The best CBD product for sleep depends on your needs and type of products you prefer. We’ve reviewed CBD bath bombs, gummies, oils, and more.
A note on melatonin and CBD
CBD, in general, may help promote restful sleep.
We stayed away from ingestible products with added vitamins, minerals, or supplements — like melatonin — since not much is known about how CBD interacts with these other ingredients. Melatonin products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
An April 2023 JAMA studyTrusted Source analyzed the quantities of melatonin in samples of melatonin gummies. Researchers found that not only were quantities declared inaccurately on the labels, but that some of the melatonin gummies actually contained CBD. The study also noted that “children might intentionally or unintentionally ingest melatonin gummies.”
The products below do not include any melatonin, and have passed Healthline’s strict vetting process.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound that’s derived from cannabis plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it won’t get you “high.”
Research into CBD is ongoing, but studies show that it may have beneficial health effects. Early results are promising for anxiety, pain, and even sleep.
But shopping for CBD can be difficult. Since the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products in the same way it regulates drugs or dietary supplements, companies sometimes mislabel or misrepresent their products. That means it’s especially important to do your research before buying CBD.
Read on to find out about 10 quality products and what you need to know about using CBD to help you get some sleep.
CBD terms
- CBD isolate: This is a pure CBD product that’s free of other cannabis compounds.
- Full-spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum products contain high amounts of CBD and smaller amounts of flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids (including less than 0.3 percent THC in federally legal products).
- Broad-spectrum CBD: Broad-spectrum products contain a high amount of CBD and smaller amounts of other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Some cannabinoids, like THC, are removed.
- Flavonoids: These chemicals give things their flavor. In cannabis and hemp, different flavonoids make different strains vary in taste.
- Terpenes: These chemicals give certain plants their fragrance and each strain its own aroma. Terpenes might also offer some health benefits.
How we chose the best CBD products for sleep
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides certificates of analysis (COA) as proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made by a company that discloses the source of their hemp
- contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the COA
- passes tests for pesticides, molds, and heavy metals, according to the COA
As a part of our selection process, we also considered:
- certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- signs of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to an FDA warning letter
- whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
To get a full picture of the price of a product, it’s important to read labels for serving sizes, amounts, strengths, and other ingredients.
Picks of the best CBD products for sleep
Best full-spectrum CBD gummies for sleep
Cornbread Hemp Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 50 milligrams (mg) per gummy
- Servings per container: 30 gummies
- COA: available online
- CBD gummies can be a fun way to consume CBD. The doses are already measured for you, and they’re usually pretty tasty too.
Cornbread Hemp is a newer name in CBD, but it’s growing quickly. The brand’s full-spectrum CBD gummies are vegan, USDA organic, and don’t include any artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup, or gelatin.
These Berry-flavored gummies contain a high amount of full-spectrum CBD, at 50 mg per gummy, as well as up to 2 mg of THC per serving. So, these may not be the best choice for people new to CBD or THC.
If you’ve never tried a product like this before, it’s best to start with a low dose before working your way up. You can find CBD gummies that start as low as 5 mg per gummy.
If you know how CBD and low-dose THC affect you, these gummies may help you get better sleep. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Pros
- vegan and organic
- high potency CBD and includes up to 2 mg THC
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Cons
- may be too potent for users new to CBD or THC
Best CBD cream for sleep
Charlotte’s Web CBD Cream
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 300 mg per ounce (oz)
- Size: 1 oz or 2.5 oz
- COA: available on website
- Formulated specifically for sensitive skin, this hemp-infused body cream is designed to soothe and restore skin before bedtime.
In addition to full-spectrum hemp extract, it’s made with coconut oil, aloe vera, oat extract, and sea buckthorn oil. While more research with humans is needed, research from 2017Trusted Source suggests that sea buckthorn oil can positively affect your mood, which may be especially beneficial as you’re winding down for the evening.
- Best of all, this body cream is also vegan-friendly and free of parabens, allergens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
- Pros
- safe for sensitive skin
- vegan, gluten-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances
- contains sea buckthorn oil, a possible mood-boosting ingredient
- brand is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority
- offers veteran’s discount program
- Cons
- full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC
- batch-specific COAs are only available with batch numbers, so you have to look up your product on a separate page
Best overall CBD oil for sleep
NuLeaf Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 30 mg per 1/2 dropper
- Servings per container: 10–200
- COA: available on product page
- NuLeaf Naturals is a company committed to producing high quality cannabinoid products free of additives. Using an advanced extraction method, the company is also able to maximize the potency of its products without using any harsh chemical solvents.
This full-spectrum CBD oil contains 30 mg of CBD in each serving and provides a variety of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes — including beta-caryophyllene — to support better sleep.
It also contains just two ingredients — organic virgin hempseed oil and full-spectrum hemp extract — and has undergone third-party testing to ensure safety and quality.
- Pros
- contains only two ingredients
- high praise from reviewers, noting improvements in sleep, pain, and stiffness
- discounts available through the brand’s assistance programs for qualifying customers
- Cons
- contains trace amounts of THC (a drawback for those looking to avoid THC)
- company says their hemp is grown organically in Colorado, but it doesn’t currently seem to be U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certified
Best full-spectrum CBD oil for sleep
Aspen Green Bliss Organic CBD Oil, Tropical
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 110 per 1-milliliter (mL) serving
- Servings per container: 30
- COA: available online
- This full-spectrum CBD oil is USDA certified organic and has a sweet Tropical flavor. With 110 mg of CBD per serving, it’s a high dose pick. But there is room to customize your dose.
The dropper is marked with 1/4-mL servings, and Aspen Green advises customers to begin with a low dose and listen to their body to figure out the best dose for their needs.
Aspen Green products are made from hemp plants grown in Colorado, with third-party testing to ensure purity. They’re free of toxins, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and sulfates.
- Pros
- USDA certified organic
- high potency
- easy to dose
- 60-day return policy
- Cons
- high potency may not appeal to all users
- full-spectrum formula not good for people wanting to avoid THC
- high price point
Best CBD lotion for sleep
Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 200 mg per container
- Size: not specified
- COA: available on product page
- Calm by Wellness is focused on providing CBD products made with natural ingredients, all of which are free of fillers and made with hemp grown in the United States.
This lotion is formulated with aloe vera, a type of plant that has been studiedTrusted Source in animals for its sleep-promoting properties. It’s also scented with lavender flower water. According to research, lavender may help you sleep betterTrusted Source and wake up more refreshed.
- Pros
- current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) certified
- contains sleep-friendly natural ingredients, like aloe vera and lavender
- 30-day return policy
- Cons
- brand has a rewards program but doesn’t seem to have discounts available through assistance programs like other popular CBD brands
- product size isn’t listed
Best CBD cooling cream for sleep
Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,000 mg per container
- Size: 2-oz container
- COA: available online
- A cooling touch can offer much-needed relief.
This cream from Aspen Green cools and contains 1,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD that you can apply to a number of places — back, neck, knees, shoulders, legs, and calves. If you’re having trouble sleeping due to muscle aches in those areas, applying this organic, non-GMO cream may help.
It’s made from 100% natural food-grade ingredients, meaning it’s free of artificial preservatives and synthetic ingredients. The company warns that some natural separation may happen with this cream, thanks to its use of only natural ingredients, so keep in mind that it may need a good stir before applying.
- Pros
- organic, non-GMO
- gluten-free
- cGMP certified
- Cons
- product may separate
Best broad-spectrum CBD gummies for sleep
Sunday Scaries Extra Strength CBD Gummies
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 25 mg per gummy
- Servings per container: 20 gummies
- COA: available online
- These CBD gummies contain 25 mg of broad-spectrum CBD. So while they’re a lower dose compared with the Cornbread Hemp gummies on our list, this dose may be too high for people new to CBD. This dose is considered extra strength, after all.
If you’re not new to the CBD world, you may find these gummies offer a nice night of rest. Sunday Scaries says the blend of CBD oil and CBG and CBN is intended to offer some extra stress relief.
- Pros
- high dose broad-spectrum CBD
- includes extra cannabinoids (CBG and CBN)
- same-day shipping available
- Cons
- not best for new CBD users
- only 20 gummies per container
Best broad-spectrum CBD oil for sleep
Brown Girl Jane Balance Wellness Drops
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 25 mg per 1-mL serving
- Servings per container: 30
- COA: available online
- These broad-spectrum drops contain small amounts of the supporting cannabinoids cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). According to the COA, the oil also includes the terpene myrcene.
Many reviewers note that they use the oil before bed to promote good sleep.
- Pros
- vegan, cruelty-free
- contains supporting cannabinoids for possible added benefits
- Black-owned company created to support women
- Cons
- lab reports are not available on the product page; they’re separately displayed here
Best CBD bath bomb for sleep
Joy Organics Lavender CBD Bath Bombs
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 25 mg per bath bomb
- Servings per container: 4 per box
- COA: available on product page
- If a warm bath is a soothing part of your bedtime routine, using a CBD-infused bath bomb might be a calming treat. These bath bombs come in packs of 4, with 25 mg of CBD in each bomb. They also contain lavender oil, which is known to be a relaxing and soothing fragrance, as well as moisturizing coconut oil and cocoa seed butter.
- Pros
- contains soothing lavender oil, organic coconut oil, and cocoa seed butter while leaving out synthetic scents (according to the brand)
- hemp is certified organic by the USDA
- cruelty-free
- assistance programs are available for qualifying customers
- money-back guarantee
- Cons
- bath bombs may irritate those with sensitive skin (limit soak time to 15 minutes)
What research says on CBD for sleep
Many people use CBD for insomnia and other sleep disorders. Insomnia can be caused by a number of things, including physical pain and anxiety. Since CBD shows promise in treating pain and anxiety, it makes sense that it might help people sleep better.
For pain management
Numerous studies suggest that CBD could treat pain effectively. For example, research from 2018 looked at numerous studies on CBD and pain, dating between 1975 and March 2018. The review concluded that CBD shows a lot of potential as a pain treatment, especially for cancer-related pain, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia.
For stress levels
CBD also might be able to reduce anxiety, although further studies are needed. Two small studies — one from 2010 and another from 2019Trusted Source — indicated that CBD might be able to lower anxiety in stressful social situations.
Research from 2018Trusted Source suggests that CBD could reduce your overall stress levels. So if stress is keeping you up at night, CBD might be worth a try.
For anxiety
Some research from 2019Trusted Source looked at the effects of CBD on anxiety and sleep. The researchers administered 25 mg of CBD per day to 72 women. After 1 month, 79.2 percent of participants reported lower anxiety levels and 66.7 percent reported better sleep.
For wakefulness
What’s more is that research from 2014Trusted Source, which looked at both human and animal studies, found that CBD could have the potential to promote wakefulness during the daytime. In other words, it might be able to help you feel more awake during the day.
More research needs to be conducted on CBD and sleep, but the current research is promising.
How to know what you’re getting
How to read CBD product labels
It’s important to read CBD product labels in order to ensure that what you’re getting is high quality.
A CBD label might specify:
- Oils: CBD oils usually contain olive oil, hempseed oil, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, or another type of oil. The label should specify which type of oil it contains.
- Flavorings: Some CBD products contain ingredients to give them a specific flavor.
- Other ingredients: If the product is, say, a CBD-infused tea, then the rest of the ingredients should be specified.
- Other factors: Some labels specify whether it’s organic or not or locally grown. It’s up to you to determine whether this is important to you.
- Dosage: Not all CBD labels tell you how much to take, especially since the preferred dosage varies from person to person. But labels should tell you how much CBD is in the bottle and how much is in each drop, gummy, capsule, or teabag.
What to look for from a third-party test
Reputable CBD products will be third-party tested and have a COA available to customers. This is where an independent lab tests to ensure that the product contains what it says.
Unfortunately, some companies say their products contain CBD, but they don’t. Reading the lab report can help you avoid these products.
How to read a lab report
On the lab report, look for:
- CBD content: The report should confirm how much CBD is in the bottle or in a milliliter of the product.
- Other cannabinoids: If it’s a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD product, the lab report should confirm the presence of other cannabinoids.
- Flavonoids and terpenes: Some lab reports specify whether flavonoids or terpenes are present. (For more on common cannabis terms, see the terminology section in this article.)
- Residual solvent analysis: Extraction processes can create by-products called residual solvents. Some companies that offer products without THC use heavy chemicals to produce CBD isolate.
- Presence of heavy metals, molds, and pesticides: Not all lab reports test for this, but high quality CBD products should be free of these harmful toxins
Where to shop for CBD oil
- Dispensaries: If you have a dispensary or cannabis shop in your area, it’s a good idea to buy CBD there. The employees are more likely to be knowledgeable about the ingredients and benefits of the products.
- Health shops: Alternatively, many health shops sell CBD now, as do some retail pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. Keep in mind that products found in dispensaries are more likely to have been third-party tested than those sold in other stores.
- Online for delivery: You can also buy CBD online, but don’t shop for CBD on Amazon. Amazon prohibits sales of CBD. And if you search for CBD on Amazon, what pops up are hempseed products that don’t contain CBD.
Be sure to research the manufacturer of the CBD product you’re interested in. Use cues outlined above and here to distinguish any red flags.
LEAVE IT ON THE SHELF
Although CBD products are becoming more accessible in some places, it’s best to avoid picking up products from the gas station or your local salon.
How to use CBD
In order to work out how much to take, look at the packaging. It might state how much CBD is in 1 mL. If not, find out how much is in the entire bottle and work it out from there.
Generally, one dropper of CBD oil is 1 mL. If you want to start with a small dose, you can always take a half or even a quarter of a dropper.
CBD tinctures or oils are dropped underneath the tongue. Once you drop it there, hold it for about 30 seconds before swallowing.
CBD side effects
Generally, CBD is well tolerated by many people. However, it’s important to be aware that there are some side effects. According to research from 2017Trusted Source, the side effects of CBD include:
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
- fatigue
- drowsiness
- jitteriness
CBD can also interact with some medications. Medications that come with a grapefruit warning may be unsafe to use with CBD. To be safe, always talk with your doctor or healthcare professional before trying CBD.
CBD products can also contain THC. It’s important to know whether or not the CBD product you’re using contains THC, as it can still show up on a drug test.
If you can, work with a knowledgeable cannabis clinician.
When to see a doctor about your sleep
If you’ve tried tips for better sleep, drank some sleepy tea, and tested CBD for sleep and still haven’t found better rest, talk with your doctor or healthcare professional. After performing an examination and learning more about your lifestyle and sleep habits, they may be able to identify a cause.
Be sure to mention any possible contributing factors to your doctor or healthcare professional during your visit. These factors include any supplements or medications you may take or if you experience depression, anxiety, or chronic pain.
Your doctor or healthcare professional may recommend you visit a sleep specialist and undergo a sleep study test to find the best course of action for your sleep disturbance.
Frequently asked questions
Can CBD improve sleep quality?
CBD may be help your body transition from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep more quickly. More specifically, a 2014 studyTrusted Source shows that CBD may help improve REM sleep behaviors in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Another small 2016 case reportTrusted Source that was done on a 10-year-old girl also suggests that CBD may help with anxiety and insomnia for those living with PTSD.
How much CBD should I use for sleep?
Taking CBD can be a little confusing if you’re new to it, and it can get more complicated when you’re ingesting CBD.
First, you need to figure out the right CBD dosage. Start with a small amount, such as 5 to 10 mg per day. If you don’t notice a difference after a week, increase the amount by 5 mg. Continue this process until you feel a difference.
Can CBD help treat insomnia?
Research from 2014Trusted Source suggests that higher dosages of CBD may be beneficial for improving insomnia symptoms. However, taking lower doses may have the opposite effect and promote wakefulness.
In addition, a small 1981 studyTrusted Source on individuals with insomnia found that taking 160 mg CBD per day helped increase their sleep time and decreased how many times they woke up during the night.
What are the side effects of CBD?
Overall, CBD is thought to be safe. While research on its effects is ongoing, some known possible side effectsTrusted Source include diarrhea, appetite changes, weight changes, fatigue, and drowsiness.
When is the best time to take CBD for sleep?
Taking CBD at least 1 hour before bedtime may helpTrusted Source you score some soothing sleep.
Is CBD oil better than sleeping pills?
Research around CBD is generally still growing, and more studies on CBD and sleep are still needed. What we do know right now is that CBD is considered safe to use and may even help with sleep.
Sleeping pills do have the potential for more serious side effects, compared with what we know about CBD side effects. It’s always best to talk with your doctor or healthcare professional before trying any sleep aids or CBD.
