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Many people consider using cannabidiol (CBD) for sleep, and various CBD products that claim to promote sleep are available online. Some evidence suggests that CBD may help with sleep-related issues, but research is limited overall.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
According to a 2021 study,
One 2020 review states that CBD may be helpful in the short term, specifically for sleeping difficulties relating to chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia.
The study authors suggest more research is necessary, especially as there is promising initial evidence that CBD may benefit:
However, it is important to note that CBD cannot cure sleep difficulties. In one case series,
More research is necessary to determine the long-term effects of CBD on sleep.
Medical News Today does not feature CBD products that contain melatonin. Melatonin products do not have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Additionally, there is very limited research into how CBD may interact with added ingredients such as melatonin, vitamins, or minerals. There are also
In April 2023, researchers published a
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
Below, we compare each product in terms of price, CBD dose, and more.
| Cornbread Hemp | Medterra | Soul | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | capsules | oil | gummies |
| CBD type | full-spectrum | CBD isolate | CBD isolate |
| Potency | 25 mg of CBD per capsule | 500–6,000 mg per bottle | 10–25 mg per gummy |
| Size | 30 capsules per bottle | 30–60 mL | 30 gummies per bottle |
| Price | $69.99 | $39.99 | $65 |
Want to read more about how to choose CBD? Read our complete buyer’s guide.
Most forms of CBD, whether oil, capsules, or gummies, are suitable to help support sleep.
It is important to consider dose when choosing which product to use. A person’s weight, sleep concerns, and the form of CBD they use are just a few factors that can affect how CBD works.
It is also important to know that it may take some time before people notice the effects of CBD. One study found that people reported an effect on sleep and anxiety scores around
A
The FDA notes that people may also experience
- diarrhea
- a decrease in appetite
- irritability and agitation
CBD can interact with other medications a person takes, which can lead to dangerous side effects. It is important to contact a doctor to discuss taking CBD, especially if a person is already taking any medication.
The FDA has only approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, which doctors prescribe to help treat certain seizures.
As the FDA does not regulate any other CBD product, it is important to check that the company a person chooses has up-to-date certificates of analysis (COA) for every product. COAs show that the product contains the amount of each ingredient it claims and ensures that the THC content is federally legal.
The best CBD gummy for sleep and anxiety is one that makes people feel more relaxed.
A 2019 study found that 25 mg of CBD per day helped reduce anxiety and improved sleep scores across 3 months.
One 2022 review suggests that the short-term use of medium-high dosages of CBD may be beneficial for insomnia. However, further scientific research is necessary to determine the effect of CBD on sleep. Additionally, products containing THC may have a negative effect on slow-wave sleep, which is a state of deep sleep.
People should never exceed the recommended dosage on a product’s packaging. It is also advisable to start with a low dose and work up until a person gets their desired effect.
One alternative is melatonin supplementation.
A 2022 study found that a combination of CBD and melatonin may work as well as traditional sleep medication. The authors write that the antioxidant activity of melatonin may help restore a person’s sleep cycle. CBD can reduce pain perception and promote relaxation.
However, it is important to consult a doctor before trying melatonin or CBD for sleep.
Yes, there is evidence that CBD can help sleep, at least in the short term. However, this area of study is relatively new, and more research is necessary to determine safe and effective doses.
Insomnia raises cortisol levels at night, which keeps a person awake. Research suggests that CBD may inhibit cortisol release, providing therapeutic relaxation. The best time to take CBD oil is shortly before going to bed. However, it is important to consider the absorption time on the product’s label.
Insomnia is the medical term for difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing quality sleep. It is a common condition that can present as acute or chronic.
Treatment for insomnia typically involves lifestyle changes to help improve sleep hygiene. In some cases, doctors may also recommend psychological therapies or prescription medication.
Research suggests that CBD has relaxing properties that may benefit people with insomnia. When choosing a CBD product, people may want to consider several factors, including the CBD’s type, strength, and source, as well as the cost of the final product.