Whether it's due to discomfort, stress, overwhelm or all of the above, many of us struggle to achieve the rest we desire and you might be considering the benefits of cannabidiol, or CBD to help. But does CBD oil help with sleep? While not inherently sedative, CBD can be a powerful ally in the journey to better sleep.
Does CBD Oil Help With Sleep?
The relationship between the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and sleep
So, does CBD oil help with sleep? Let's start with some science. While managing to get a good night's rest can feel nearly impossible for so many of us right now, the good news is that balancing your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) with CBD may play a role in supporting your sleep-wake cycle. Here's the scoop.
Your ECS includes a system of receptors, spread across the various systems in the body, and it plays a crucial role in supporting a broad range of physiological processes that affect your everyday experience — from your mood to energy level, how you experience discomfort, stress, and even your circadian rhythm!
Your circadian rhythm is your "internal clock". It regulates your sleep-wake cycle, which can be disrupted by a number of internal and external factors. This is why it's recommended that you stay away from screens for at least 30 minutes before bed!
When we introduce CBD to your Endocannabinoid System, it indirectly plays a role in balancing your circadian rhythm. Additionally, it aids in supporting stress relief, soothing discomfort, and achieving a greater sense of wellbeing. All of which can contribute to more restful sleep!
CBD for sleep: What studies have shown
Documented interest in CBD to promote restfulness dates back to the 18th century. Today, we continue to see a growing body of published research to back up its potential role in achieving quality rest.
For example, a study of sleep quality published assessed CBD use in people with ongoing stress. At its conclusion, more subjects self-reported experiencing improved sleep compared to poorer sleep. The subjects who benefited noted decreased nighttime sleep interruptions and increased total sleep time.
Additional research suggests CBD may be considered for addressing REM sleep behavior disorder—which causes you to physically act out vivid, often unpleasant dreams—and excessive daytime sleepiness. And in 2019, participants in a comprehensive research study by Project CBD found that after introducing CBD to their daily routines, participants reported feeling more rested after experiencing noticeably deeper sleep.
It's important to note that everyone's body chemistry is different and while the research is promising, not everyone will experience the same results. There is no one-size-fits-all CBD routine or dose, but as a member of EQ, you have a team of Certified Wellness Coaches on your side.
CBD as a sleep aid – Where should you start?
We've covered the science, but what about the implementation?
While there's no one-size-fits-all routine, the Member Education team has helped countless members achieve better sleep for many different reasons, using each of our product collections! Here are some of our most-loved routines for better sleep from our most popular collections.
CBD Sleep Products
Calm & Destress Kit for Day into Night Support
- Paired with a Meal: 1 Daily Softgel (10mg CBD)
- As-needed: 1 Rapid Calming Melt (5mg CBD)
Though it might seem counterintuitive when asking if CBD oil helps with sleep, managing your daytime stress is actually one of the most effective ways to secure a restful night.
Many of our members who benefit from consistent daytime support, but still face unexpected or acute moments of tension throughout the day, absolutely love this routine. The Regular Strength Daily Softgel provides subtle, extended background support all day long to keep your baseline calm, so stress spikes don't sabotage your evening winding-down process. Meanwhile, the Rapid Calming Melt dissolves under your tongue to deliver a fast-acting sense of relief right when a stressful moment arises. By proactively keeping your nervous system regulated during the day, you prevent the late-night "mind-spinning" effect, allowing your mind and body to transition into deep, restorative sleep seamlessly when your head finally hits the pillow.
The Sleep Health Kit for Deep Sleep Support and Nighttime Restlessness
- Bedtime (30–60 mins before bed): Extra Strength Sleep Gummies (25mg CBD, 5mg CBN, 25mg L-Theanine, 25mg Chamomile)
- Middle of the Night / Peak Restlessness: 1 Rapid Sleep Melt (5mg CBN) under the tongue
This is a favorite among our members who struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Daytime stress and nighttime sleep are inextricably linked; this targeted botanical routine acts as the perfect "off-switch" for a spinning mind, helping you ease into a deeply restful night and effortlessly fall back asleep if you wake up in the middle of the night.
The Relief & Recovery Kit to Soothe Discomfort for Better Sleep
- Dinnertime: 1 Extra Strength Daily Softgel (25mg CBD)
- Bedtime: Recovery Roll-On applied directly to physical problem areas
Physical discomfort frequently spikes at the end of the day—whether it's because your mind finally quiets down enough to tune into your body, or because a long day of work has exacerbated your aches. The Relief & Recovery Kit is specifically designed for those managing physical tension. Pairing the long-lasting, deep background support of an Extra Strength Softgel with the targeted cooling action of the Recovery Roll-On provides the evening comfort necessary for an easier time falling and staying asleep.
In my experience as a Certified Wellness Coach, many of our members find that their discomfort increases when they settle in at the end of the day – maybe it's because they are finally able to quiet their minds and tune into their bodies, or maybe it's because their long day of work has exacerbate their aches. Either way, this routine provides much-needed relief for them during the evening hours which often translates to a much easier time falling and staying asleep!
The Bottom Line
We all crave restorative sleep, and many of us struggle to achieve it for different reasons. No matter why you're struggling or which of our products you choose to go with, our Member Education Team is here to help you find a routine to help you tackle your unique sleep challenges.
If you would like guidance as you navigate the CBD for sleep routine that's best for you, be sure to work with Equilibria's team of Certified Wellness Coaches who can help you identify a personalized game plan. You can also learn more on 'does CBD oil help with sleep' from our Senior Director of Member Education, Maia on our YouTube page!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CBD oil actually help with sleep, or is it just hype? A: The research is promising, though not yet conclusive. A large case series published in The Permanente Journal found that subjects using CBD for ongoing stress reported improved sleep scores, with decreased nighttime interruptions and increased total sleep time. A 2019 Project CBD survey found that participants reported feeling more rested and experiencing deeper sleep after introducing CBD to their daily routines. Equilibria's Dosage Team has helped thousands of women find their sleep routine over the course of 7+ years, as well. CBD is not inherently sedative — it works through the endocannabinoid system to support the body's stress response and sleep-wake cycle, which is a different mechanism than a traditional sleep aid.
Q: How does the endocannabinoid system relate to sleep? A: The ECS plays a role in regulating circadian rhythm, mood, energy level, stress response, and how we experience discomfort. When CBD is introduced to the ECS, it may indirectly support balance in the circadian rhythm and contribute to the conditions that allow for more restful sleep. The ECS is often depleted by chronic stress and the demands of modern life, which is partly why sleep can feel elusive even when you're tired.
Q: Is CBD oil the right sleep product for me, or should I use something else? A: It depends on what's disrupting your sleep. CBD Daily Drops at bedtime work well for those whose minds won't stop spinning at night. Nightly Sleep Gummies — combining CBD, CBN, L-theanine, and chamomile — are better suited for those who need more targeted botanical support specifically at bedtime. Equilibria's Certified Wellness Coaches can help identify which approach fits your pattern.
Q: Will CBD oil make me feel groggy the next morning? A: CBD is not a sedative, so it doesn't produce the grogginess that some conventional sleep aids can. It supports the conditions for sleep through the ECS rather than forcing sedation. Individual responses vary — some members notice improvement within weeks, while others experience gradual change over months of consistent use.
Q: How long does it take for CBD oil to improve sleep? A: Some members notice changes within the first few weeks, but consistent use over two to three months tends to produce the most significant results. CBD works cumulatively — it builds in the body with daily use and supports the ECS over time. Occasional use is less likely to produce meaningful sleep improvements compared to a consistent daily routine.
Studies referenced
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041
Cbd survey results: Cultivating wellness. Project CBD. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.projectcbd.org/reports/cbd-survey-results.
