Written by Lindsay Boyers, Functional Nutritionist
Mainstream CBD use is still fairly new, which means we still have a lot to learn about how it works and its potential health benefits. That being said, emerging research suggests that CBD may help alleviate symptoms of insomnia1 and improve sleep quality2. There’s also evidence that CBD may help reduce feelings of anxiety3, which can indirectly improve sleep if anxiety is what’s keeping you up at night.
Like all dietary supplements, CBD is not closely regulated by the FDA. That said, due to its increasing popularity, many companies now produce it. This can make it difficult to separate high-quality CBD from sub-par options. To add to that, CBD is available in a wide range of different forms, from full-spectrum tinctures to broad-spectrum topicals.
I’ve personally been taking CBD oil for the past four years and, as a functional nutritionist, I’ve heavily researched it too. In this article, I’ve combined my personal experiences with my professional opinion to recommend the eight best CBD products for sleep.
Best CBD for Sleep
- Head & Heal Extra Strength Sleep CBD/CBN Oil – Editor’s Pick
- MedTerra Isolate CBD Oil – Best Isolate CBD Oil for Sleep
- Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion – Best CBD Lotion for Sleep
- Lazarus Naturals Full-Spectrum Sleep Tincture – Best Full-Spectrum CBD for Sleep
- Cornbread Hemp CBD Sleep Gummies – Best CBD Gummy for Sleep
- Aspen Green Relief Full Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream – Best CBD Cream for Sleep
- cbdMD Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture for Sleep – Best CBD Tincture for Sleep
- Charlotte’s Web Lavender Hemp-Infused Roll On – Best CBD Roll On for Sleep
How We Chose the Top CBD Oil for Sleep
To come up with our list, we consulted the expertise of our writer, Lindsay Boyers, a functional nutritionist. Our experts review the ingredients, effectiveness, side effects, price, and more to make sure that users find the highest quality products available.
Editor’s Pick
Head & Heal Extra Strength Sleep CBD/CBN Oil
The Head & Heal’s CBD oil is designed for sleep, as it combines 600 milligrams of CBD and 600 milligrams of CBN, which is a milder version of THC. The company has its own farms, which is a plus.
Head & Heal Score
4.50 / 5
Why Head & Heal Earned Editor’s Pick
Head & Heal’s CBD oil was designed specifically for sleep. It combines 600 milligrams of CBD with 600 milligrams of CBN, or cannabinol, per bottle. This means that each one-milliliter dose will contain 20 milligrams of both CBD and CBN per serving.
CBN is often referred to as a milder version of THC since it’s formed from the breakdown of THC4. While more research is needed to make definitive claims, there’s preliminary scientific evidence — and plenty of anecdotal evidence (myself included) — that CBN can help promote sleep5.
Additionally, Head & Heal is farmer-owned — the company has their own farms where they also grow organic vegetables — so there’s more control over the manufacturing and production. They also make their COAs readily available on their website and provide information about how to interpret the lab results, which is a nice touch. For reference, a COA is a certificate of analysis6 showing the results of scientific testing on the product, including the potency of the ingredients in it.
What’s Head & Heal CBD/CBN Oil Made Of?
Head & Heal CBD/CBN Oil has just two ingredients: organic full-spectrum hemp and organic fractionated coconut oil. The hemp is grown in the US on the brand’s own certified organic farm in New York.
Our Take: This is an all-around great CBD that harnesses the synergistic effects of CBD and CBN. Plus, it’s made with organic hemp that’s grown by the company themselves.
What We Liked
- Organic ingredients – There are minimal ingredients and both are organic. The company also grows their own hemp, so they have control over production and manufacturing.
- Equal doses of CBD and CBN – While the jury is still out on the sleep-inducing effects of CBN, there’s some research (and anecdotal evidence) that this combination is better for sleep.
- Ease of use – This product is designed to be taken approximately 30 minutes before bed, via their convenient dropper bottle, for a more restful night’s sleep.
Potential Drawbacks
- Some may be more sensitive to CBN – According to Head & Heal, some people may be more sensitive to CBN. If you’re still interested in taking this product, though, they advise using fewer milligrams in your dose.
- There are no flavor options – This will have a strong earthy taste, which may be hard for some people to tolerate.
Explore our picks for the Best CBD Oil (not just for sleep)
Best Isolate CBD Oil for Sleep
MedTerra Isolate CBD Oil
This full-spectrum CBD oil is grown and sourced in the USA, featuring third-party certifications and a risk-free 30-day trial.
Why MedTerra Earned Best Isolate CBD Oil for Sleep
MedTerra is our top pick for those who prefer an isolate. While this CBD isolate doesn’t offer the entourage effect of full-spectrum CBD, it’s a good choice for those who are looking for pure cannabidiol.
According to the brand, it’s made with at least 99.6 percent CBD that is grown and sourced in the United States. MedTerra keeps a close eye on production, and all CBD oil is third-party tested and certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority7, which ensures quality and potency. For added peace of mind, all COAs are readily available on the brand’s website.
This CBD oil comes in four strengths: 500 milligrams, 1,000 milligrams, 3,000 milligrams, and 6,000 milligrams, so it’s an excellent option for beginners to experienced CBD users. We suggest that new CBD users start with the 500-milligram option to assess their initial tolerance. That said, multiple studies have shown that higher doses may be necessary to experience the potential benefits. Dosage levels ranging from 150 to 400 milligrams per day8 have been shown to be effective, at least in terms of treating anxiety.
What’s MedTerra Isolate CBD Oil Made Of?
MedTerra’s Isolate CBD Oil combines 99.6 percent U.S.-grown hemp with certified organic MCT oil. Because it’s an isolate, it contains no traceable THC, which you can confirm via the COAs on the website.
Our Take: This is a pure CBD that contains at least 99.6 percent cannabidiol and less than 0.01 percent THC. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer to completely avoid THC.
What We Liked
- Available in multiple strengths – You can purchase this CBD in strengths from 500 milligrams to 6,000 milligrams. This makes it a good choice for beginners to experienced CBD users.
- Certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority – This is an optional certification that ensures what’s in the bottle matches MedTerra’s claims. It shows that MedTerra values third-party testing and transparency.
Potential Drawbacks
- No entourage effect – Because this is pure CBD, it doesn’t offer the entourage effect9 of full-spectrum oils. It may not be as effective for sleep as others with a range of cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Unflavored only – There are no flavored versions of this product. It can taste earthy and may be off-putting for those who don’t like the natural flavor of hemp.
Best CBD Lotion for Sleep
Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion
This CBD lavender lotion is a topical product with 200 milligrams of broad-spectrum CBD, organic lavender water, and lavender oil.
Calm by Wellness Score
5.00 / 5
Why Calm by Wellness Earned Best CBD Lotion for Sleep
CBD topicals aren’t as well-studied for sleep as they are for pain management, but this CBD Lavender Lotion from Calm by Wellness pulls double duty. It combines 200 milligrams of broad-spectrum CBD with organic lavender water and organic lavender oil, which are both well-studied for their sleep benefits.
Research shows that lavender can improve sleep quality in those with10 and without insomnia11. Some studies also suggest that just smelling lavender before bedtime can help you wake up feeling more refreshed12. And if pain or neuropathy is keeping you up at night, the CBD in this lotion may help ease that13, which can indirectly help with sleep.
It is a bit pricey, but Calm by Wellness offers a bulk discount and a subscription option. If you purchase three or six bottles at once, you can save up to 23 percent. If you subscribe for a recurring delivery, the price drops by 30 percent.
What’s Calm by Wellness CBD Lotion Made Of?
We like this lotion specifically because it has mostly organic ingredients plus other beneficial compounds like rose water and willow bark, and it doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrances.
Our Take: This CBD lotion has synergistic ingredients that work together to promote calmness and help manage pain. We also like that most of the ingredients are organic and there are no synthetic fragrances.
What We Liked
- Organic ingredients – Ingredients are organic and beneficial for your skin or health. There are no synthetic fragrances which can be bothersome to some and may cause health issues.
- Contains lavender – It has lavender essential oil and lavender water, which work with the CBD to calm you down and promote sleep.
Potential Drawbacks
- It’s pricey – At about $36 per bottle, it’s not cheap, but you can get a substantial discount if you buy in bulk or subscribe to a recurring delivery.
- CBD may not be as effective topically – There’s not much research on whether or not topical CBD can directly affect sleep. That being said, it can help manage pain, which could be a contributing factor to your sleep troubles.
Best Full-Spectrum CBD for Sleep
Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
The Lazarus Naturals CBD oil comes from the hemp grown on Lazarus Farms. The oil is available in three flavor options, including chocolate mint, strawberry lemonade, and classic or natural.
Lazarus Naturals Score
4.10 / 5
Why Lazarus Naturals Earned Best Full-Spectrum CBD for Sleep
Full-spectrum CBD is the gold standard for effectiveness, and this tincture from Lazarus Naturals may be extra helpful for sleep thanks to the higher concentration of CBN and CBG (cannabigerol). While there’s not a lot of research on hemp-based CBG specifically, one study looking at cannabis with higher concentrations of CBG14 found that they could help with insomnia, as well as chronic pain and anxiety — two things that can disrupt your sleep.
This tincture has the highest concentration of CBD (30 milligrams) with equal amounts of CBN (10 milligrams) and CBG (10 milligrams) in each serving.
Another nod to the company, Lazarus Naturals grows their hemp on their own farms, so they have full control over manufacturing. Yet, all products are still third-party tested and all COAs are available on the website. You just enter the batch number of your specific product to see the full lab report.
What’s Lazarus Naturals Full-Spectrum Sleep Tincture Made Of?
This tincture has just three ingredients: organic full-spectrum hemp extract, organic hempseed oil, and organic coconut MCT oil. Reviewers say it has a nice, relaxation-inducing effect, but without ingredients like melatonin, which can cause drowsiness.
Our Take: This is a synergistic blend with high concentrations of three cannabinoids — CBD, CBG, and CBN — that work together to help improve sleep quality. We like it because it promotes relaxation without a sedative effect.
What We Liked
- High concentrations of several cannabinoids – This tincture has a blend of CBD, CBG, and CBN. This can help promote relaxation without a sedative effect.
- The company grows their own hemp – Lazarus Naturals has full control over the growth and production of their hemp. This makes contamination less likely.
Potential Drawbacks
- Only comes in one potency – This is a high-potency CBD. There are no options for beginners or those who want lower potencies.
- Should only be used at night – Because this is formulated for sleep, it’s not a great option for daytime use. If you want a CBD to take during the day, you’ll have to buy another formulation.
Best CBD Gummy for Sleep
Cornbread Hemp CBD Sleep Gummies
The Cornbread Hemp sleep gummies have organic ingredients and only two grams of sugar. Other ingredients include chamomile, valerian, and lavender.
Cornbread Score
4.00 / 5
Why Cornbread Hemp Earned Best CBD Gummy for Sleep
Some gummies are loaded with artificial ingredients, but these CBD Sleep Gummies from Cornbread Hemp have a fully organic ingredient list with minimal amounts (2 grams) of sugar. Organic, full-spectrum hemp flower is the star of the show, but there’s also a specially formulated sleep blend that includes relaxation-inducing ingredients like chamomile, lavender, and valerian — an herbal root that’s been shown to improve sleep and associated issues15 like anxiety.
They come in two strengths — 750 milligrams and 1,500 milligrams — and you’ll get 25 or 50 milligrams of CBD per serving, depending on which one you choose. What’s more impressive is that a serving is only one gummy; you have to take three or four from other brands to get a similar dose.
Cornbread Hemp is also cGMP-certified and transparent about their manufacturing and lab results. Each jar comes with a QR code that you can scan to pull up the COA right from your phone.
What Are Cornbread Hemp CBD Sleep Gummies Made Of?
The Cornbread Hemp CBD Sleep Gummies have a pretty long list of ingredients, but they’re all-natural and organic. The full ingredient list is as follows: organic blue agave, organic cane sugar, distilled water, organic flavoring (strawberry), organic hemp flower extract, organic herbal sleep blend (chamomile, lavender, valerian root extracts), organic tapioca syrup, organic carnauba wax, apple pectin, organic citric acid, organic butterfly pea powder, organic lavender flower, organic chamomile flower, organic tapioca flour, organic rose petals, sodium lactate.
Our Take: We like these gummies because they’re low in sugar and you only have to take one to get 25 or 50 milligrams of CBD (depending on which strength you choose).
What We Liked
- One-gummy serving – You only have to take one gummy to get 25 or 50 milligrams of CBD. For other gummies, you have to take three or four to get the same dosage.
- Mostly organic ingredient list – Many gummies have unnecessary fillers and additives, but this one is mostly organic and contains only natural ingredients.
Potential Drawbacks
- No flavor options – There’s only one flavor, and Cornbread Hemp doesn’t specify what it is. Some might prefer more, or specific, flavors to choose from.
- Can stick together – Several users say the gummies are too soft and can fuse together. This can make it hard to take just one.
Best CBD Cream for Sleep
Aspen Green Relief Full Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream
This CBD cream helps with pain and soreness, featuring a combination of organic menthol and organic arnica. The CBD in this cream comes from certified organic farms in Colorado.
Why Aspen Green Relief Earned Best CBD Cream for Sleep
If you have aches and pains that are keeping you up at night, you may want to try a CBD cream. On its own, topical CBD has been shown to help with pain and soreness, but the Aspen Green Relief Full Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream is super-boosted with a combination of organic arnica and organic menthol that may contribute to a pain-free16 (and more restful) night.
This cream was formulated by physicians from the Mayo Clinic, and it’s made from CBD that was grown on certified organic farms in Colorado. The company complies with cGMP best practices and makes their products in an FDA-registered facility. Everything is also third-party tested and each jar has a QR label that makes it easy to access lab results.
What’s Aspen Green Relief CBD Cream Made Of?
The Aspen Green Relief CBD cream combines 1,000 milligrams of organic full-spectrum hemp with a handful of other ingredients, both active and inactive. The full ingredient list includes purified water, organic mango kernel butter, organic jojoba seed oil, organic hemp seed oil, organic evening primrose oil, glyceryl stearate, cetearyl alcohol, sodium stearoyl lactylate, organic arnica extract, organic calendula extract, organic menthol, organic proprietary full spectrum hemp extract, phenoxyethanol, organic tea tree oil, and tocopherol.
Our Take: This CBD cream is a good option for those with persistent aches and pains that might be contributing to poor sleep.
What We Liked
- Many active ingredients – This cream combines CBD with arnica, menthol, tea tree, and evening primrose oil. These work together to improve pain and have nourishing skin benefits too.
- High concentration of CBD – A single jar has 1,000 milligrams of CBD, which makes this a potent cream.
Potential Drawbacks
- Has a cooling effect – The menthol and tea tree oil in this cream have a cooling effect that may be bothersome to some.
- Expensive – A single jar costs just under $90, which is a lot for a CBD cream. We think it’s worth it, but it may not work for those on a tighter budget.
Best CBD Tincture for Sleep
cbdMD Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture for Sleep
This cbdMD tincture has a blend of sleep-supporting ingredients such as chamomile, lemon balm, valerian root, and hops. It also contains 5 milligrams of melatonin, which helps you sleep better.
Why cbdMD Earned Best CBD Tincture for Sleep
This broad-spectrum tincture from cbdMD is a potent blend of multiple sleep-supporting ingredients. The bottle contains 1,500 milligrams of broad-spectrum CBD (40 milligrams per serving), plus chamomile, hops, lemon balm, passion flower extract17, and valerian root — all of which have some research to show that they can promote better sleep and/or help you manage stress and anxiety.
It also contains 5 milligrams of melatonin, which may be a plus or downside depending on what you’re looking for. Melatonin has more of a sedative effect than the other ingredients, so it can make you drowsy18. That being said, melatonin is also a notably effective sleep aid. Because of this, this tincture is only intended for strict nighttime use.
Also, cbdMD sources their hemp from U.S. farmers, and every batch is third-party tested for potency and purity. You can access the COAs directly through the website, so you can put in the batch number of your product to see all the results.
What’s cbdMD Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Made Of?
This CBD oil is naturally flavored and comes in two options: berry and mint. It has 1,500 milligrams of CBD per bottle, plus chamomile flower extract, hops flower extract, lemon balm extract, passion flower extract, valerian root extract, and melatonin.
Our Take: This tincture has a lot of sleep-promoting ingredients, one of which is melatonin. It’s best for those who want to take CBD strictly at night.
What We Liked
- Several supporting ingredients – In addition to CBD, this tincture contains chamomile, passion flower extract, and valerian root. These ingredients are well-studied and can promote sleep while reducing stress and anxiety.
- It’s available in two flavors – There are two flavor options — mint and berry — for those who don’t like the taste of unflavored CBD.
Potential Drawbacks
- Contains melatonin – Some people may experience adverse side effects from melatonin, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness19.
- It’s not full-spectrum – This is a broad-spectrum CBD, so it doesn’t have the full entourage effect of oils that also contain small amounts of THC.
Best Roll On CBD
Charlotte’s Web Lavender Hemp-Infused Roll On
This roller has bergamot, lavender, and chamomile oils, all of which help improve sleep. On top of that, Charlotte’s Web grows its own hemp on certified organic farms and has products certified by third-party testers.
Why Charlotte’s Web Earned Best Roll On
Aromatherapy has been shown to improve sleep quality20 and reduce pain, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Specifically, this roller combines 100 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD with lavender oil, chamomile oil, and bergamot oil. All three essential oils can help improve sleep, but bergamot has additional benefits. Some studies show that using bergamot oil before bedtime can relax the mind and body, but it may also make it easier to wake up in a good mood21.
In addition to the high-quality formulation, there’s a lot of good to say about the company itself, too. Charlotte’s Web grows all of their own hemp on certified organic farms and they’re B-Corp Certified22, which means they do everything ethically and sustainably.
All products are certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority and third-party tested. COAs are available on the company’s website.
What’s Charlotte’s Web Roll On Made Of?
The Charlotte’s Web Lavender Hemp-Infused Roll On has only high-quality ingredients. It combines three essential oils — bergamot, lavender, and chamomile — with CBD extract. It’s completely natural and made without parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial dyes and colors.
Our Take: This roll-on combines three essential oils with CBD, so it’s an excellent option for those who want to take advantage of the sleep-promoting benefits of aromatherapy.
What We Liked
- High-quality ingredients – This roll-on only has a handful of high-quality ingredients. It’s free of synthetic fragrances and dyes and is purely beneficial.
- Easy to apply – Because this is a roller, it’s easy to apply to your wrists or temples before bedtime.
Potential Drawbacks
- Lower concentration of CBD – This whole roller only has 100 milligrams of CBD, which is much lower than the other options on the list. It’s not meant to match the concentration of oils and tinctures.
- Aromatherapy isn’t for everyone – This has a stronger scent than other products, and some people might be sensitive to essential oils.
Comparing the Top CBD for Sleep
| CBD Product | Price Range | Type | Form | Our Pick For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head & Heal Extra Strength Sleep CBD/CBN Oil | $95 | Full-spectrum | Oil | Editor’s Pick |
| MedTerra Isolate CBD Oil | $39.99 to $199.99 | Isolate | Oil | Best Isolate CBD Oil for Sleep |
| Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion | $35.99 | Broad-spectrum | Lotion | Best CBD Lotion for Sleep |
| Lazarus Naturals Full-Spectrum Sleep Tincture | $40 to $120 | Full-spectrum | Oil | Best Full-Spectrum CBD for Sleep |
| Cornbread Hemp CBD Sleep Gummies | $49.99 to $74.99 | Full-spectrum | Gummies | Best CBD Gummy for Sleep |
| Aspen Green Relief Full Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream | $89.99 | Full-spectrum | Cream | Best CBD Cream for Sleep |
| cbdMD Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture for Sleep | $49.99 | Broad-spectrum | Tincture | Best CBD Tincture for Sleep |
| Charlotte’s Web Lavender Hemp-Infused Roll On | $14.99 | Full-Spectrum | Roll-On | Best CBD Roll-On for Sleep |
Can CBD Help You Sleep?
Because mainstream CBD use is still fairly new, there isn’t a ton of research on the subject of CBD oil and sleep. That being said, there are a handful of studies that suggest that CBD may help you sleep in various ways.
For starters, one study looked at how CBD affects sleep in people with insomnia. Researchers found that CBD could help improve symptoms, with or without THC1. Another review found that CBD could improve overall sleep quality23, decrease sleep disturbances, and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.
CBD may help with sleep indirectly too. Research shows that it can improve the symptoms of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders24 like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If stress and anxiety are keeping you up at night, or preventing you from falling asleep, CBD may be able to help.There’s also evidence that CBD can help improve chronic pain25, which can also contribute to better sleep if aches and pains are contributing factors to poor sleep.
Is CBD Oil Safe?
CBD oil is safe for most people. That being said, there are still some people who should use caution when taking it.
For starters, those on blood-thinning medications, like anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, should always talk to their healthcare provider before taking CBD. Some research suggests that CBD can interfere with these medications, which could increase the risk of stroke26.
Aside from that, while CBD is generally well-tolerated, it can trigger side effects in some people. If side effects do occur, they’re usually mild27. The most common side effects are:
- Sleepiness
- Diarrhea
- Increased body temperature
Side effects are more likely to occur when you first start taking CBD28 and then go away as your body adjusts to the new supplement. Side effects are also more likely with high doses of CBD, although research shows that 1,500 milligrams of CBD29 (a very high dose) is well tolerated by most people.
You can reduce the chances of side effects by starting slowly and giving your body time to get used to the CBD. Take a little bit to start, and slowly work your way up to your preferred dose.
What to Look for in a CBD Product for Sleep
Type of CBD
CBD comes in various types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
Full-spectrum CBDs are considered the gold standard. They contain cannabidiol, as well as all the other cannabinoids, including a very small amount of THC. Studies suggest that full-spectrum CBD is the most effective30 of all types since all these cannabinoids work together.
Full-spectrum CBD isn’t for everyone though. If you’d rather avoid THC completely, broad-spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids except for THC. This gives you some of that synergistic effect.
CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol. All the other cannabinoids have been removed, and you’re left with about 99 percent CBD31 depending on the specific product. This offers the specific benefits of cannabidiol but doesn’t have the same synergistic effect as full-spectrum options.
More: What is The Endocannabinoid System?
The Form It Comes In
There are different forms you can choose from too. An oil/tincture is a common choice since it works quickly and is easy to drop in your mouth. However, some don’t like the taste of oils, especially if they’re unflavored.
If you want to take CBD orally but don’t want oil, you can opt for gummies instead. Just be mindful of the ingredients and the sugar content, especially if you’re taking them before bedtime. Excess sugar can contribute to poor sleep quality32.
If you want to try topical CBD, there are creams, lotions, roll-ons, and gels. There’s not as much research on how the CBD in topicals affects sleep directly, but topicals can help with pain, which can indirectly improve sleep.
Potency
You’ll want to think about potency too. There’s no single potency that’s best for everyone, but if you’re new to CBD, you may want to start with a lower potency to see how it affects you and slowly work your way up if needed.
Generally, you can find oils and gummies that contain anywhere from 10 milligrams to 50 milligrams (or more) of CBD per serving. Beginners should stick with the lower end of the range, while more experienced users can go for the higher potency.
Flavor or Scent
Some CBDs are flavored or scented, so this is something else that can help you narrow down your decision.
In some cases, flavors can make the CBD more palatable but have no other real benefit. For example, some manufacturers add mint or citrus flavors to CBD oil to mask the earthy flavor and make it easier to ingest orally.
However, flavors and scents can also have a therapeutic effect. For example, you might find a chamomile-flavored CBD that can have double calming benefits. The same is true for lavender-scented CBDs. If real lavender essential oil is used, it can complement the CBD, helping to calm you down and promote better sleep.
Intended Use
While all high-quality CBD oil may help with sleep in some way, you might also want to consider your (and the product’s) intended use. CBD supplements that are specifically formulated for sleep may have added ingredients, such as lavender, chamomile, valerian, and/or melatonin, that can help promote better sleep. They may also have higher concentrations of other cannabinoids like CBN and/or CBG.
If you want to take CBD purely for sleep, these ingredients can be beneficial. However, if you want to use CBD during the day too, you might not want too many relaxation-inducing ingredients, especially melatonin, because of the potential for drowsiness.
Explore: Best Melatonin Supplements for Sleep
Additional Ingredients
As mentioned above, many CBD products formulated for sleep have added ingredients that can help you fall asleep or calm you down so you can drift off to sleep more easily if anxiety or stress are issues for you.
Some of these ingredients, like lavender and chamomile, have a gentler effect. On the other hand, some, like melatonin, have more of a sedative effect that can leave you feeling drowsy if taken at the wrong time and/or in the wrong dose.
When choosing a CBD product, decide what type of effect you want and then narrow down your choices from there.
You’ll also want to think about any additional inactive ingredients. The CBD you choose should be as pure as possible with little to no fillers. If you get a flavored CBD, make sure the flavors are natural.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing is vital to ensure you’re getting a quality CBD product, but testing hemp products isn’t as straightforward as other types of supplements. The USP and NSF don’t oversee CBD products, so you’ll want to look for certifying agents that deal with CBD specifically. These include:
- U.S. Hemp Authority – This is an independent third-party organization that was established in 2018 — the same year hemp products were fully legalized.1 They have rigorous standards for growing and manufacturing hemp and hemp products.
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) – This is a standard FDA certification33 that can cover all types of supplements. A cGMP designation means that the company is meeting rigorous standards for a variety of steps in the process, including development, monitoring, and manufacturing.
In addition to these certifications, you also want to look for a certificate of analysis (COA). A COA is a report from a third-party lab that verifies purity and potency, as well as the specific dosage of CBD (and the other cannabinoids). Many labs do these COA reports, so when looking for a credible one, you want to make sure the lab is accredited and independent from the company selling the CBD.
These COAs should be easily accessible on the brand’s website too. You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get access to them.
Where Can I Buy CBD Products?
Since their widespread legalization in 2018, CBD products have been available far and wide. You can buy them almost everywhere now, from your local convenience store to dispensaries. Of course, CBD products are also available online through many independent retailers.
However, just because CBD is available everywhere doesn’t mean you should buy it anywhere you can find it. When shopping for CBD, you want to make sure you’re buying a quality product brand from a reputable brand. So how do you do this?
For starters, you want to make sure the company is very transparent about where the CBD comes from and how it’s processed. They should list this information on their website and also give you easy access to COAs for each product.
When shopping for CBD, also make sure the CBD is grown and manufactured in the United States. This ensures that the company follows U.S.-based regulations and that you’re getting a product that contains less than 0.3 percent THC.
When Should I See a Doctor About Sleep Issues?
Everyone has difficulty sleeping once in a while, but if your sleep troubles are interfering with your daily life, it’s time to check in with a healthcare provider. Difficulty falling asleep more often than not and/or constantly waking up in the middle of the night are both signs that something may be wrong. Dozing off during the day and extreme fatigue are also signals to call your healthcare provider.
Of course, you don’t have to wait until things get severe. If you feel like something is off, a check-up can help rule out any underlying medical problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form of CBD is most effective?
Generally, full-spectrum CBD is considered more effective than broad-spectrum or CBD isolate. This is thanks to the entourage effect, which means that all compounds in the hemp plant, including the THC, work synergistically for the greatest benefit.32 Some animal research also suggests that the presence of THC can increase the bioavailability of CBD34 . Broad-spectrum oils and isolates have all of the THC removed.
What is the best CBD dosage for sleep?
Since research is still fairly limited, there isn’t a conclusive recommendation for the “best” CBD dosage for sleep. Most studies about CBD’s effect on sleep use doses that are dependent on body weight — typically 1 to 50 milligrams per kilogram35 .
What drugs should not be taken with CBD?
There’s not a ton of research on this either, but there are some known contraindications for CBD. Some studies suggest that CBD may affect the way your body metabolizes some blood-thinning medications, which could increase your risk of stroke.26 Because of this, you should talk to your doctor if you’re on anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications.
Lindsay Boyers
Functional Nutritionist, Expert Reviewer
About Author
Lindsay Boyers is a functional nutritionist with extensive experience in sleep, supplements, and other areas of health and wellness. She is also currently taking a sleep science certification course.
Combination Sleeper
References:
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