Best CBD For Insomnia in 2025 [Complete Guide]

As acceptance and legalization of THC-containing cannabis has grown in the United States, the popularity of another cannabinoid, CBD, has also increased. Now legal in all states, CBD products range from tinctures, coffee, topical, gummies, capsules, and vaporizers. 

CBD has been touted as a way to relieve common ailments like anxiety, inflammation, and, perhaps most often, insomnia. Despite being newly available on the market, there are several studies that back up CBD’s claims. One study found that CBD helps relieve both anxiety and insomnia.   

Here’s a rundown on CBD, what it does to your body, and how it can help you sleep.

What Is CBD, Anyway?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an organic chemical found in the flower of the cannabis plant. Along with CBD, there are up to 80-100 cannabinoids, or compounds, in the cannabis plant. 

Cannabinoids and other drugs work by activating central nervous system receptors and controlling how cells interact, transmit, receive, and process information, e.i, the relaxed feeling and decreased anxiety from CBD, or the high from THC. Most cannabinoids are non-psychoactive, meaning they do not change behaviors, perceptions, or thought patterns.

Along with CBD and THC, here are some other

• CBG- used to treat pain, inflammation, glaucoma, and possibly cancer. Non-psychoactive.
• CBN- used to treat infections, acts as a sedative, and pain reliever. Non-psychoactive.
• CBC- used as an antifungal, slows tumor growth, and treats infections. Non-psychoactive.
• THCV- used to stimulate the appetite and reduce anxiety. Some psychoactive properties.
• Delta 8- used to kill cancer cells, prevent vomiting, and reduces tumor size. Some psychoactive properties.

How Is CBD Extracted?

CBD is derived from industrial hemp on farms throughout the country and is extracted from hemp or cannabis. Here are some methods of CBD attraction. 

CO2 Extraction 

Pressurized carbon dioxide acts as a solvent under pressure and at high temperatures. The CO2 extracts the CBD and other cannabinoids without chemical solvents. This method removes ​​chlorophyll, which causes a bitter taste. 

Solvent Extraction 

The hemp plant is placed in a container with a chemical solvent like ethanol, butane, hexane, and isopropyl alcohol. CBD solvent extraction is the most cost-effective but diminishes some of the purity of the plant and, in turn, the CBD. These chemicals also remove some of the health benefits of the plant. 

Oil Extraction

Olive or coconut oil extraction is the easiest and most natural way to extract CBD. Oil is heated to decarboxylate the plant, or remove the compounds in the plant. When the oil and plant are heated, the cannabinoids are extracted. The resulting oils from this extraction are perishable and must be kept in a cold, dry environment.

How DO CBD and Cannabinoids Work?

Our bodies have a natural system that helps with the benefits of cannabinoids. The ​​endocannabinoid system is a system of neurotransmitters connected to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. 

There are two primary endocannabinoid receptors: 

• CB1 receptors that are mostly in the central nervous system. 
• CB2 receptors are in the immune cells/peripheral nervous system.

Once you consume CBD, it attempts to bind to these receptors. Research shows that CBD and other cannabinoids do not directly attach to the CB1 and CB2 receptors but act as an influencer, causing effects on your body and mind. 

What Are CBD’s Impacts on the Body?

Everyone will react differently to CBD, depending on their individual tolerance and dosage amount. How your individual endocannabinoid system reacts to CBD will determine what it will do to your body and mind. 

The endocannabinoid system helps regulate: 

• Hunger
• Mood
• Fertility
• Memory
• Pain
• Stress
• Fertility

This system is also responsible for euphoria linked to intense exercises, like the famed runner’s high. The endocannabinoid system has receptors throughout the body. CBD alters hormones and neurotransmitters by affecting the endocannabinoid system.

What Are CBD’s Side Effects and Safety Precautions?

Research on the long-term effects of CBD is limited, however, the available studies are promising and show no long-term ill effects. One study found that CBD is non-toxic and does not impact motor skills or blood pressure. No more than 1500 mg of CBD per day is considered safe for most.

While CBD is safe, certain individuals might experience side effects, such as 

• Sleepiness
• Appetite changes
• Dry mouth 
• Weight changes
• Diarrhea

CBD can also impact other drugs by increasing the concentration of the drug in your body. If you take any of the drugs listed below, you might want to stop using CBD or talk to your doctor about how the use of cannabinoids can impact the drugs. 

Common drugs that might be impacted by CBD include: 

• Warfarin 
• Levothyroxine
• Amiodarone
• Clobazam

The World Health Organization says of CBD, "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD."

How Does CBD Impact Sleep?

Research on CBD and sleep is limited but shows promising results. One study found CBD aides in helping insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, PTSD induced nightmares, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Numerous studies show CBD has a significant, positive effect on anxiety, which could be the key to its sleep-promoting benefits. Sleep is often impacted by anxiety, pain, and insomnia. Luckily, CBD can 

CBD and Anxiety

Along with sleep, evidence suggests that CBD can also help ease anxiety. According to a study, it is believed that CBD works the same way in the body as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which is why it works so well in easing anxiety and stress and helping with sleep.

CBD and Pain Management

CBD is a popular option for those suffering from chronic pain. With the opioid crisis raging, many are reluctant to try traditional pain medications. As a result, CBD is often used as an alternative for pain relief. Studies conducted on CBD and pain concluded that CBD works by enhancing the actions of glycine receptors in the central nervous system, which decrease pain. CBD also helps reduce inflammation by working with the endocannabinoid receptors. 

CBD and Insomnia

Anxiety and pain can both cause issues with sleeping and insomnia. Those who suffer from insomnia have trouble getting and staying asleep. Given the benefits of CBD for the treatment of anxiety, CBD may also assist with insomnia-related anxiety by also interacting with the endocannabinoid system and calming the mind. Numerous studies have shown CBD and other cannabinoids like THC are beneficial for inducing sleep. 

How Do I Use CBD?

How you decide to use CBD and the dosage is up to you and your personal tolerance. There is no set dose for CBD–what works one person might not work for another. Too much CBD can cause drowsiness and fatigue. 

When considering CBD, here are a few things to consider. 

• Bodyweight and composition 
• Strength of the product 
• Tolerance 
• Previous experience with CBD and THC 

What Are Some Common Forms of CBD?

There are many ways to consume CBD, like capsules, vape, liquid tinctures, coffee, edibles, topicals, and more. CBD does contain minor amounts of THC. The THC level in CBD varies, and purchase limitations apply depending on location. CBD is not illegal in certain places provided all THC has been removed. CBD oil containing THC or other cannabinoids may only be sold in places where marijuana usage is legal. 

Here are some common forms of CBD and how to use them. 

• Tinctures: a liquid form of CBD that can be ingested or added to drinks or food.
• Edibles: food infused with CBD, such as gummy candies, honey, cookies, coffee, etc.
• Vaporizer: CBD that is heated and inhaled with a vaping device.

What Are Some Recommended CBD Products

There are seemingly endless CBD options available today. While CBD is legal in all 50 states, not every product is safe or quality control tested. However, it is possible to find quality, US-grown CDB. When purchasing CBD, make sure to check where the hemp was grown and ask for a certificate of analysis-a document that shows the tests performed on the CBD that shows the level of CBD, THC, and possible contaminants.

Here are a few recommended, quality-tested CBD brands. 

Sunday Scaries

The Sunday Scaries are the anxiety and dread we often fear on Sunday nights knowing that we have to start back to work the next day. Many suffer from anxiety about the week ahead and marking off that to-do list on Monday morning. The Sunday Scaries CBD is a vanilla cream flavored CBD tincture that tastes like ice cream and contains chamomile, valerian root, and 5-HTP to help you relax even more. 

GM Hemp Co. CBD Oil

GM Hemp Co. grows USDA certified organic hemp to make all their CBD and hemp products. Grown in Kentucky, GM Hemp Co., formulates their own products and uses all organic ingredients. Their Peppermint Flavored 1200 mg CBD is made with organic MCT oil and can be used as a topical and an edible.

Wlyd CBD Gummies 

This Oregan-based company offers a full range of CBD and THC products. Wlyd’s delicious CBD fruit gummies are made with real fruit by a team of food scientists. With 5-star ratings all around, Wlyd CBD Gummies both taste great and will leave you feeling chill. 

Wild By Nature CBD Vaporizer and Pods

Wild By Nature offers unique and flavorful CBD products like tinctures and topicals. Their standout product, The Wild By Nature CBD Vape Devices and Pods, are custom designs to fit Wild’s pods. These devices and vape pods are sustainably produced and heat at a low temperature. Each vape draw contains 110 mg of CBD isolate and contains no oil-based carriers for a clean vape.

Medterra CBD + Melatonin Capsules

These vegan capsules contain both CBD and melatonin to help you drift off to sleep in no time. Made without pesticides, Medterra’s CBD + Melatonin Capsules also contain chamomile and Medterra’s own proprietary Liposomal technology that results in 10x faster absorption. 

When considering CBD as a treatment for sleep problems or any other cause to discuss potential side effects, medication interactions, and doses, it’s best to consult with your doctor. CBD is not designed to treat any illness or condition but is meant to be used as a tool to help with sleep, pain, inflammation, and anxiety. 

If you’re looking for even more sleep advice or mattress recommendations, visit our website! 

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