Are you someone who's struggling to get a good night's sleep? You're not alone! Many, many people have trouble falling asleep - or staying asleep throughout the night. While this might be okay if it happens occasionally, in the long run, it leads to feeling tired and sluggish during the day. And ultimately, it will affect your productivity and overall quality of life.
One potential solution to sleep problems that has increasingly gained popularity in recent years (due to a lot of positive anecdotes) is using CBD oil for sleep. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis or hemp plant that is known for its many potential benefits [1]. While more research is needed to fully understand how CBD impacts sleep, some early studies suggest that it may help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms.
Key Takeaways
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant.
CBD oil may have potential benefits for improving sleep quality.
When choosing a CBD oil, it's important to choose a reputable brand.
Is it Worth to Use CBD for Sleep and Insomnia?
If you struggle with sleep problems, someone might have recommended CBD oil to you as a potential solution. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been shown to have a range of potential wellness benefits, including improving sleep.
Research suggests that CBD may help improve sleep quality, for one part by reducing anxiety and stress, which can interfere with sleep. In a large case series, CBD was found to hold potential benefits for anxiety-related disorders [2]. Additionally, a cross-sectional study of CBD users found that many people take CBD to manage self-perceived anxiety and sleep problems [3]. CBD also seems to impact sleep directly, and small doses work just as well as small doses of the commonly used sleep aid melatonin [4].
CBD oil can be taken in a variety of forms, including tinctures, capsules, and edibles. At Harmony we offer a range of options for those looking to try CBD - for sleep or in general.
When choosing a CBD product, it's important to consider the dose of CBD and also the amount of THC - another compound found in cannabis that can interfere with sleep. Research suggests that a low dose of CBD may be most effective for improving sleep quality, and that CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are less likely to interfere with sleep [2].
It's important to note that while CBD can help improve sleep, it is not to be considered a cure for sleep disorders! If you are experiencing chronic sleep problems, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and figure out an appropriate course of treatment.
CBD for Sleep: How it Works
CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, a complex network that helps to regulate sleep, mood, appetite, and other important bodily functions. Unlike THC, another compound found in cannabis, CBD doesn't produce a "high" - the infamous feeling of intoxication following marijuana consumption [5].
Research suggests that even a relatively small amount of CBD may improve sleep quality and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. And compared to synthetic sleep aids, the sleep experienced is very a natural sleep [4].
When it comes to choosing a CBD product for sleep in the UK or EU, it's important to look for high-quality, hemp-derived CBD products in order to comply with regulations.
Choosing the Best CBD Products to Help with Sleep
If you're struggling with light, interrupted or generally poor quality sleep, you might now want to try a CBD oil to help you sleep. But with so many products on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Here are some things you could (and should) consider when choosing the best CBD oil for sleep:
Look for a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil: Compared to oils made with CBD isolate, these ones contain a broader range of cannabinoids that work together, providing a more potent effect [6].
Check the CBD concentration: The concentration of CBD in the oil (CBD per ml) can vary widely between different products! Look for an oil that contains at least 10mg of CBD in a dose that is comfortable to take for you. Be aware, however, that more isn't always better. Finding the right dose might involve some trial and error, but will ultimately be worth it if you struggle with poor sleep.
Always choose a reputable brand: With so many products and brands on the market, it's important to choose one that you can trust completely. Look for a brand that has a stellar reputation and publishes certificates of analysis on its website, like Harmony.
Read reviews from others: Before you make a purchase, take the time to read some reviews on Trustpilot from other customers that have tried CBD to sleep better. This can give you a better idea of the product's effectiveness, how to use it, potential side effects and - last but not least - the service level of the company you consider buying from.
With all of this being said, please remember that CBD oil is not a miracle cure for sleep problems! It may not work for everyone. It's important to speak to your doctor before using CBD oil, especially if you're taking any other medications, as CBD could impact their performance.
written by
anna falk - head of product
As the Head of Product at Harmony, Dr Anna Falk leads the development of our products and provides expert tips for your wellness. With over 10 years of experience in the research and development of natural products, her work is based on rigorous scientific studies.
Anna is an award-winning, internationally published researcher with a PhD in Organic Chemistry. She applies her expertise to develop Harmony's certified products that support your overall well-being. From research to development, she ensures that our products are of the highest quality and meet the highest standards.
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[1] Larsen C, Shahinas J. Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. J Clin Med Res. 2020 Mar;12(3):129-141. — link to source
[2] Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. — link to source
[3] Moltke J, Hindocha C. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. J Cannabis Res. 2021 Feb 18;3(1):5. — link to source
[4] Saleska JL, Bryant C, Kolobaric A, D'Adamo CR, Colwell CS, Loewy D, Chen J, Pauli EK. The Safety and Comparative Effectiveness of Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid Formulations for the Improvement of Sleep: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2023 May 10:1-11. — link to source
[5] Iseger TA, Bossong MG. A systematic review of the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol in humans. Schizophr Res. 2015 Mar;162(1-3):153-61. — link to source
[6] Ferber SG, Namdar D, Hen-Shoval D, Eger G, Koltai H, Shoval G, Shbiro L, Weller A. The "Entourage Effect": Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020;18(2):87-96. — link to source
