Non-psychoactive cannabis compound CBD may aid sleep in people with anxiety, and act as a sedative at higher doses.
CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants that is known for its non-intoxicating, medicinal effects. It may help with sleep through:
- Reducing anxiety. CBD may improve sleep for individuals with anxiety problems.
- Acting as a sedative. Higher CBD doses seem to work as calming, sleep-inducing agent.
Overview
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant cannabinoid after THC in cannabis plants. CBD’s health benefits, which include improvement of anxiety, depression, pain, and inflammation – coupled with its lack of psychoactive effects – have made it a popular supplement for dealing with a variety of medical concerns.
Unlike its close relative tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – which is responsible for the high experienced with marijuana use – CBD does not cause any intoxicating, mind-altering effects. CBD is most commonly used to help with anxiety, depression, seizures, arthritis, chronic pain, and other conditions. It is also growing in popularity as a nootropic.
Although THC is better recognized as the ingredient responsible for the sleep-inducing effects of marijuana, it appears that CBD has some sleep benefits as well. CBD seems to be a particularly promising sleep aid for people who suffer from persistent anxiety. This effect does not induce sleepiness per se, but makes it easier to fall and stay asleep by reducing anxiety. In addition, CBD functions as a sedative when taken at higher doses (100+ mg).
How CBD Might Help With Sleep
Reducing anxiety
- Interacting with the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, which is known to regulate mood, stress, and emotion 1
- Boosting adult neurogenesis – the growth of new brain cells in the adult brain 2
Acting as a sedative
High CBD doses (160 – 600 mg) have been reported to act like a direct sedative, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. 3
CBD Sleep Uses & Benefits
As a sleep aid, CBD is is popularly used to fight insomnia and improve overall sleep quality. More specifically, it can be used to promote healthy sleep in two ways:
- Indirectly aiding sleep by improving anxiety, resulting in tangible benefits such as reduced time to fall asleep and fewer sleep disturbances
- Directly improving sleep duration and quality by acting as a sedative when taken at higher doses
In addition, it’s also theoretically possible that CBD can aid sleep for people with conditions marked by chronic pain, since it it also fucntions as an analgesic (pain reliever). 4
Research
Animal Research
Numerous rodent studies have examined CBD’s effects on sleep. Findings indicate that CBD may:
- Block anxiety-induced sleep disruption in rats 5
- Increase total sleep time in rats at higher doses6
- Promote wakefulness at low doses7
- Reduce anxiety in mice and rats, which can indirectly aid sleep8 9
Human Research
Early clinical research indicates that CBD’s improvement of anxiety may indirectly aid sleep in people with anxiety disorders. In addition, large CBD doses (100+ mg) seem to act as a sedative.
CBD (160 mg) may improve sleep in insomniacs
This paper reviewed a number of clinical trials of CBD. In one of the trials, 15 insomniacs were given placebo or CBD (40, 80, or 160 mg). The 160 mg dose resulted in longer sleep time, less interruptions of sleep, and higher sleep quality in most of the participants.
- The researchers concluded that “160 mg cannabidiol significantly increased the number of hours the subjects slept, and all three doses decreased dream recall, which could be the consequence of less sleep interruptions during the night’s sleep. ” 10
CBD (400 mg) appears to help with anxiety disorders
In this double-blind study, people with social anxiety disorder (SAD) were given placebo or CBD (400 mg) capsules and were examined using brain imaging. Compared to placebo, CBD was found to significantly decrease subjective anxiety, an effect the researchers attributed to changes in regional brain activity.
- The researchers concluded that “CBD reduces anxiety in SAD and that this is related to its effects on activity in limbic and paralimbic brain areas.” 11
CBD (600 mg) appears to reduce anxiety in individuals with social anxiety disorder
This double-blind, randomized study examined the effects of CBD on anxiety. A total of 24 people with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) were given placebo or CBD (600 mg) 90 minutes before a simulated public speaking test (SPST). The CBD treatment significantly lowered anxiety, cognitive impairment, and overall discomfort during the test. These effects suggest that CBD can be useful for anxiety-related sleep issues.
- The researchers concluded that “The increase in anxiety induced by the SPST on subjects with SAD was reduced with the use of CBD, resulting in a similar response as the HC.”12
Dosage for Sleep
- Research studies have used doses as low as 15 mg to as high as 600 mg of CBD
- CBD supplements typically provide 20 – 25 mg doses of CBD, taken as as CBD hemp oil or CBD extract capsules
- Doses of 20 – 50 mg seem to work best for anxiety-related sleep issues, whereas high doses (100+ mg) function more like a sedative
Available Forms
- CBD oil. The most popular form of CBD, oil tinctures offer ease of use alongside long duration and fast onset.
- CBD capsules/edibles. Although convenient and long-lasting, capsules and edibles have lower efficacy because of low bioavailability.
- CBD vape oil. Vaping CBD provides the fastest relief and strong effects, but has the shortest duration.
- Topical CBD. Topical CBD is applied to the skin as a cream, balm, or ointment, which is an effective option for arthritis and other types of musculoskeletal pain.
- CBD Isolate. 99%+ pure CBD in crystal/powder form.
Supplements in Review Says
- CBD oil 15+ mg for sleep.
CBD may help anxious people fall asleep, and act as a general sedative. If anxious thoughts keep you awake at night, CBD is a great way to calm the mind and prepare you for sleep. In addition, CBD functions as an all-around sedative at high (100+ mg) doses.
There is too little research to recommend a specific dose, so it’s best to start low. We recommend starting with doses of 15 – 25 mg, which should be sufficient if anxiety is the reason you’re having sleep issues. You can consider taking doses as high as 100 mg and beyond, but such high doses can be rather expensive and difficult to administer.
160 mg of CBD oil per day is cost prohibitive for most people. I spent 100$ on just 450 mg alone. A good night sleep would cost 30$ per night or roughly 12,000$ per year. Too bad it couldn’t be recognize for what it is and be medical prescribed and covered by insurance. But weak mindedness seem to prevail over logic.
I agree, but if you have anxiety issues (like me) then lower doses (20 – 40 mg) work pretty well.
can u have a psychotic break w using cbd
Agreed Michael Smith. It’s good for other things, but doesn’t work for insomniacs. 160mg keeps me awake all night.
My experience with CBD was very good. I use it in the morning to calm my body for the day. The most benefit that I have seen with CBD has been for sleep. I take two capsules at night before bed and I get very comfortable deep sleep with no negative effects in the morning. -Robert
I am new to the CBD world. I’ve done my research and have just purchased my first order.(haven’t received it yet)
My problem is chronic insomnia and all oft he drugs prescribed by the doctors haven’t worked. After going over all the available information and the reviews by users,it seems that some people respond t0 CBD for sleep very welll and others do not.
My concern is dosage. .All the bottles say they have anywhere from 100 to 450mg.. Is that the strength of each dose or the total in the bottle. I would like to start with 160mg. The supplier recommends a few drops under the tongue. Out of a bottle marked..300mg, how do I figure “drops”as dosage?
Thanks in advance for any help…
Hey Steve, that is the CBD content of the entire bottle. Depending on the size of the bottle and the exact amount of CBD in mg, that would translate to anywhere from 0.5 to 3 mg of CBD per drop.
The reason why CBD doesn’t work for everyone is because its main effect is reduction of anxiety. So for those people that it really helps, it reduces anxiety and as a result its easier to fall and stay asleep.
I have chronic insomnia and have been like this for 6 months. I just bought cbd oil on the advice of my doctor as he wants me off the Ambien. I had high hopes as nothing else seems to work. Last night was my first night, obviously started on a low dose. Another night of no sleep. I have been reading that one needs to eventually be on a higher dose for chronic insomnia. That’s a lot of money. Of course when you buy this for the first time they don’t tell you anything. Tonight I will be upping the dose to 10 mgms and I’ll see how it goes.
How to sensibly buy LEGAL cbd oil online? Because I got a letter saying customs has confiscated my package two times already and I’m pissed.
I take 2 ml under my tongue every night and it works very well to stop my mind from racing.
I found similar articles stating those same dosages for sleep but because of how our liver works it filters out the majority of the oil. I agree about the expense being a bit too high. I also researched the possibilities of vaping CBD oil. What I found was if vaped the oil bypasses the liver & goes directly into the bloodstream va the lungs. That also keeps the concentration higher without having to take a literal 160mg dose. I haven’t tried this yet but I will be investing in an essential oil vape this weekend. I’m also going to try using other essential oils as well but after I do a bit more research on what works for insomnia & at what temperatures can the oils be heated to before integrity is lost.
Can I ask if you are taking cbd oil for insomnia do you take it all in one dose. How far before bed do you take it?
Usually 30 minutes before bed in one dose.
hi! I’m hoping someboy can give me some advice on dosage for my dog… she has dementia and paces around all night. Ive tried the CBD oil before and was just following instruction on the bottle. I went through a $40 bottle within a week and did not notice any changes in my dog so I stopped. As recommended, I started her out low and slowly increased a little bit. But now that I read this article, I have a feeling I should have given her quite a bit more. If 160mgs may act as a seditive in humans, would it be safe to assume that thats based on an average adult body weight of lets say 160 pound? So if my dog is 40 pounds, would I want to give her at least 40 mgs to help her calm down and sleep? I would appreciate any input or suggestions. thanks!
Body weight estimates are the best option in such a case, so 40 mg sounds about right. However I think it’s better to avoid high doses because the central problem in your case is dementia. You can certainly give it a try and see how the dog responds, but high-dose CBD use can get expensive, and it may be better to look for a supplement that can address the cause rather than the symptom of the sleeping issues – in this case, the dementia.
I just bought a 600 mg 2 oz. bottle of CBD oil. If i want to start at a 50 mg dose for sleep and pain, how many drops would i take? I fund tge dosing confusing if the total bottle is 600. Thanks.
Hello
My question is similar to Denise who just posted prior. I just purchased pure CBD tincture it is 967.2mg/g. It appears to be in a 50ml bottle.
My goal is to treat my insomnia and discontinue xanax as a sleep aid.
My question is they provide a dropper with no markings. I’m not confident how to dose, 1-2 drops = ? mg?
2 oz = 60 ml. So that’s 600 mg in 60 ml, meaning that 1 ml contains 10 mg of CBD. One standard drop from an eyedropper is 0.05 ml. 1/0.05 gives us 20 drops per 1 ml of the oil. Since 1 ml contains 10 mg of CBD, that gives us 10/20 = 0.5 mg CBD per drop. So you’d have to take 100 drops to get that dose. Since taking so many drops is inconvenient, you should consider starting off with a smaller dose like 5 mg or look for a product with a higher CBD concentration.
Assuming 1 to 1 conversion between grams and ml, that’s 967.2 * 50 = 48360 mg of CBD for the whole bottle. One drop is 0.05 ml, so that’s 1000 drops for the whole bottle. 48360 mg / 1000 drops gives us 48.36 mg per drop (that’s a very high concentration). With this product I’d start out with one drop and see how you feel, that should be plenty.
Hi first thank you guys, I’m a first time user and of course In have 1000 questions. I bought CBD 250mg 1oz for my apnea. I don’t know how many drops would help me of if I need higher dose. First 2 weeks 7 drops 3 times a day, and today I star with 15 drops 3 times a day.
Thank you and happy New Year
For those that require a higher dose of cbd for insomnia, where have you found it for a reasonable price but still high quality? Being new to this I’m leary of those that sell it for a significantly lower price. Also, I can’t swallow large pills so taking the capsules isn’t an option. Thank you in advance.
Sorry. I probably should’ve added that I live in the US.
I started to take CBD oil from SensiSeed(Dutch) 10ml 3%cbd 300mg
I’m smoking weed heavily and the last one year I got heavy night sweats that made my nights upside down… I tried to lower the smoking, but it’s hard.. so I made some research and now I try the oil for it, maybe it can help. Anyone having night sweats cause weed ? Or any experience with cbd oil to stop the night sweats? Sorry for my English..:)
I need to get off Xanax which I’ve been on for way too many years and I need to do it safely and gradually.
1. Where can I buy some of this CBD for anxiety and/or sleep online? I live in Florida. There appear to be many choices but I would like to know if anyone knows of a reputable online company?
2.Is the sublingual tincture the best way?
I have severe insomnia. I’m currently talking hypnotic drugs such as triazalam, ambien and lunesta. These drugs lose their effectiveness and some nights I have to take 3 to 4 tablets. They make me feel terrible the next day. I’m at my whits end. Would CBD help with my insomnia? What dosage of CBD would I take? And which product would you recommend?
Hi Helen, I would recommend taking a look at this list of reputable CBD companies.
There isn’t necessarily a “best” way to take CBD. However, sublingual tincture tends to be the most popular because it is easy to take, has good bioavailability (meaning that you get stronger effects than if you were to take a capsule, for example), and you can feel it pretty fast. You can read more about the differences between various CBD forms here.
Hi David, it all depends on the underlying reasons for your insomnia. If anxiety/thinking too much at bed time is one of the reasons you’re having trouble sleeping, then CBD at doses of 15 – 50 mg at night time can certainly help. As for products, I’d recommend an oil tincture from one of these reputable companies.
However, if your insomnia is caused by something else, you would have to take relatively high doses (100+ mg) to get any useful effect. I would not advise this simply because it is expensive and difficult to administer.
It seems from what I’m reading that lower doses of CBD oil can help with wakefulness but then also help with anxiety which in turn can help with insomnia. I am trying to taper off Klonopin and was hoping to use this to help but I don’t want to risk taking a low dose and it having the opposite effect on me and actually keep me awake. Any suggestions?
Hi Sara, you won’t have the opposite effect – the only study in which CBD promoted wakefulness was when it was combined with THC. And now that you mention it, that study isn’t even that useful to include.
CBD works! I’ve being using the BioCBDplus Total Body Care and can say that it has definitely improved my sleep quality, helped significantly with my anxiety and helped with pain. – Marry Ann
This stuff really works for me. I take the low dosage of 25 mg. Been taking for a week now.. i sleep good. But was wondering do i have to take this stuff every night for the rest of my life in order to sleep well?? Or can i eventually get off it? Also , does this come in a liquid form? Its hard to swallow these pills.
Thanks
Hi Ms Green,
CBD hemp oil is the most common liquid form – you can find it at many reputable retailers online. Like any sleep medication, CBD has to be continuously taken to get its benefits. As such, you should try to work on improving your sleep habits and any underlying issues causing you poor sleep. In my own personal case, I used CBD to help me sleep while I improved my sleep hygiene (not using screens near bedtime, only using bedroom for sleeping, etc). With these improvements I started to sleep well without needing CBD.
I am not an expert and not affiliated with any company selling CBD. I started taking it for anxiety (an ongoing problem because I have aspergers syndrome)…I started on 10mg a day in the morning. It gave me a headache at first but that wore off over the first week or so. Then I increased to 20mg a day. Then 25mg. Then 50mg…but that seemed to undo some of the benefits so I went back down to 25mg in one dose in the morning. I take a capsule with my omega 3s and also turmeric as this may potentiate CBD so it’s more effective.
I think it’s miraculous. It stopped my anxiety and also reduced the sensory sensitivity I have. I slept much better and as I didn’t take it at bedtime I think that’s because I am not running on stress hormones all day! It also stopped me feeling so hungry in the evening which was a surprise. It didn’t cause any negative symptoms except the initial headache.
I just wanted to post this because my personal finding was that the lower dose was more effective than the higher one. I am sure all people are different but I know people are put off by ideas they need to be able to take hundreds of mgs a day…and maybe some do but some don’t and I definitely think it’s worth trying xx
I have CBD oil 1500mg, how mant drops do I take for insomnia, and how much during day for anxiety
Hi Gleb,
My wife does fall asleep easily, but her deep sleep suffers either from too few minutes during the night, or enough minutes but separated into intervals of light sleep and partial wakefulness. We’re interested in trying CBD oil to get her deep sleep intervals to come together into a single or as few cycles as possible. We also are looking into eliminating her partial wakefulness events during the night as much as possible.
I just hope that we can achieve this with the lower spectrum of the suggested dosages. I was thinking about 40mg perhaps.
Have you or anyone else had any experience with this type of situation?
Hi Luis,
I don’t think anyone will be able to answer if CBD will work in your case. The only way to find out for sure is to give it a try. I would start out with 15 mg, see the effects, and go up to as much as 60-80 mg if needed.
Is there a CBD product (with little to no THC) where each dosage is at least 50 mgs? At the moment, I’m taking 3 different products to bring the total amount up to 50 or 60 mgs.
If I have a bottle of 350mg and I want to use it for sleep/insomnia, is one drop enough? The bottle says 1-2 drops but I’m not sure this is enough? Is it 350mg in each drop or each dropper full? Confused. Thanks!!
I am on parole and have been taking CBD oil for anxiety. how much would make me fail a UA? Also my bottle says simple comfort 100 mg is that the whole bottle or the recommended 15 drop dose?
Great site,,, ok I am taking cbd 25mg along with 10mg of Melatonin all in one pill,, What are your thaughts on that combo,, I took one pill and wow felt it the next day,, trying 1/2 tonight..
Also having some Anxity coming off of Zoloft I see take 2 dropers 2x a day is for the anxity do I switch away from the pills and just use the liquid,,, Thks
I have a bottle of real cbd sleep aid says one half tbsp 30 mins before bed time has anyone else tryed this
I am trying to get off Seroquel for insomnia! It works but I am so fat and now pre-diabetic and high cholesterol. Doctor does not like my tests But I could go 8 nights without sleep. Trazodone wore off after 20 years on the stuff even up to the max of 300 mg. I take 300 mg of the Seroquel and have gained a lot of weight!! I am not bipolar. The shrink is just using seroquel for sleep for me. I have been thru hell with the insomnia for 2 years. Barely able to function. I also take Neurontin for sleep. I have no nerve pain Just for sleep. 150 mg and doctor says it can take away short term memory. Gawd, I would do anything to get off these meds. Would do you recommend for sleep? Some tincture?? Thanks a bunch. I live in Calif by the way where pot is legal. It never worked with smoking. Ditto the edibles…..