If you’ve been researching sleep solutions online, you’ve likely seen “CBD” pop up on your feed. The hemp-derived compound has become a buzzy term on the Internet in recent years, and is notable for its ability to reduce anxiety and treat poor slumber.
But that doesn’t mean all CBD products are created equal. To help you sort through the clutter (and land on an item that’ll actually help you snooze), I’ve decided to round up some of my favorite CBD goodies for sleep. I’ll also explain what CBD is and chat about some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for the compound on your own.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
Best for Falling Asleep Fast |
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CBDMD PM Tincture
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CBDMD PM Tincture
cbdMD PM Tincture is a nice way to calm down before getting into bed to fall asleep. Use code CBDMD15 to save 15% on your order! |
Doesn't expire |
Most Relaxing Effect |
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American Hemp CBD Oil
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American Hemp CBD Oil
American Hemp Oil is a great option for those that want a calming way to fall asleep fast! Use code SAVE10 to save 10% sitewide! |
Doesn't expire |
Best for General Use |
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cbdMD Premium CBD Oil
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cbdMD Premium CBD Oil
cbdMD PM Tincture is a nice way to calm down before getting into bed to fall asleep. Use code CBDMD15 to save 15% on your order! |
Doesn't expire |
What is CBD?
Before we discuss my picks, let’s chat a little bit about CBD. Now, if you haven’t already, I highly recommend you check out my What is CBD? video, which goes into all the juicy deets you need to know about the compound: what it is, how it feels, how much you should take, etc. BUT if you’re pressed for time right now (or simply want to scope out my selections), I’ll give you a quick breakdown right here.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found on the flower of the cannabis plant. Cannabis contains more than a hundred of these different compounds, or phytocannabinoids, including the popular psychoactive one tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
However, unlike THC, CBD doesn’t trigger hallucinations or intoxication. In my experience, it creates a subtle calm sensation that’s great for treating anxiety, joint pain, and, yes, even poor sleep. It also differs from THC in that it’s totally legal to buy and consume hemp-derived CBD in all 50 states, as long as the concoction doesn’t have more than .3% of THC.
How I Picked My … Picks
Another interesting thing about CBD is that it’s not regulated by the FDA, so every brand’s production is slightly different. What this means is that though the base compound may be the same, its expression can result in really divergent feels.
So, how do you know which CBD product is right for you? It’s a great question, and one I’ll answer by outlining some of the major factors to consider when shopping for CBD.
Form
First and foremost, you’ll want to figure out how you’d like to take your CBD. The compound comes in a variety of forms, from oil tinctures to gel capsules, pills, lotions, and creams. Depending on why you’re taking CBD, certain applications may be better for you than others. For example, if you’re trying to treat joint pain, a lotion may work best for you. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something quick-acting, you may want to opt for an oil tincture, as oil sinks into the bloodstream faster than capsules or pills.
Concentration
Perhaps the biggest differentiation between CBD products is concentration. This is usually clearly labeled on the front of the good, and signifies how much CBD is packed into a single serving. The higher the concentration, the more CBD, so a 2,500 mg concentration is going to render more cannabidiol per serving than a 750 or 1,000 mg concentration would. If you’re trying CBD for the first time, or are particularly susceptible to substances, I’d recommend staying in the 500 – 1,000 mg concentration window.
I’d also note that CBD products with high concentrations also tend to be more expensive than their less-concentrated counterparts, which could be something for you to consider if you’re on a strict budget.
Price
Speaking of budgets, price is another important factor to think about when shopping for CBD. If you’ve already done some preliminary research into the compound, you’ve likely noticed steep price tags that can easily exceed $200. The soaring costs can make the substance seem inaccessible and impractical, but the truth is that there are a lot of affordable options on the market.
In my opinion, there’s really no reason to go outside the $75 – $150 price range, as this window contains many high-quality goods that are just as effective as the pricier ones.
Hybrids
And finally, you’ll want to decide if you want a straight up CBD product or one that’s been modified with another ingredient, such as melatonin (an example of which we’ll explore a little later on). CBD is also commonly infused into other solutions, so you may find that you’re most compatible with one that only has subtle traces of the compound. All in all, it’s crucial to experiment with brands and dosages until you land on the one that’s 100% right for you.
The Best CBD Products for Sleep
And finally, my selections! A small note before we journey onward: This list was curated out of my own personal experience and is by no means definitive. There are plenty of CBD goodies I haven’t tried yet, so use this as a starting resource for your own search. And of course if there’s a product you love that didn’t make the cut, shout ‘em out in the comments.
Anyway! Here are my picks, adorned with superlatives for why I chose them.
Best for Falling Asleep Fast
CBDMD PM Tincture
If you’re biggest issue at night is falling asleep, I’d recommend checking out the CBD PM Tincture from cbdMD. This bad boy is packed with both CBD oil and melatonin, so delivers a one-two punch of calm and relaxation that I found to be super satisfying. Within 15 minutes of taking the tincture, I could feel the oil working its magic, alleviating the tension in my shoulders and quieting my mind.
I’d also add that unlike other melatonin products I’ve taken, this one didn’t really leave me with any next-day grogginess. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to go, making it an attractive option for folks who suffer from sleep inertia in the morning. Plus, at $45, it’s one of the more affordable CBD products on the market.
However, I would note that if you’re new to supplements or sleep aids, this one might be a little strong for you one, as it combines CBD oil and melatonin. Before taking, I’d recommend chatting with a medical professional to figure out if it’s going to be right for you.
For more on this product, check out my full cbdMD CBD PM Tincture review.
cbdMD PM Tincture is a nice way to calm down before getting into bed to fall asleep. Use code CBDMD15 to save 15% on your order!
Most Relaxing Effect
American Hemp CBD Oil
For those folks interested in tapping into CBD’s relaxing vibe, I think the CBD oil from American Hemp could be a real winner. I found this concoction to strike a mellow full body chord that left me feeling wonderfully zen, both at bedtime and during the day. I’d also say that its effects lasted longer than other CBD products I’ve tried (usually from about an hour to an hour and a half).
One slight caveat is the price — a 2,500 mg bottle of the stuff comes in at $140, which is just not going to be in everyone’s budget. However, I think it could be worth it for those in need of something consistent and strong.
Learn more by reading my full American Hemp CBD Oil review.
American Hemp Oil is a great option for those that want a calming way to fall asleep fast. Use code SAVE10 to save 10% sitewide!
Best for General Use
cbdMD Premium CBD Oil
Of the CBD products I’ve tested, one of my favorites for general use is the Premium CBD Oil from cbdMD. This is the same brand behind the PM Tincture we discussed above, but this particular oil is fantastic for both daytime and nighttime use. For me, it had a subtle effect, working to calm my mind and keep me in a cheery, rosy space.
Another thing I like about the oil is that you can choose your flavor! This is a great feature that I haven’t seen in a lot of CBD products, and is super helpful in masking the somewhat grassy taste of the compound. For reference, I tried out the berry flavor and found it to be quite scrumptious.
In terms of cost, a 750 mg concentration of the Premium CBD Oil goes for $70, which puts it right in the middle of the road pricewise.
cbdMD PM Tincture is a nice way to calm down before getting into bed to fall asleep. Use code CBDMD15 to save 15% on your order!
Well, that about does it for this guide! If you have any other questions about these products, feel free to DM me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. And make sure to subscribe to the Sleepopolis YouTube channel so you can get all our latest sleep-related content.