One of the many potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) oil is that it can help improve sleep quality. But with so many CBD oil products available, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Plus, many CBD oils feature other ingredients, such as melatonin and botanicals like chamomile, to help facilitate and enhance sleep.
To choose the best CBD oil for sleep, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on more than 50 CBD products made from plants grown in the U.S. All have a certificate of analysis (COA), are third-party tested by ISO 17025-compliant laboratories and contain no more than 0.3% THC. From price to potency to additional sleep-promoting ingredients, see which CBD oils for sleep stand out as our top picks. Note: Prices listed are accurate as of the publication date.
To choose the best CBD oil for sleep, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on more than 50 products that are:
We then ranked CBD oil based on price, potency and the inclusion of sleep-promoting ingredients, such as melatonin, L-theanine and/or botanicals like chamomile.
Using CBD oil for sleep may allow for faster and more predictable absorption because it’s administered via mucosal dosing, says Mark H. Ratner, M.D., the chief science officer at Theralogix, a nutritional supplement company.
“Tinctures or oils that are placed under the tongue provide absorption directly into the bloodstream and avoid the first pass effect,” he says, referring to what happens when a drug loses potency by the time it reaches its target or systemic circulation.
CBD oils are typically administered through a dropper, which makes it easy to know the dose you’re taking. This method also allows users to start with a low dose and work their way up as needed.
In addition to helping facilitate sleep, CBD can potentially help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, opioid addiction and chronic pain.
By helping someone get more sleep, CBD oil can tangentially help improve other areas of life, according to Mikhail Heifitz, the chief operating officer of CBD product company Unabis. He notes that people who get better sleep may enjoy other benefits, such as:
Potential side effects of CBD include sedation, sleep disturbances, anemia, diarrhea, fatigue and vomiting. CBD may also interact with other drugs you take.
“We suggest starting with small amounts of CBD, then slowly increasing the dosage to test how your body reacts and adjusting the dosage accordingly,” says Heifitz. You should also talk to your doctor about adding CBD to your wellness routine, especially if you take any other medications.
You may also have a reaction to other ingredients in CBD oil products, such as MCT oil, which is often used as a carrier oil in CBD products.
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While CBD alone can lull some people to sleep, especially in higher doses, CBD oils for sleep often include other sleep-promoting ingredients, such as:
Cannabinol (CBN). Another increasingly popular cannabinoid, CBN can help treat epidermolysis bullosa (rare diseases that cause the skin to blister easily), glaucoma and chronic muscle pain.
Cannabigerol (CBG). This cannabinoid may have antibacterial properties and may help treat neurologic disorders and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Melatonin. This hormone can be created artificially to help relieve jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, sleep disorders in children and pre- and post-surgery anxiety.
L-theanine. A common amino acid, L-theanine can cause relaxation in high doses.
Chamomile. This herbal flower is often used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety and gastrointestinal issues.
Lemon balm. Another botanical, lemon balm may contain antioxidant properties.
Valerian root. A plant native to Europe and Asia, valerian root is historically used to treat insomnia, migraines, fatigue and stomach cramps. Today, it’s used sporadically for insomnia, anxiety and depression.
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). A natural chemical that’s been used in treatments for depression, 5-HTP may help with insomnia and anxiety due to its relationship with serotonin.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).This neurotransmitter may help with sleep and anxiety when taken as a supplement.
Terpenes. These naturally occurring compounds typically found in plants form the majority of essential oil composition.
Experts recommend following the dosage instructions listed on the CBD product you choose.
A low dose of 10 to 20 milligrams of CBD is a smart place to start, according to Dr. Ratner. From there, you can increase your dose as needed.
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Thanks to the oral mucosal administration of CBD oil, it can take effect as quickly as 20 minutes after you take it, but it could require up to 40 minutes.
You may not notice a systemic difference until after using CBD for a few days. “After reaching a cumulative effect sufficient for calming down your nervous system over the longer periods of time, you will likely feel the effect you’re looking for,” says Heifitz.
He adds that you may need to take CBD in smaller doses throughout the day to achieve the desired effect by bedtime rather than taking it in one dose.
What sets CBD apart from THC is its lack of intoxicating effects. In fact, a CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD product should have zero or undetectable levels of THC. Full-spectrum products, on the other hand, are allowed to contain up to 0.3% THC, but this limit should still not be enough to create an intoxicating effect.
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