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Best CBD Gummies For Sleep In September 2023
List of CBD Gummies used to ease Sleep
If you need some help getting to sleep at night but don’t want to take another pill, cannabidiol (CBD) gummies may be a helpful alternative. They’re a more natural option in the world of sleep aids, and they can feel like a little sweet treat before bed.
To choose the best CBD gummies for sleep, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on more than 50 CBD products made from plants grown in the U.S. All have a certificate of analysis (COA), are third-party tested by ISO 17025-compliant laboratories and contain no more than 0.3% THC. From price to potency to additional sleep-promoting ingredients, see which CBD gummies for sleep stand out as our top picks. Note: Prices listed are accurate as of the publication date.
Methodology: How We Picked the Best CBD Gummies for Sleep of 2023
To choose the best CBD gummies for sleep, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on more than 50 products that are:
- Made from plants grown in the U.S.
- Have a certificate of analysis (COA)
- Are third-party tested by ISO 17025-compliant laboratories
- Are made with all natural ingredients
We then ranked CBD gummies based on price, potency and the inclusion of sleep promoting ingredients, such as melatonin, L-theanine and/or botanicals like chamomile.
Readmore Below:
Why Use CBD Gummies for Sleep?
The biggest advantage of taking CBD gummies for sleep is their convenience. Gummies are portable and travel more easily than bottles of CBD oil.
Gummies also offer easy dosing since each gummy has a fixed CBD content. With every serving, you know exactly how much CBD you’re getting. The downside, however, is that you’re limited to the predetermined dose per gummy—CBD oil allows for better customization in this regard.
What’s more, CBD gummies tend to taste good and are less likely than other CBD products to have a cannabis aftertaste.
CBD gummies are a good option if you don’t mind waiting a bit longer for the CBD to take effect. Since you’re ingesting the gummy, it needs to travel through your digestive system for its contents to be absorbed. Once CBD is absorbed in the stomach, it’s “routed directly to the liver, where it’s partially broken down,” says Mark Ratner, M.D., the chief science officer at Theralogix, a nutritional supplement company. That process reduces the amount of CBD that ultimately makes it to your brain.
Ingredients to Look for in CBD Gummies for Sleep
Unless you’re using a CBD isolate product, you’re likely to find other herbs, phytocannabinoids and sleep-promoting ingredients in a CBD gummy intended for sleep, such as:
Cannabinol (CBN). Another popular cannabinoid, CBN may help alleviate symptoms of epidermolysis bullosa (rare diseases that cause the skin to blister easily) and glaucoma and may help relieve chronic muscle pain, according to research[1].
Cannabigerol (CBG). This cannabinoid may have antibacterial properties and can potentially help treat neurologic disorders and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Melatonin. A naturally occurring hormone, melatonin can also be created artificially to help ease symptoms of jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, sleep disorders in children and pre- and post-surgery anxiety.
L-theanine. An amino acid, L-theanine may promote relaxation when supplemented in high doses.
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). This naturally occurring chemical is often used to treat depression and may help alleviate insomnia and anxiety.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). A common neurotransmitter, GABA may help with sleep and anxiety when taken as a supplement.
Hops. The extract of this dried plant might help with anxiety, sleep disorders and restlessness.
Ashwagandha. A shrub often known as an adaptogen, ashwagandha has been shown to help relieve stress and swelling, lower blood pressure and aid the immune system in some individuals.
Chamomile. This herbal flower may help alleviate sleeplessness, anxiety and gastrointestinal issues.
Lemon balm. Another herb used in natural sleep aids, lemon balm may have antioxidant properties.
Passionflower. This vine may help to improve symptoms of anxiety, sleep problems, pain and/or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Valerian root. A plant native to Europe and Asia, valerian root may help alleviate insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Terpenes. These naturally occurring compounds found in plants serve as the building blocks of many essential oils.
The Benefits of CBD Gummies for Sleep
The chief benefit of CBD gummies for sleep is that they may help you fall asleep when you want to and sleep more soundly throughout the night. With that said, there are several other potential benefits of CBD to be derived from taking CBD gummies, including relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain and more.
Using CBD to improve your sleep can lead to secondary health benefits, too. For example, getting more restful and consistent sleep can help improve weight control and the ability to focus, says Mikhail Heifitz, chief operating officer at Unabis, a CBD company.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects of CBD include diarrhea, fatigue and vomiting. Some people may experience sedation, sleep disturbances and anemia.
CBD may also interact with other medications, which can cause adverse reactions. For this reason, it’s best to consult a doctor before adding CBD to your wellness regimen.
Heifitz suggests starting with a low dose of CBD to see how your body reacts, then adjusting your dosage accordingly.
Gummies may also contain other ingredients that can cause an adverse reaction, such as artificial colors or sweeteners. Many gummies are also not vegan, as they are made with gelatin. Check the ingredients list before buying or eating CBD gummies.
Do CBD Gummies Work for Sleep?
Research indicates that CBD may be able to improve sleep quality due to its potential ability to regulate users’ sleep-wake cycles. The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate circadian rhythms, and using CBD in certain doses may act on the ECS to produce a sedative effect. Additionally, CBD gummies formulated with other sleep-promoting ingredients, such as melatonin or valerian root, may increase a product’s efficacy in improving sleep quality.
How Long Before Bed Should You Take a CBD Gummy?
Since it can take up to four hours for CBD to metabolize in the body, aim to consume a CBD gummy 30 minutes to four hours before bedtime to allow its potential effects to set in. Also be mindful to consume CBD gummies as indicated on the product label or by your healthcare provider.
Will CBD Gummies Make You Tired the Next Day?
Possible side effects of consuming CBD include drowsiness or sleepiness. If you experience unwanted side effects from consuming CBD gummies, it may be beneficial to adjust your dose or stop using the product altogether.
Where to Buy CBD Gummies for Sleep
CBD gummies for sleep are widely available in specialty retail stores nationwide (depending on where you live) and from reputable brands online, such as those in our list above. When purchasing CBD gummies for sleep online, purchase products exclusively from manufacturers themselves (as opposed to third-party retailers). It’s also best to prioritize products that are third-party laboratory tested and share certificates of analysis (COAs) publicly on their webpages that prove the contents of the product match what the label suggests.
Forbes Health covers CBD and cannabis products in accordance with FTC guidelines. Learn more about Forbes Health’s practices and policies regarding how we cover CBD and cannabis as a publisher.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which CBD gummy brands are best for sleep?
The best CBD gummy brands for sleep offer minimal side effects and send all their products to a third-party laboratory for testing. Our list exclusively includes products that are third-party tested for quality and efficacy and may be a great place to start your search for CBD gummies for sleep.
How many CBD gummies should you take for sleep?
Follow the instructions on the packaging of the CBD gummies you plan to take, as dose often varies from product to product.
Dr. Ratner suggests starting with a low dose of 10 to 20 milligrams of CBD to first see how you react. If it goes well, you can slowly increase your dose as needed.
Do CBD gummies for sleep have intoxicating effects?
CBD itself does not create intoxicating effects. The “high” associated with cannabis comes from the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Full-spectrum CBD products can contain up to 0.3% THC by dry weight, which isn’t enough to have intoxicating effects. If you want to avoid THC altogether, look for broad-spectrum or CBD isolate products instead.
What happens if you eat expired CBD gummies?
“Once it has passed its expiration date, the CBD will start losing its potency and eventually lose its effectiveness entirely,” says Heifitz. “You might notice a change in the taste of the gummy as well, but nothing bad should happen to you.”
How long do CBD gummies last?
Research suggests that the effects of CBD can last up to two to four hours after consumption.
