Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
- Best overall CBD oil for sleep: NuLeaf Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
- Best CBD lotion for sleep: Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion
- Best CBD cream for sleep: Charlotte’s Web CBD Cream
- Best broad-spectrum CBD oil for sleep: Brown Girl Jane Balance Wellness Drops
- Best full-spectrum CBD oil for sleep: FABCBD Citrus CBD Oil
- Best CBD bath bomb for sleep: Joy Organics Lavender CBD Bath Bombs
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 Food and Drug Administration (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.
Read on to find out about six 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 are what gives something its flavor. In cannabis and hemp, different flavonoids make different strains vary in taste.
- Terpenes. These chemicals are what give certain plants their fragrance and each strain its own aroma. Terpenes might also offer some health benefits.
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
Read more about our product vetting process here.
Why these products?
CBD, in general, may help promote restful sleep. However, some CBD products have a little extra oomph from added ingredients or naturally occurring terpenes.
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.
However, we did scour COAs for particular terpenes that
- caryophyllene
- linalool
- myrcene
We also included topical products with calming, sleep-promoting scents, like lavender.
Pricing guide
Most of the products on this list are under $50.
Our pricing guide is based on the value of CBD per container in dollars per milligram (mg).
- $ = under $0.10 per mg of CBD
- $$ = $0.10–$0.20 per mg
- $$$ = over $0.20 per mg
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.
Best overall CBD oil for sleep
NuLeaf Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
- Price: $–$$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 30 mg per 1/2 dropper
- Servings per container: 10–200
- COA: available on product page
NuLeaf Naturals is a company committed to producing high quality cannabinoid products free of additives. Using an advanced extraction method, the company is also able to maximize the potency of their products without using any harsh chemical solvents.
This full-spectrum CBD oil contains 30 mg of CBD in each serving and provides a variety of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes — including beta-caryophyllene — to support better sleep.
It also contains just two ingredients — organic virgin hempseed oil and full-spectrum hemp extract — and has undergone third-party testing to ensure safety and quality.
Pros
- contains only two ingredients
- high praise from reviewers, noting improvement with sleep, pain, and stiffness
- discounts available through the brand’s assistance programs for qualifying customers
Cons
- contains trace amounts of THC (a drawback for those looking to avoid THC)
- company says their hemp is grown organically in Colorado, but it doesn’t currently seem to be U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certified
Best CBD lotion for sleep
Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion
- Price: $$
- 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
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 cream for sleep
Charlotte’s Web CBD Cream
- Price: $
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 300 mg per ounce
- 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,
Best of all, this body cream is also vegan-friendly and free of parabens, allergens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.
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 broad-spectrum CBD oil for sleep
Brown Girl Jane Balance Wellness Drops
- Price: $
- 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 full-spectrum CBD oil for sleep
FABCBD Citrus CBD Oil
- Price: $–$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg per 1/2 dropper
- Servings per container: 60
- COA: available online
Known for being great in quality while providing excellent value for money, FABCBD has a range of full-spectrum CBD oils in different strengths, such as 300 mg, 600 mg, 1,200 mg, and 2,400 mg.
In addition to the citrus flavor, the oils come in mint, vanilla, berry, and natural. Made from organic Colorado-grown hemp, the oils are all THC-free and third-party tested.
According to the COA, they also contain beta-caryophyllene and linalool, which may help support sleep.
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off your first purchase.
Pros
- non-GMO
- five flavors available
- available in varying strengths
Cons
- brand offers discount club but no assistance programs
Best CBD bath bomb for sleep
Joy Organics Lavender CBD Bath Bombs
- Price: $$
- 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.
Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
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)
| CBD | Price | Type |
|---|---|---|
| NuLeaf Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil | $–$$$ | full-spectrum |
| Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion | $$ | broad-spectrum |
| Charlotte’s Web CBD Cream | $ | full-spectrum |
| Brown Girl Jane Balance Wellness Drops | $ | broad-spectrum |
| FABCBD Citrus CBD Oil | $–$$ | full-spectrum |
| Joy Organics Lavender CBD Bath Bombs | $$ | broad-spectrum |
Can CBD improve sleep quality?
CBD may be helpful for letting your body transition from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep more quickly. More specifically, a
Another small
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 off 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?
In addition, a
What are the side effects of CBD?
Overall, CBD is thought to be safe. While research on its effects is ongoing, some
When to take CBD for sleep
Taking CBD at least 1 hour before bedtime
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 before trying any sleep aids or CBD.
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
For anxiety
Some
For wakefulness
What’s more is that
More research needs to be conducted on CBD and sleep, but the current research is promising.
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 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.
- 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 shelfAlthough 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.
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.
Generally, CBD is well tolerated by many people. However, it’s important to be aware that there are some side effects. According to
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
- fatigue
- drowsiness
- jitteriness
CBD can also interact with some medications. Mediations that come with a grapefruit warning may be unsafe to use with CBD. To be safe, always talk with your doctor 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.
CBD
CBD is one of the dozens of cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp plants. Cannabinoids are chemicals inside these plants that affect our bodies in various ways. CBD has been linked to multiple health benefits. On its own, CBD is nonimpairing, meaning it won’t get you “high.”
THC
THC is another well-known cannabinoid. It can get you “high” or create a sense of euphoria. It’s also been linked to a range of health benefits, including appetite stimulation and insomnia relief.
Some CBD products contain small amounts of THC. It’s important to know whether or not a CBD product contains THC, as the chemical can show up on a drug test.
Hemp
Hemp plants are a type of plant in the Cannabis genus. The legal definition of hemp is that it contains less than 0.3 percent THC, meaning that it’s not likely to get you high. Hemp could contain high amounts of CBD and other cannabinoids.
Marijuana, cannabis, or weed
What we refer to as marijuana, cannabis, or weed is actually not a separate species from hemp plants — it’s a plant in the Cannabis genus that contains more than 0.3 percent THC.
CBD isolate
During the process of creating cannabis products, some manufacturers isolate CBD, creating a pure CBD product that’s free of other cannabinoids.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain a high amount of CBD and smaller amounts of other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. They might also have some cannabinoids removed. For example, the manufacturers may remove THC to create a nonimpairing product.
Full-spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD products contain high amounts of CBD, as well as smaller amounts of all other cannabinoids found in the plant, including less than 0.3 percent THC. No cannabinoids, flavonoids, or terpenes are removed from the product.
Full-spectrum CBD is often referred to as whole-plant CBD, as the chemical makeup reflects that of the whole plant.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids give food their taste. They’re the chemicals that give something its flavor. Flavonoids are also found in cannabis and hemp plants, and they vary from strain to strain. This is why some cannabis tastes different from others. Research suggests flavonoids might have medical benefits.
Terpenes
Terpenes are chemicals that give cannabis its fragrance. As with flavonoids, terpenes vary from strain to strain. This is why some strains of cannabis smell more like lemons and others smell more like blueberries, for example. Terpenes might also offer some health benefits.
Can CBD improve sleep quality?
CBD may be helpful for letting your body transition from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep more quickly. More specifically, a
Another small
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 off 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?
In addition, a
What are the side effects of CBD?
Overall, CBD is thought to be safe. While research on its effects is ongoing, some
When is the best time to take CBD for sleep?
Taking CBD at least 1 hour before bedtime
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 before trying any sleep aids or CBD.
If you have insomnia, or if pain and anxiety are preventing you from getting a good night’s rest, you may want to consider trying CBD. Remember to speak with your doctor before trying any new medications or supplements, and be sure to research CBD products before choosing one for sleep.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.