CBD is a new major treatment for all sorts of disorders that are affected by the nervous system. Sleeping problems, such as insomnia, are great examples of some of the disorders that the nervous system in the body works to regulate. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant. But don’t be frightened– cannabidiol isn’t psychoactive, and it won’t alter your mental state. It’s delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly shortened to THC, a separate compound that induces euphoria. Tiny trace amounts of THC in CBD products may cause peace of mind and calmness; however, these are just some more benefits of these products. Both CBD and THC are derived from the hemp plant, but research proves CBD products are entirely safe to use for adults.
Cannabinoids are the terms used for the compounds in the hemp plant that are closely related in their makeup. CBD falls under this group of cannabinoids. While CBD is probably the most potent and beneficial compound in hemp, other cannabinoids can work together with CBD and produce an ‘entourage effect’, which further maximizes the advantages of using CBD products. We’ll cover more on the entourage effect and how you can get products with cannabinoids in them later on in this article.
Looking at The Research on CBD and Sleep
According to a national study, CBD and other cannabinoids can help with a multitude of sleep disorders. Cannabinoids have been proven to help with sleep apnea due to their serotonin-mediating properties and reduce nightmares caused by PTSD as well as offer improved sleep for those with chronic pain disorders. CBD can also cure ‘REM sleep behavior disorder’ and ‘excessive daytime sleepiness’,[1] or narcolepsy.
When it comes to excessive daytime sleepiness, studies have shown that CBD helps by increasing alertness and helping you focus. REM sleep behavior disorder is common in people with neurodegenerative diseases, which are mainly older people. They may talk or make aggressive movements in their sleep without realizing.
The Sleep Foundation organization states that a study found CBD helped manage REM sleep behavior disorder symptoms in multiple patients with Parkinson’s disease.[2] Also, CBD can help with insomnia by calming thoughts and reducing anxiety before bed, which is a common cause of the inability to fall asleep as easily as one would like.
Top 7 CBD Oil Brands for Sleep and Insomnia
- FAB CBD – Best Overall
- Populum – Best Lab Testing
- PlusCBD – Best Full Spectrum
- Cheef Botanicals – Best Value
- Green Roads – Best Formulators
- Medterra CBD – Most Powerful
- Joy Organics – Best Broad Spectrum
What We Considered To Find The Best CBD Oil for Sleep
Source of hemp
When ordering from a brand you aren’t sure that you can trust, you may potentially be ordering illegal CBD that may contain more THC than what is allowed (0.03 percent). In addition to this, low-quality hemp simply creates low-quality products. All the brands we have picked source their hemp in the United States, on high-quality farms using the best CBD extraction methods for the job.
Other ingredients
In the list below, only brands that use natural and cruelty-free ingredients were added. Especially when it comes to CBD oil for sleep, other ingredients can play a major part in whether or not the product will help you sleep or even do the opposite. Some of the companies below offer CBD oils formulated specifically for sleep, and they contain ingredients like melatonin so that the combination of CBD and melatonin will guarantee you effortless rest. Artificial ingredients and unhealthy preservatives can undermine the efficiency of the product and can also be dangerous to consume.
Extraction method
While your CBD oil may look just like all of the other oils on the market, the extraction process can vary greatly between companies. We ensured to provide you with a list of brands that only use CO2 extraction, the safest, cleanest, and most environmentally sustainable method for CBD extraction, even if it isn’t the cheapest.
The type of CBD
You can purchase CBD oil in the form of full-spectrums. Many brands also might offer the oil in broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD types. We’ll get more into the specifics of each of the three in the later parts of this article. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum contain cannabinoids from the hemp, while isolate is purely CBD. Therefore, most people prefer full-spectrum or broad-spectrum for the entourage effect. Full-spectrum oil has more cannabinoids than broad-spectrum, but it may contain very small legal trace amounts of THC, while broad-spectrum does not.
Third-party testing
Probably the most important factor on this list, third-party lab testing ensures that the product you are receiving is completely safe, legal, and doesn’t contain heavy metals or pesticides. It also checks to make sure that there is no illegal amount of THC and the correct amount of CBD. Every single brand on this list is third-party lab tested and also offers their lab reports on their website so that you can check them out for yourself.
Best CBD Oils for Sleep and Insomnia
#1 FAB CBD: Best Overall
Highlights
- Organic hemp
- 100% Natural Ingredients
- No harsh chemicals or pesticides
- No artificial sweeteners
- No GMO’s
- 5 flavors to pick from
Brand Info: FAB CBD was founded in Wisconsin during the year 2017. They grow their hemp in Colorado organically, using no chemicals or pesticides, and provide nutritional products, health and skincare products, and pet products. FAB uses part of their profits for greater causes, including wishes for the Make-A-Wish foundation. FAB’s CBD-infused products offer support with everyday stress, exercise recovery, calmness, muscle soreness, and pain. If you’re looking for joint pain relief or arthritis help, their CBD cream may be the perfect match. For anxiety and mood regulation, they offer several different CBD oils with many flavors to choose from. If you want a more convenient on-the-go option, they sell gummies in both ‘nighttime’ and ‘anytime’ options; their nighttime gummies contain melatonin.
Product info: FAB’s CBD oil is known as their signature ‘Pure CBD Oil’, that is customizable through a wide array of flavor and concentration options. This is a full-spectrum product, and the lowest option (300mg) sells at $39. The 600mg option is $69, 1200mg is $99, and the 2400mg option is $129. This oil helps with anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, arthritis, and other general pain. You can choose from vanilla, mint, berry, unflavored, and citrus.
You have the option to pick your CBD concentration levels, ranging from least to most potent:
- 300mg ($39)
- 600mg ($69)
- 1200mg ($99)
- 2400mg ($129)
You can also mix and match flavors with these potency options to create your own custom CBD oil product.
Source of hemp: FAB’s CBD is grown in Colorado farms, where hemp farming is entirely legal. They use no pesticides in their farming.
Ingredients: Organically Grown Hemp Extract, Full Spectrum Cannabinoid blend, flavoring from natural sources, Terpenes, Medium Chain Triglycerides (May contain trace amounts of hemp derived THC <0.3%)
Extraction method: FAB uses a special extraction method that pulls the terpenes, CBD, and flavonoids from the hemp plant using carbon dioxide, a completely non-toxic method. This is known as CO2 extraction and is an aerial method.
The type of CBD: All of FAB’s CBD oils are full-spectrum, meaning they contain terpenes, phytonutrients, and cannabinoids from the hemp in addition to the CBD compound for a maximized effect.
Lab Testing: FAB uses Proverde laboratories to test their products, and their lab testing reports are available online.
Shipping and Returns: FAB promises a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of their products. They accept returns only if they contain RMA (return merchandise authorization), and also pay shipping fees if the delivery was a mistake. For multiple item purchases, only one item can be opened and used for a return. Return shipping time takes approximately 3-9 days, while processing takes 4-7 days. FAB calculates their customer’s shipping charges uniquely based on product height and weight. For orders of 99 dollars or more, shipping is completely free in the United States. Note that this company only ships to the United States. This includes all 50 states.
Pros:
- Third-party lab tested, with reports available online
- Fast shipping
- Free shipping on orders over $89
- Company offers a rewards program for customers
Cons:
- Only ships to the United States
- No options for auto-ship or subscription memberships for regular orders
#2 Populum: Best for Beginners
Highlights
- Orange flavor
- Gluten-free
- 4 potency options
- Full-spectrum hemp
- Clean ingredients
- Lab-tested
Brand Info: Populum is a United States CBD brand that was founded by Gunshee in 2016. Gunshee was born in South Korea, where he learned of the importance of plants in natural healing; this inspired him to open up a CBD business to help others receive the benefits of hemp in many different forms. He sells capsules, oil, rub, and pet items like pet chews and oil. You can even purchase a Populum gift card for your friend who you’ve been wanting to show the opportunities of CBD.
Product Info: Populum’s CBD oils are all an orange flavor and arrive in four potency options. They have been lab-tested 3 times each, and you can sign up for auto-ship to have them delivered straight to your door monthly. They are non-GMO, vegan, and their lab testing reports are available on the website. Each product contains 1 fl oz of product.
- 250mg: $59
- 500mg: $99
- 1000mg: $179
- 2000mg: $279
Source of Hemp: Populum’s hemp is grown in Colorado during the spring. In the fall, it is harvested and cured, as well as air-dried. They test their hemp with a third party three times before adding their products to their online shelves.
Ingredients: Full-spectrum hemp oil, grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, virgin coconut oil, orange oil, stevia extract.
Extraction Method: Populum’s extraction is cGMP certified and it isolates and removes any unwanted compounds while still making their products full-spectrum. After extraction, they run a second third party lab test.
The Type of CBD: All of Populum’s CBD oils contain full-spectrum hemp– even their CBD oil for pets!
Lab Testing: One thing unique to Populum is the fact that they test their products not once, not twice, but three times with a third party. They place a lot of their focus on safety and accuracy, and you can view their lab reports on their product pages online.
Shipping and Returns: Populum uses USPS to ship their products, and standard shipping is free for all orders. You can purchase priority shipping for an extra seven dollars. USPS does not deliver on Sundays, and Populum does not ship internationally. Populum offers a 30-day money-back guarantee where you have 30 days to try out their products and if you aren’t satisfied, you can return them. Returns may take 5 to 7 days.
Pros:
- Lab-tested three times
- Free shipping
- USA grown full-spectrum hemp
Cons:
- No international shipping
- Expensive
- No flavor variety
#3 PlusCBD: Best Full Spectrum
Highlights
- Tested in human trials and DNA testing
- Available in 3 flavors
- Hemp grown with EU-certified seeds
- Contains vitamins E and K
- Brand new pump top
Brand Info: PlusCBD takes pride in ensuring that their products are 100% safe for all to use. They use human clinical testing and DNA testing on their CBD products, and the company is run by members with expertise in the dietary supplements industry which includes educators, an advisory board, and management team. They have been selling CBD products since they were founded in 2012, and offer CBD sprays, balms, gummies, oils, and more.
Product Info: Plus CBD’s oil products are known as their ‘CBD drops’. They offer three potency options ranging from 250 to 1500mg, and come in multiple flavors including peppermint, goji berry, and unflavored. Their drops are full-spectrum, and unlike most CBD oil products, they have a pump top rather than a dropper top for easier spill-proof delivery. Pure CBD recommends that you use their oil drops twice a day and claims that it will help with sleep and focus, mood, and stress regulation.
- 250mg: 1oz, $32. Available in Goji Blueberry, Peppermint, and Unflavored
- 500mg: 1.86 oz, $55. Available in Unflavored.
- 750mg: 1.86 oz, $60. Available in Unflavored and Peppermint.
Hemp Source: Plus CBD’s hemp is grown using EU-certified hemp seeds from trusted sources. The hemp used in their products contains vitamins E and K, terpenes, sterols, and other minor cannabinoids from the hemp making it a full-spectrum product. Their hemp is grown using only water, earth, and sunlight.
Ingredients: CBD oil blend with extra virgin olive oil and natural flavoring
Extraction Method: Plus CBD uses CO2 extraction, the most healthy method for human consumption and most environmentally friendly extraction method.
Type of CBD: All PlusCBD oil products are full-spectrum CBD tinctures.
Lab Testing Report: Plus CBD publishes their lab reports, or Certificates of Analysis on the product pages of their site. They also add QR codes on their product labels so that you can scan the product with your phone camera and access the lab report at any time. They are third party lab tested as well as DNA tested.
Shipping and Return Policy: All Plus CBD products can be returned up to 30 days after purchase, and shipping costs are excluded in the return process. Damaged product claims must be made within 72 hours of delivery. Shipping cost is determined by location, and processing takes 1-2 days. Plus CBD ships internationally to most countries.
Pros:
- Three flavor options
- International shipping available (excluding some countries)
- Full-spectrum
Cons:
- Low variety
- No free shipping
- Non-USA grown hemp
#4 Cheef Botanicals: Best Value
Highlights
- Choose between 500, 1000, or 2000mg
- Perfect for recovering athletes
- All-natural ingredients
- Made in the USA
- Added frankincense and fennel oil
Brand Info: Cheef Botanicals was founded by a group of workers with 25 years in the health industry, who teamed up with farms in Colorado to produce CBD products. They strive to provide natural alternatives and create awareness for holistic approaches to medicine, due to the potentially harmful nature of prescription drugs. All of their products are vegan, gluten free, non-GMO, and dairy free. They also have a 30 day 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Product Info: Cheef Botanicals sells four different options for CBD oil, and the size varies by the potency of the product you are buying. The smallest size (300mg) is 0.5 oz, and the largest is 2oz (3000mg). These oils do not have any taste.
- 300mg ($25, 0.5 fl oz)
- 600mg ($36, 0.5 fl oz)
- 1200mg ($67, 1 fl oz)
- 3000mg ($123, 2 fl oz)
Hemp Source: Cheef Botanicals’s hemp is sourced in Colorado and uses a CO2 extraction method.
Ingredients: Hempseed oil, CBD oil
Extraction Method: Cheef Botanicals uses a CO2 extraction method for their CBD and hempseed oil.
Type of CBD: Cheef Botanicals’s oils are all full-spectrum, containing all the healthy cannabinoids from the hemp plant.
Pros:
- Auto-ship service available
- Wide variety of CBD concentrations
- Third-party lab-tested
Cons:
- No international shipping
- No options for broad-spectrum oil
- No flavor variety
#5 Green Roads: Best Formulators
Highlights
- Offers both broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oils
- Formulated by pharmacists
- Variety of flavors
- Pharmacist owned and founded
- CO2 extraction
- Sleep oil available
Brand Info: What makes Green Roads CBD special is that their premium products were formulated by pharmacists. Laura Fuentes, a licensed pharmacist, and her friend founded Green Roads and even still refers to clients as ‘patients’ on the (green) road to natural healing. They sell CBD chocolates and coffee, a spa collection, topicals, capsules, oils, and any other CBD product you can think of! Their ‘CBD University’ page is a blog with articles on everything you need to know about CBD.
Product Info: Green Roads caters to every individual ‘patient’s’ needs by offering both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oil options. If you are looking especially for sleep CBD oil, Green Roads also offers ‘sweet sleep CBD oil’. For full-spectrum oils, there aren’t any flavor options, but you can pick from three different potencies. For broad-spectrum, you can pick from three potencies as well as three flavors: unflavored, apple kiwi, and mint breeze. Their sweet sleep oil is a 750mg option.
- Broad Spectrum (Apple kiwi, mint breeze, or unflavored)
- 300mg: $45
- 750mg: $90
- 1500mg: $150
- Full Spectrum (Unflavored only)
- 300mg: $45
- 750mg: $90
- 1500mg: $150
Hemp Source: Green Roads’ hemp is sourced in American farms that are held to the standards of the 2018 farm bill.
Ingredients: Full spectrum oil: Hemp Derived Full Spectrum Cannabinoid Extract. Other Ingredients: Glycerin, MCT oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Hemp Seed oil. Broad spectrum oil: Hemp Derived Broad Spectrum Cannabinoid Extract. Other Ingredients: Glycerin, MCT oil,Natural Flavor, Sunflower Lecithin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Hemp Seed oil
Extraction Method: Green Roads uses natural CO2 extraction to get their broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and isolate CBD. After extraction, they test their raw materials for pesticides, heavy metals, and more.
Type of CBD: If you prefer broad-spectrum oil due to the fact that it contains 0.0% THC, then Green Roads offers some options for that in multiple flavors. If you prefer full-spectrum, Green Roads offers that as well, but only unflavored.
Lab Testing Report: Green Roads products are all lab tested, albeit the lab reports may be more difficult to access than some other brands. You can find the batch numbers for their products under the ‘labsheet’ tabs, and then you must copy and paste the correct batch numbers into their database to find their lab testing reports.
Shipping and Return Policy: Green Roads is currently looking to expand their business and offers international shipping to select countries only. They also take requests for wholesale international orders. They use any major shipping carrier based on the customer’s location. You can return any product within a 30 day money back guarantee. To request a refund, you must call their customer service team.
Pros:
- Choose between broad and full spectrum oil
- Hemp Grown in Colorado
- Pharmacist-founded
Cons:
- No flavor options for full-spectrum oil
- Not all ingredients specified on labels
- Difficult to access lab reports
#6 Medterra CBD: Most Powerful
Highlights
- Vegan
- High-Quality Hemp
- 100% Plant-Based
- 99 percent natural ingredients
- No artificial sugars or sweeteners
Brand Info: Medterra’s hemp is Kentucky grown. Their hemp extraction practices are carefully regulated to meet the standards of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. They are based in Irvine, California, and all their CBD products are made in the United States. They grow their hemp in Kentucky in compliance with the Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill, making their CBD products legal at the federal level. Medterra CBD sells a wide variety of CBD products as well. Like FAB, they also offer CBD oils and creams.
Product Info: Medterra CBD offers numerous cannabidiol-infused products to help with pain, stress, and anxiety (even for pets!). Their most prominent oil, however, is their CBD tincture. It is available in three CBD concentration options: 500mg ($35), 100mg ($56), and 3000mg ($133). They are all in one oz bottles. This product is made with CBD isolate and coconut oil (MCT), although if you want a broad-spectrum option, Medterra offers those as well.
- 500mg ($35)
- 1000mg ($56)
- 3000mg ($133)
Hemp Source: Medterra’s hemp is grown in Kentucky farms, and is non-GMO certified and lab tested. Their hemp is certified by the US hemp authority and is grown to legal standards.
Ingredients: Medium-Chain Triglyceride MCT Oil (Coconut derived)*, Cannabidiol (CBD). *Organic Ingredient
Extraction Method: Just like FAB, Medtera also uses an environmentally sustainable CO2 extraction method that draws CBD from the hemp while filtering out unnatural substances so that you get the purest product possible.
Type of CBD: Medterra’s products are typically made using CBD isolate, meaning you get 0.0% THC, but no terpenes or cannabinoids. However, they do offer broad-spectrum alternatives on their site.
Lab Testing Report: Medterra CBD gets their products lab tested through Green Scientific Labs. This lab runs tests on all of their products to ensure there are no pesticides, heavy metals, or bacteria. The company also provides their lab testing reports online so you can see their results for yourself. To view these, simply find the product page of the item you want to check and you’ll find an easy and accessible button to take you to a PDF of their real and raw results.
Shipping and Return Policy: Medterra CBD ships their products legally to all fifty states, as well as internationally to Europe. Shipping is free. If you want to return your product, you can do so within thirty days of when it was received. However, Medterra does not cover return shipping fees.
Pros:
- Third party lab tested
- Free shipping
- 30 day money back guarantee
- Ships to all 50 states and internationally
Cons:
- Smaller product size with less servings
- Shipping cost not covered for returns
- No flavor options
#7 Joy Organics: Best Broad Spectrum
Highlights
- Broad-spectrum
- Uses recyclable materials
- Cruelty-free
- Third-party lab-tested
- 5 flavors available
Brand Info: Joy organics was founded in 2018 by mother and grandmother Joy Smith. Her company is completely family-owned and operated, placing emphasis on the environment. Shipping is carbon neutral, and the products are grown using regenerative farming practices. Joy Smith began looking for CBD products but found that they didn’t seem to have much effect. This inspired her mission to create a CBD healthcare company, her goal being to give customers quality CBD products. She sells CBD products that are certified USDA organic and promise to bring you nothing but joy (pun intended)! All products are cruelty-free and use recyclable materials.
Product Info: Joy Organics sells a total of 5 different CBD tinctures, 4 being broad spectrum. These include summer lemon, unflavored, orange bliss, and tranquil mind. Their new full-spectrum oil has a fresh lime flavor. All flavors are vegan and their broad-spectrum options contain 0.0% THC. All bottles are 1 fl oz.
- 450mg – $45
- 900mg – $70
- 1350mg – $90
- 2250mg – $130
Hemp Source: Joy Organics is a member of the US Hemp Roundtable. Their salves and tinctures are certified USDA organic, and the hemp is grown legally in the United States. They avoid pesticides and use water-saving practices to grow their hemp. The hemp is processed in a facility, extracted, and tested.
Ingredients: Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Phytocannabinoid-Rich Hemp Extract, Organic Essential Oil (type of oil varies by flavor)
Extraction Method: Just like most major and legitimate CBD oil companies, Joy Organics utilizes a CO2 extraction method. This method best preserves the benefits of hemp like terpenes, flavonoids, and phytonutrients.
Type of CBD: The majority of Joy Organics products are made using broad-spectrum CBD oil, but if you want full-spectrum, their lime flavor oil is available in full-spectrum. All other flavors and options are broad-spectrum.
Lab Testing Report: All of Joy Organic’s products are lab tested. The reports are available on the website, listed on every product page. The third-party laboratory that tests Joy’s products is known as Cannalysis. For their broad-spectrum products such as the dog treats, they check for the smallest extracts of THC and ensure that your products contain 0.0% THC.
Shipping and Returns: Joy Organics proudly sells its products free of any shipping cost. There is a 30-day money back guarantee to return products. Anyone can purchase from the United States, but unfortunately, this company doesn’t offer international shipping.
Pros:
- Free shipping
- Carbon neutral shipping
- Lab-tested with reports available online
Cons:
- Low full-spectrum variety
- No international shipping
- Expensive
Why Is Sleep Important?
We sleep every night without wondering why we need to sleep. What if we just didn’t sleep? Well, a mere few days of sleeping can lead to hallucinations and a set of unbearable somatic symptoms. If you went too long without sleep, you would die. According to Harvard, scientists still don’t know why we need sleep, but there’s a number of interesting theories[3]:
- Energy conservation theory: Some theorists believe that we sleep to conserve our energy. This has been backed up by data that shows our energy metabolism significantly slows during sleep.
- Restorative theory: This theory states that sleep serves as a function to restore the resources lost in our bodies during the day while we are awake. Certain neurotransmitters are cleared from the system once we are awake, and tissue repair, as well as growth hormones, are released to rejuvenate the body mainly during sleep.
- Brain plasticity theory: This is the newest theory that explains sleep is necessary for brain development. Data on child brain development shows that sleep is when most of the development takes place, especially in babies, who can sleep 13-14 hours a day.
Although we don’t know if it’s just one of these theories or a mixture of them all to prove why we need sleep, we do know that sleep is extremely important for our health, and any problems associated with sleep should be taken care of as soon as possible.
CBD Over Pills: How Sleeping Pills Can Do More Harm Than Good
With any quick fix like sleeping pills and non-natural medicine, you may experience harmful side effects. According to Everyday Health, effects of sleeping pills can affect your daytime behavior. They can cause drowsiness while driving, leading to an increased risk of car accidents. Also, just like any drug, you can build up tolerance to sleeping pills which means that you will have to take more pills to feel the same effect since you started your initial dose. However, if your dose is too high, you might slow your breathing and the risk may be fatal.
When taking sleeping pills you are also at an increased risk of fainting or losing balance and falling. A 2012 study also shows that people who took sleeping pills were more likely to die or get cancer than people who didn’t. Lastly, just like you can build a tolerance, you can also build a sort of addiction with sleeping pills. Once you become dependent on them, it may be extremely difficult to function or fall asleep without them.[4]
CBD Oil VS CBD Gummies: Which is Best for Sleep?
CBD gummies are another popular option for those who want a tasty, convenient, or on-the-go type of CBD. Some companies like FAB CBD sell ‘nighttime’ gummies that contain melatonin just so that you can take them before bed for a good night’s sleep. So which should you buy? Oil or gummies?
There isn’t anyone answer to this question; it really depends on what you are looking for in specific. If you travel, camp, or sleepover at other places often, gummies may be best for you as you can easily take them anywhere without risks of spilling or travel restrictions. However, if you mainly sleep at home, most people cite CBD oil as the most effective method of taking in CBD. Unlike gummies, it is much easier to adjust your dosage with oil using a dropper with measuring lines. Also, the effects of CBD oil can come along much quicker than gummies, as taking in oil sublingually is a faster process than taking in gummies through digestion, which is typically slower and more prolonged.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is the purest form to take cannabidiol in. It is typically made of either pure CBD and hemp extract, but sometimes contains other added oils such as MCT in the form of a tincture. CBD oil has a variety of uses, for example you can rub it on the skin, add it to your salad or smoothie, or simply take it on its own sublingually (which is the best method). It can help with numerous medical conditions, including arthritis, pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous system disorders.
Benefits of CBD Oil
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve into the specific benefits of what CBD oil can do to benefit you:
- Anxiety and mood disorders: The US National Library of Medicine Institutes and Health has conducted a study on CBD and anxiety that shows CBD can potentially treat anxiety disorders. It can also bring quick relief for THC-induced anxiety. The study also showed that CBD helped treat people with social anxiety disorder. It prevents loss of grey matter in the brain, memory loss, and even psychotic symptoms.[5]
- Pain, inflammation, and arthritis: According to a study conducted recently by Harvard University, cannabidiol produces promising effects when it comes to pain relief. This experiment was done on rats. In fact, in certain areas of the nervous system, CBD was ten times more potent than morphine in pain treatment– that’s a major number! Additionally, Sativex, a hemp medicine containing equal parts THC and CBD was approved in Canada for treating multiple sclerosis and even cancer pain. This Harvard study also found the cannabidiol is a greater antioxidant than Vitamin C and Vitamin E.[6]
- Sleep and insomnia: Research shows that CBD works with the receptors in the brain that affect the sleep-wake cycle. A national study tested CBD on subjects with sleep complaints. At the end of the study, results showed that sleep quality shot up in an experimentally significant amount within the first month of using CBD in over 65% of the patients.[7]
How Does CBD Oil Work for Sleep?
For sleep in specific, CBD works with the nervous and endocannabinoid system to connect with receptors in the brain that regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Before we get into the details of how it really works, let’s get into the basic science of CBD: everyone has an ‘endocannabinoid system’. It’s a part of your nervous system containing endocannabinoid neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors. This system has newly been discovered by scientists, which is why there hasn’t been a lot of studies conducted on CBD in humans.
However, that’s not to say it isn’t important. The endocannabinoid system actually affects many aspects of your health; it plays a role in cell communication, immune response, appetite and metabolism, and memory[8]. Endocannabinoid neurotransmitters bind to the cannabinoid receptors in your brain and immune system.
There are two types of main cannabinoid receptors; CB1 and CB2. CBD functions by binding to these receptors in your nervous system. When we don’t have enough endocannabinoids being produced in our body naturally, we might face illnesses like depression and anxiety, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and other painful symptoms.[9] By using products with CBD, we are allowing more CBD into our endocannabinoid system to bind to receptors and relieve these painful symptoms.
A national study was conducted in Fort Collins, CO that sampled 103 adults that either had a sleep disorder or anxiety diagnosis. They were prescribed CBD for the purpose of the study. The outcomes of their sleep after beginning their CBD treatment was tracked with an index monthly. The outcome after three months showed that the sleeping quality of the patients had improved, as well as their anxiety if applicable. The study also showed that CBD was completely safe to use and produced no major side effects in anyone.[10]
How To Use CBD Oil for Sleep
Most CBD oils are typically taken sublingually. Take the dropper and fill it to the desired mark, then squeeze the oil underneath your tongue. Hold the oil there for 30 to 60 seconds, and then you can swallow normally. You can also add CBD oil to a salad or smoothie, or even rub it onto the skin topically (although this may produce a less potent effect). Do not use CBD if you are under the age of 18, pregnant, or nursing. Always ask doctor before starting CBD if you are currently on other medication.
CBD Dosage for Sleep
According to Healthline, start with 20-40 mg per day and increase your dose by 5mg after a week. Keep repeating this 5mg increase schedule per week until you have achieved your desired results.[11] However, you can really take as much as you feel that you need. Take a look at your individual product’s website page to see what the specific brand recommends as a daily dosage. You can play with the recommended dose to create your own custom dosage schedule. Take your nightly CBD oil dose at least thirty minutes before you go to sleep, as the effects of CBD take approximately 15-30 minutes to begin showing any effect (although it may take less or more time depending on the individual).
How To Make CBD Oil More Effective for A Good Night’s Sleep
The first step you can take is purchasing full-spectrum oil instead of broad-spectrum or isolate. Full-spectrum oil is responsible for the entourage effect, which is a scientific term for the reaction that occurs when CBD is used along with other compounds from hemp, such as terpenes. It strongly enhances the effect of the product as all the compounds ‘work together’.
Secondly, make sure that you are taking the right dosage. If you find that the CBD oil isn’t having any effect on you, you may want to purchase a product with a higher CBD concentration or take more oil at a time. There’s no harm in trying different dosages, because if you do get any mild side effects, you can stop whenever you want and go back down.
Lastly, add to the entourage effect by taking melatonin gummies or capsules in addition to the CBD oil. You don’t have to worry about any negative reactions as CBD oil is commonly mixed with melatonin. If the CBD oil on its own isn’t doing enough, you can always opt for this method.
Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil
As with any medical product, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects before use. Luckily, CBD typically has no side effects, and when it does, they are very mild. Pregnant or nursing women, as well as children under 18 should consult a health specialist before using CBD.
The US National Library of Medicine has conducted a survey on those experiencing side effects to document which are the most prevalent.[13]
- 30% dry mouth
- 22% feeling high
- 20% change in appetite
- 19% fatigue
Some also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms
Researchers are currently looking to see if these side effects are not caused by CBD, but rather by small amounts of THC in the product (specifically the ‘high’ feeling which is not caused by CBD).
What To Look for When Buying CBD Oil for Sleep
How Potent Is The CBD Oil: You may have noticed that companies offer choices on the amount of CBD in the product. You should select anything between 400-600 milligrams as a starting point, which is an average amount of CBD, if you don’t know what concentration you need the first time you make a purchase.
CBD Oil Flavor: If you purchase a CBD oil flavor you don’t like, you might not feel tempted to take it and then stop taking your dosage as you should. Many companies offer a selection of flavored oils so that you can pick one you like. Some people don’t enjoy the taste of unflavored CBD oil.
Type of CBD Oil: Some companies sell isolate, while others sell broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oil. Isolate and broad spectrum oil don’t contain any THC, but they don’t have all of the cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp responsible for the entourage effect. Full-spectrum may contain trace amounts of THC (0.03%) that is within the legal parameters, but it contains a healthy, rich mixture of other cannabinoids and nutrients from hemp. Therefore, full-spectrum is typically preferred when it comes to CBD oil for sleep or anxiety. Read more of this article to learn the differences between the three.
Shipping and Return Policy: All of the brands we included have some sort of shipping benefit, whether it’s auto-ship or free shipping for any purchase or for purchasing at a certain amount. Additionally, these brands have good money-back guarantees and return policies so that if the CBD product isn’t working for you, you can return it (and hopefully find another that will help!) A good shipping and return policy will ensure that your order goes through smoothly and you receive your product being able to give it back for a refund if you don’t like it.
Customer Service: We don’t want anyone to have to deal with difficult, incompetent, or downright rude customer service. Being personally experienced with these brands, and also looking into other customer’s ratings of the brands, we were able to nominate only brands with the most top-notch customer service so that if you were to encounter any issues purchasing a product, they’ll be ready to help you as quickly and smoothly as possible.
CBD FAQs
Is CBD Oil Safe to Use?
CBD has been proven to be safe, and has even been approved by the FDA in the form of a medicine to treat seizures! More CBD products are currently on their way to approval. CBD has also been proven to be safe for adults so it can be consumed without the fear of any side effects. It has not been tested on children. Unlike THC, you can consume CBD oil without the fear of becoming “high”, if that is what is making you question CBD’s safety. If you feel any side effects, you can always stop using the product immediately and try a more well-reputed brand or switch to another method of natural healing.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
CBD is completely legal in all fifty states given that it is compliant with the 2018 farm bill, which clearly defines hemp as opposed to marijuana, which is a different plant. Lab tested brands such as all the brands in the list above are completely legal because they test for illegal amounts of THC or other illegal ingredients to make sure your product is legal. International regulations may be different, but it depends on your country. Many CBD brands ship oil internationally without trouble.
How Long Does CBD Oil Take To Be Effective for A Good Night’s Sleep?
The effects of CBD oil can be felt very quickly, usually after around 15 minutes of consuming it sublingually. CBD oil is the fastest way to take in CBD compared to gummies, which can take an hour or more.
Will CBD Oil Show Up on A Drug Test?
CBD does not contain THC, so it is not a drug. However, there have been some reports of CBD showing up on drug tests due to THC levels. According to healthline, the risk increases when you use CBD from an unreliable source, especially if it is not lab tested. Lab testing ensures that the THC levels in the CBD product are not above the legal limit, which is 0.03%. All in all, it is best to abstain from using CBD if you know that you are going to take a drug test. At the end of the day, trusted CBD brands should not cause any problems.
Final Thoughts on Should You Use CBD Oil for Sleep?
Overall, CBD is the perfect solution for insomnia, sleep apnea, or other sleep disorders that doesn’t risk addiction, tolerance, or harmful side effects. Even if your sleep problems aren’t diagnosed as a disorder, absolutely anyone can take it regardless of whether or not they are diagnosed. The effects work rapidly, taking approximately 15 minutes to start. The oil doesn’t impair driving or daily function; rather, it works as a sedative to calm and level your mood to a healthy state. Let us know if you have any questions or comments about CBD oils; we’re always here to provide accurate information on the booming CBD epidemic!
References:
[1]Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349316/
[2]Is Cannabidiol a Safe and Effective Sleep Aid? – https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/cbd-and-sleep
[3]Why Do We Sleep, Anyway? | Healthy Sleep – https://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/benefits-of-sleep/why-do-we-sleep
[4]The Risks of Taking Sleeping Pills – https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/risks-taking-sleeping-pills/
[5]Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
[6]Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
[7]Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
[8]The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Human Body – https://curepharmaceutical.com/blog/the-role-of-the-endocannabinoid-system-in-the-human-body/
[9]How CBD Affects the Endocannabinoid System – https://www.elitecme.com/resource-center/rehabilitation-therapy/how-cbd-affects-the-endocannabinoid-system
[10]Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
[11]CBD Dosage: How Much Should You Take? – https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-dosage#how-much-to-take
[13]Are side effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contamination? – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7029751.3/
