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Many people consider CBD for sleep, and a wide range of products is 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, over 42% of people reported using CBD to help them sleep.
One 2020 review states that CBD may be helpful in the short term for sleeping difficulties due to chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia. The authors conclude that more research is necessary, especially as there is promising initial evidence that CBD may benefit:
sleep apnea
insomnia
post-traumatic stress disorder-related nightmares
restless leg syndrome
rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
narcolepsy
However, it is important to note that CBD is not a cure for sleep difficulties. In one case series, 66.7% of participants showed an improvement in sleep and anxiety scores in the first month, but these results fluctuated over time. Therefore, 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, and there is very limited research into how CBD may interact with added ingredients such as melatonin, vitamins, or minerals. There are also safety concerns around melatonin use in children.
In April 2023, researchers published a study showing that out of 25 melatonin gummy products, 88% had inaccurate labeling, and many did not contain the advertised melatonin dose.
Reviewers have tested some of the products below. All opinions are their own.
Below, we compare each product on price, CBD dose, and more.
Want to read more about how to choose CBD? Read our complete buyer’s guide.
Most forms of CBD, whether they be 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 difficulties, 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 score around one month after starting CBD, with maximum benefits starting at around three months. However, the researchers also note that scores fluctuated over time, which may mean people will not notice continuous improvements.
A 2019 study on CBD for sleep and anxiety found that most people tolerate CBD with few side effects. Of the 72 adults the researchers studied, five reported drowsiness and sedation.
The FDA notes that people may also experience the following side effects:
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 over the course of three months.
People should always speak with a doctor before using CBD if they are taking any medications.
CBD can interact with several types of medication, either making the medicine more or less effective. Doctors need to know whether a person is using CBD to adjust the dose of prescription medications as appropriate.
Some types of drugs CBD can affect include:
anti-epileptic drugs, such as carbamazepine and lamotrigine
benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam and diazepam
opioids, especially morphine
tricyclic anti-depressants, such as trimipramine and desipramine
One 2022 review suggests that 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.
