A good night’s sleep is vital for your health and wellbeing. But for some, it can be a challenge to get those Zzzz’s. Fortunately, CBD has been shown to help with sleep. In fact, research shows that CBD can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase sleep length.* Plus, it can enhance the quality of sleep and reduce insomnia, which can be associated with other conditions such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
CBD works with your body’s endocannabinoid system to promote balance and homeostasis. This system regulates a wide range of functions including mood, pain, immune and sleep cycles.*
When taken before bedtime, cbd gummies for sleep can help with both the initial stages of falling asleep and staying asleep. It’s important to choose the right dosage, though. Too low a dose might not be effective and could actually make you more wakeful.* However, too high a dose can cause grogginess when you wake up, which is why it’s best to start with a lower one and under the supervision of a healthcare professional gradually increase the dosage until you find what your body needs for a good night’s rest.
Some gummies for sleep may also contain melatonin, which helps to normalize the sleep-wake cycle and encourage restful sleep. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in your brain. It’s been a popular supplement for decades and it’s a great complement to CBD for sleep since they both work to enhance the body’s naturally occurring sleep-wake cycle.
Another option for a better night’s sleep is to take a product that contains both CBD and additional ingredients that promote relaxation and sleep, like chamomile or lemon balm. This combination is often referred to as a “sleep blend.”* These types of gummies are often available in fruity flavors and are a great way to enjoy your daily serving of CBD while still getting a good night’s rest.
The Forbes Health editorial team rated more than 50 CBD products made from plants grown in the U.S. The final list includes gummies with different CBD concentrations, levels of sleep-enhancing ingredients and price points. We based our choices on the amount of each ingredient used, how it’s added to the gummy (e.g., oil or powder), the potency of the gummy and its flavor. The gummies in our top picks are all made with organic, broad-spectrum CBD, third-party tested for purity and have no more than 0.3% THC.*
Taking your CBD in a gummy form is easy, convenient and tasty. But because it must pass through the digestive tract, it’s absorbed more slowly than other methods. That said, gummies are an excellent option for regular consumption. They’re ideal for keeping in your bag or desk drawer during busy days or on the hotel nightstand when you travel. Just remember that, no matter what kind of gummies you take, it’s still important to maintain healthy sleep habits, including avoiding screen time and after-hours snacking.