research is necessary.
Still, it is a good idea for anyone who wants to use CBD to speak with a healthcare provider first.
CBD has several
Researchers are interested in its effects on:
- anxiety
- other psychiatric disorders
- nausea and vomiting
- inflammation
The first CBD-based medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
Sativex is a CBD and THC combination medication used to help ease spasticity in people multiple sclerosis. However, the FDA has not approved this for use in the United States.
- chronic pain
- opioid addiction
- depression
- some types of acne and other inflammatory skin conditions
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- nausea as a result of chemotherapy
However, the capacity of CBD to address these issues remains unclear, and further research is necessary.
The mainstay of insomnia treatment is behavioral therapy. Some
- relaxation techniques
- stimulus control therapy
- sleep restriction therapy
- sleep hygiene practices
- paradoxical intention therapy
- cognitive restructuring
Some people may still require medications. Doctors may recommend controlled-release melatonin or prescribe doxepin for adults.
Or, they may recommend a Z-drug — a class of medications that help people stay asleep. Among them are zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata).
Benzodiazepines can help people sleep, but doctors do not recommend them as a sleep aid because of their high abuse potential.
Other sedative drugs that people sometimes use to support sleep include:
- antihistamines
- antiepileptics
- atypical antipsychotics
However, doctors do not recommend these as sleep aids unless a person requires them for another purpose.
Insomnia is common, particularly among older adults and people with other medical and psychiatric disorders.
Anyone who has trouble sleeping should speak with a doctor and avoid self-medicating. A person may be experiencing:
- trouble falling asleep
- trouble staying asleep
- poor sleep quality
The best approach to treatment depends on the type of difficulty sleeping, but a doctor may recommend behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination.
Anyone who thinks that they may be taking too many sleep aids or who is experiencing adverse effects of a sedative should speak with a doctor.
Insomnia is a common condition, and doctors typically recommend behavioral changes, sometimes in combination with prescription drugs.
Some people try to self-medicate sleeping problems with CBD. Taking CBD appears to be generally safe, though research into its effects, particularly in the long term, is limited.
Doctors are unsure whether CBD helps people sleep, but some evidence suggests that it may improve sleep duration.
Determining the most effective way to take CBD and the right amount to support sleep will require more studies.