Best CBD Oil for Sleep and Insomnia: Top Brands of 2022

Getting at least 8 hours of shut-eye at night is essential for us to stay in optimal health. Sleep is when your body and brain regenerate after the whole day, allowing you to function properly when you get up in the morning.

Even one night of disturbed sleep can compromise your functioning during the day, from lack of attention to daytime sleepiness and trouble falling asleep the next day. When minor sleep deprivation starts to turn into chronic sleeplessness, you might be one of the 50–70 million Americans who suffer from sleep disorders.

If you’ve already used every possible sleep aid out there — bought sleeping pills, practiced yoga, cut down on your bad habits — and your sleep cycle is still disturbed, exhaustion may get accompanied by growing frustration.

Are you looking for a safe yet effective solution to your sleeping problems?

CBD oil may help.

Although research in that matter is still inconclusive, there’s a lot of interesting details about using CBD oil for sleep we believe you should know.

In this guide, we’ll cover the whole spectrum of sleeping disorders — including the most severe one, insomnia — and show you our top picks for the best CBD oils for sleep.

6 Best CBD Oils for Sleep and Insomnia

Finding high-quality CBD oil if you’ve never tried any CBD product can be difficult. There are hundreds of brands on the market, and a large degree of difference when it comes to the quality of CBD oil. If you don’t want to spend hours comparing prices, reading reviews, and researching the company you want to buy from, we’ve made things easier for you.

In this section, we’ll highlight the top 5 CBD oils for sleep selected by our team.

1. Royal CBD (Best Overall)

Royal CBD is a premium brand with roots in California. The company’s mission is to provide premium-quality CBD products at a reasonable price and packed in a way that’s friendly to the environment. We’re one of those ethical consumers, so we couldn’t help but fall in love with this manufacturer.

 

Royal CBD is also very transparent with how it makes its products. The brand does third-party lab tests on all of their oils, capsules, and gummies so that all of their customers know exactly what they’re buying.

As for the oil, this product is available in 30ml bottles with four potency options to choose from 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 2500 mg. They are full-spectrum CBD oils, so you’re getting the entire range of cannabinoids and terpenes for better effects at lower doses. The potency range suits different types of CBD consumers, both beginners and experienced ones alike.

The oil has a nice neutral taste due to being suspended in premium MCT oil.

2. Gold Bee (Runner Up)

Gold Bee has been established by a team of hemp activists who had previously worked in the superfoods industry. One thing you can be certain about this brand is that it knows the meaning of the word “organic” more than any CBD manufacturer out there. From organically  sourced hemp to high-grade natural extraction and rigorous testing practices — everything about this company is top-of-the-line. Except for the pricing. Gold Bee sells some of the most affordable CBD products on the market in their price range.

You can choose from full-spectrum CBD oils in three concentrations, including 300 mg, 600 mg, and 1200 mg. This is a great potency range for both new and experienced users alike.

Aside from the premium quality of ingredients, this company has some of the best-tasting CBD oils we’ve ever tried. You can choose between Kiwi and Honey flavors; we encourage you to check out the signature one (honey) — it will change the way you look at flavored CBD oils.

Gold Bee also has CBD capsules and gummies in its line up if you’re looking for a more convenient way to take CBD throughout the day.

3. CBDistillery (Runner Up)

CBDistillery is a great choice for people seeking an experienced company with a well-established reputation among CBD users.

Despite having been on the market for over 6 years, CBDistillery continues to set high standards for competitor brands — combining a diverse product lineup with high-quality ingredients and affordable prices.

You can choose between full-spectrum and pure oil (isolate), with potency ranging between 250 mg and 5000 mg of total CBD. The highest strength contains enough CBD to keep you supplied for months to come.

The affordability comes at the cost of the oil’s hemp source. The hemp used by CBDistillery isn’t organic — although non-GMO — but considering that you only pay $20 for the 250 mg bottle, it’s only a minor downside.

4. NuLeaf Naturals

NuLeaf Naturals is one of the few American companies that invest in sourcing and manufacturing its line of CBD oil entirely within the United States. NuLeaf uses only high-quality ingredients and the best extraction methods for its products.

Not to mention the extensive third-party lab testing to ensure the quality and purity of its extracts.

Currently, NuLeaf Naturals only sells CBD oil drops in different bottle sizes. However, regardless of the bottle’s volume, the potency remains the same, so it boils down to how long you want to get yourself supplied.

The good thing about its modest product selection is that NuLeaf doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality. It’s CBD oil has just the perfect color and consistency, meaning that it only retains the beneficial ingredients, such as cannabinoids and terpenes.

As for the flavor, there are no fireworks. The oil smells leafy and has a bit of an earthy taste, which is typical of CBD oil.

5. Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web is another premium company specializing in making organic CBD oil. The company was founded by the Stanley brothers, the two men behind the success story of Charlotte Figi, a girl whose seizures went down from several attacks a day to only a few attacks a month using their cannabis oil.

Charlotte’s Web products are certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, meaning the company adheres to the highest manufacturing standards.

Charlotte’s Web CBD oil is available in four concentrations: 300 mg, 750 mg, and 2850 mg. You can buy them either in 30-ml or 100-ml bottles.

Charlotte’s Web uses olive oil extraction instead of supercritical CO2, which is why its oils are consistently greener and thicker.

6. CBDPure

CBDPure is one of the most transparent brands on the market.

The company uses organic hemp plants, makes its extracts with supercritical CO2, and thoroughly filters the end product from the plant material, resulting in an amber-gold color.

CBDPure offers low- to mid-potency oils. You can choose from three different strengths: 100 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg. The lowest potency provides only 3.3 mg of CBD per ml, so these products are better for novice consumers or lightweight people who can benefit from lower doses.

If you want a more cost-effective option, we recommend the 600 mg bottle — it has 20 mg per serving.

Why Do People Experience Trouble Sleeping?

Sleep problems mean that you have difficulty falling asleep or you may wake up during the night struggling to get a full night of rest.

Not getting enough sleep may compromise your physical and mental health, often leading to other concerns, such as attention deficits, fatigue, and frequent headaches.

Sleep disorders may stem from different factors, including lack of exercise, certain medical conditions, poor diet, or chronic stress.

Other triggers include excessive stimulation before bedtime, consuming too much coffee throughout the day, being exposed to excessive noise or air pollution, and aging.

According to a 2010 review of studies, lack of sufficient sleep duration at night is followed by the increased risk of early death.

When a person experiences sleep deprivation, they may struggle with:

• Daytime fatigue
• Excessive sleepiness
• Irritability
• Yawning

These are merely the short-term consequences of sleep problems. Below we cover the long-term effects of chronic sleeplessness.

Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

The consensus is that adults should get 7–9 hours of undisturbed sleep during the night for the body and brain to function in optimal health. If you’re missing out on that amount of time, it may worsen your cognitive capacities and put your physical health at risk.

Scientists have linked sleep issues with a wide range of health issues, from poor immune function to heart disease and obesity.

The most common long-term consequences of sleeplessness include:

• Hypertension
• Low libido
• Lack of alertness
• Memory problems
• Mood swings
• Poor balance
• Heart disease
• Attention deficits
• Weight gain
• Weakened immune system

People use different resources to help themselves out, from behavioral therapies to OTC supplements and prescription sleeping pills.

But are prescription drugs good for you in the long run?

It appears they’re not.

Here’s why.

The Dangers of Taking Sleeping Pills

Most sleeping pills sold in apothecaries are classified as sedative-hypnotics, a group of drugs used to help the body fall asleep and maintain its duration to get those recommended 8 hours of quality rest.

The most frequently prescribed sleeping pills include Valium, Xanax, Ambien, Halcion, and Sonata.

These drugs, however, only bring short-term relief, meaning that any cessation in one’s treatment will cause the recurrence of sleeplessness.

Common side effects of prescription sedatives:

• Changes in appetite
• Constipation
• Daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Muscle spasms
• Sweaty hands
• Overall fatigue
• Problems with memory and attention
• Stomach issues
• Tingling in the limbs
• Recurring nightmares

But the worst part about prescription sleeping pills is that they’re highly addictive and may lead to a range of severe withdrawals.

According to the emerging studies surrounding the benefits of CBD for sleep, this natural compound may prove a natural and safe alternative to conventional meds, allowing patients to avoid all of the above negative reactions.

Let’s find out how CBD can improve your sleep quality by engaging with the endocannabinoid system.

What is CBD and How Can It Improve Your Sleep Quality?

CBD is the acronym for cannabidiol, the most prevalent non-psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant.

That’s right; unlike THC, CBD doesn’t activate the CB1 receptors in the brain, so it can’t get you high no matter how much you consume.

So what does CBD do?

CBD engages with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and a few cannabinoid-independent receptors to keep the body and the brain in the state of chemical balance — also known as homeostasis.

The endocannabinoid system is a widespread network of receptors and neurotransmitters that are released to regulate almost every vital process in the body, including immune function, sensory perception, appetite, mood, memory, body temperature, and sleep.

Whenever the body falls out of the aforementioned balance, the endocannabinoid system starts producing its own molecules (endocannabinoids) to fix the problem and bring back homeostasis.

However, when a person suffers from chronic sleeplessness, the endocannabinoid system may not be able to solve the problem on its own.

That’s where CBD oil starts to shine.

Taking CBD Oil for Sleep: Scientific Facts

One way CBD may help with sleep deprivation is by reducing anxiety.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are one of the most common reasons for a wide range of sleep disorders, including insomnia.

A three-month study published in the January Issue of the Permanente Journal analyzed the health records of 72 subjects who were taking CBD for anxiety and sleeping issues. The study found that anxiety levels in both groups were significantly lower after CBD treatment. Many patients also reported improved sleep during the first month of the study.

Scientists suggest that CBD also extends the duration of the deep sleep stage — that phase when we regenerate.

However, if you want your CBD oil to have stronger sedating properties, you need to know the right dosage for such effects.

How Much CBD Oil Should You Take for Sleep Aid?

Dosing CBD oil is difficult because high and low doses of this product can produce opposite effects on the user.

For example, low doses of CBD can increase daytime alertness. Our levels of alertness during the day play an important role in maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

People suffering from insomnia often experience daytime fatigue, drowsiness, and are usually absent-minded during the day. This compromises the quality of their sleep because it makes it very difficult to enter and stay in the deep sleep stage.

On the other hand, higher doses of CBD oil are known to induce sleepiness. When you’re about to fall asleep, your breath slows down, often inducing a sensation of dizziness right before entering the first stage of sleep. CBD appears to spur up this process naturally.

Whether your dose of CBD is high or low depends on the following variables:

• The potency of your oil (mg of CBD/ml)
• Your body mass
• Your mage
• Your metabolism
• The severity of your sleep disorder
• Your gut health
• Your liver health

We recommend starting with lower doses and gradually increase them up to the point that promotes sedation. As soon as you notice the effects, you can stick to that dose because you can’t build a tolerance to CBD.

CBD Oil Buying Guide

A well-thought-out purchase is crucial for your experience with CBD oil.

CBD is in the spotlight right now. Almost every business wants to capitalize on the CBD craze, including completely unrelated companies such as Ben & Jerry’s.

However, even the hemp industry is full of fly-by-night brands selling poor-quality CBD oil as an alleged cure-all.

This makes it hard for new consumers to find a reputable manufacturer among so many mediocre ones.

Here’s what you need to pay attention to if you want to end up with a high-quality product.

1. Look for Products Made from Organic Hemp

The quality of hemp is paramount for the quality of CBD oil. If the hemp was grown in polluted soil and with pesticides, these pollutants will most likely pass through into the final product.

That’s because hemp plants absorb everything from its environment, both the good and bad substances.

Given this, you must look for hemp cultivated in clean, nutrient-rich soil — using only organic practices.

Many American farmers already grow organic hemp but without certificates. Hemp has just become federally legal in the US, and the agencies are starting to give licenses. For now, the registration process involves too much money and bureaucracy to be considered worthy.

2. Choose CO2-extracted CBD Oil

As much as possible, opt for products extracted with supercritical CO2.

CO2 in its supercritical form goes through the plant material, changing its state from gas to liquid and leaving behind a cold, viscous extract.

The CO2 works as a solvent, similar to butane or propane but without the risk of leaving toxic solvent residue at the bottom of the bottle.

Another popular extraction method calls for using high-proof alcohol which is used to saturate hemp flowers in order to pull the CBD from the plant matter — that’s how CBD tinctures are made.

3. Read Third-Party Lab Reports

Third-party lab tests are performed to analyze the content of CBD oil samples. Every company out there has the option to send their product for content analysis to prove their quality and safety.

Third-party laboratories analyze the potency of the extract and ensure that there are no impurities in the final product. Lab reports should be available on the manufacturer’s website. If a company doesn’t show them anywhere, they’re not worth your time.

4. Check if the Formula Has Any Other Sleep-Boosting Ingredients

Certain products may carry additional ingredients in the formula. These ingredients are infused into the CBD oil to enhance or complement the sleep-inducing effects of CBD.

One of such additives is melatonin.

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland to help us regulate the sleep-wake cycle. The levels of melatonin peak at night, with a steady increase in the afternoon — and gradually decreasing before the morning.

In other words, melatonin tells the body it’s time to fall asleep, so adding more of this hormone to your routine can make it easier for you to get a full night of quality sleep.

While the extra melatonin in your CBD oil won’t boost the effects of CBD, it will complement them so that you fall asleep without problems.

5. Pay Attention to the Amount of CBN in Your CBD Oil

Depending on the source strain and method of extraction, CBD oils have different cannabinoid profiles.

Some products have higher concentrations of CBN, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its sedating qualities.

CBN is a byproduct of THC’s oxidization — exposure to oxygen over time. You’ll typically find more CBN in aged cannabis flowers.

CBN strengthens the benefits of CBD along with other cannabinoids, producing the entourage effect, a phenomenon to which experts believe full-spectrum extracts owe their advantage over isolates.

Due to higher CBN content, some full-spectrum CBD oils can be particularly helpful when it comes to aiding sleep.

Reading the lab reports will help you determine how much CBN is in your CBD oil.

Can You Overdose on CBD?

Standardizing the dosages for CBD oil is very difficult because everybody reacts differently to CBD. While some people find it relaxing and sedating, there are also consumers for whom CBD is energizing.

But with all that said, you can’t overdose on CBD oil.

One clinical trial suggested that even doses as high as 1,500 mg of CBD daily are still well-tolerated by people.

What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil?

There are a few negative side effects of CBD oil, most of which are nearly nonexistent when you take CBD in low to moderate doses.

There are chances that you will experience:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite

On top of that, you need to watch out for potential interactions between CBD and common prescription drugs. If you’re using any sleeping meds, talk to your doctor about incorporating CBD oil to your routine to determine if you can use it without concern.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of CBD Oil for A Good Night’s Sleep

Buying the best CBD oil on the market won’t guarantee that you’ll solve your sleep problems. It’s also uncertain how CBD affects the REM stage where most of your dreams happen.

Here are tips for making your supplementation with CBD oil effective.

Be Consistent

Like most health supplements you take, you need to be consistent in sticking to your daily doses. This is one way to ensure that you get the most out of CBD’s benefits for sleep, whether it’s a direct issue or caused by anxiety disorders and other mental conditions.

Set the Right Timing

Unlike most sleeping meds, CBD oil should be taken at least an hour before you go to bed. The effects of CBD need some time to take hold as your endocannabinoid system absorbs the oil and processes it.

When taken regularly, CBD can help bring balance to your body’s hormones and chemicals. You won’t have to worry about missing out occasional doses as the half-life of CBD is potentially longer than sleeping pills.

Keep an Open Mind

The placebo effect can play an important role in regulating the effects of CBD. If you’ve been frustrated with other sleep aids, don’t take the same approach to CBD oil. If you stay positive about it, you may subconsciously bolster its potential effect.

Apart from that, you should also make sure that you know the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil because these products are worlds apart. CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant’s flowers and has a cannabinoid content. Hemp oil is processed from the seeds; it doesn’t contain any cannabinoids, but it’s considered a superfood due to its dense nutritional content.

Wrapping It Up: CBD Is A Great Sleep Aid, You Just Need to Know How to Use It for Maximum Benefit

While the research on the effects of CBD oil on the sleep cycle is still in progress, CBD shows great promise as a natural and safe sleep aid for those who’ve already tried other forms of treatment without success.

In our search, we found Royal CBD to be the best one for sleep disorders. This particular oil has the best potency range for all types of CBD users, comes from organic hemp, and is proved by 3rd-party lab reports to have no chemicals and pesticides involved. It also has a higher CBN content than the competition. If you dislike the taste of CBD oil, you can try Royal’s other products, such as capsules or gummies.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and that you’ll find it useful for dealing with your sleep problems!