Summary:

• CBD may help improve sleep by reducing anxiety, enhancing REM sleep, and increasing total sleep time in some individuals.

• Research is still evolving—some studies show CBD promotes rest, while others suggest it may increase wakefulness in certain cases (depending on dose and timing).

• Human and animal studies both suggest CBD may be useful for conditions like anxiety-related insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and PTSD-related nightmares. However, more research is still needed.

• CBD is generally well-tolerated, but side effects like dry mouth or grogginess are possible. Start with a low dose (10–25mg) and adjust as needed.

• Gummies, mints, and vapes from Utah Cannabis Co. offer convenient options for sleep support. Full-spectrum products may provide added benefits via the entourage effect.

Can CBD Help You Sleep? Here’s What the Science Says

Millions of people struggle with falling or staying asleep. Some experience racing thoughts, others wake up often, and many just never feel rested in the morning. Sleep medications can help—but they often come with side effects, and they’re not ideal for long-term use. That’s why more and more people are curious about CBD.

Here at Utah Cannabis Co., we’ve been crafting high-quality CBD products here in Utah since they first became legal. Our team knows how important real research is when it comes to sleep health and cannabis—so in this article, we break down what the science says about how CBD affects sleep, the kinds of sleep issues it might help with, and what to know before trying it for yourself.

What Is CBD?

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it won’t get you high—but it may affect your mood, anxiety, and alertness in ways that impact your sleep habits and routines.

Some people use CBD to help with general stress. Others take it for sleep support, often reporting fewer nightmares, more restful nights, and less difficulty falling asleep. But what does the research actually say?

How Does CBD Affect Sleep?

CBD appears to influence sleep through a variety of pathways in the brain. Research suggests it may:

• Help reduce anxiety, which can interfere with falling asleep

• Improve REM sleep problems that can impact sleep quality

• Increase total sleep time in some individuals

For example, a 2019 case series published in The Permanente Journal followed 72 patients who reported issues with sleep or anxiety. After one month of taking CBD, nearly 67% reported improved sleep, while 80% saw reduced anxiety—both of which can impact sleep quality.

That said, not every study has found positive effects. Some suggest that while CBD may help certain people fall asleep, it could also increase wakefulness depending on dose, timing, or other factors.

What Animal Studies Show

Animal studies offer some insight into how CBD might influence sleep-wake behavior:

• One study gave CBD directly to rats during their rest phase and found it increased wakefulness and reduced REM sleep. This indicates that CBD taken during the day might help with problems like excessive somnolence (where you feel tired during the day but experience problems resting at night).

• Other animal studies show that CBD may boost dopamine levels in brain, which plays a key role in alertness and wakefulness—reinforcing the idea that it might help regulate your sleep cycle by keeping you more alert in the daytime so you can rest at night.

Some of these early findings also suggest that CBD’s effects on sleep are complex and possibly dose-dependent—with lower doses promoting alertness and higher doses supporting rest.

What Human Studies Show

While human research is still catching up, some studies have shown potential benefits of CBD for:

• REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) in people with Parkinson’s disease

• Anxiety-related insomnia

• Nightmares associated with PTSD

One notable study from 2014 found that CBD reduced the frequency of RBD episodes in Parkinson’s patients—and effects were both fast and long-lasting. That makes it a promising alternative to medications like clonazepam, which can cause side effects in older adults.

Bottom line: Research about CBD’s potential benefits as a sleeping aid are still ongoing, but it shows promise.

Is CBD Safe to Use for Sleep?

Most people tolerate CBD well, but some side effects are still possible. Common side effects may include:

• Dry mouth

• Grogginess (especially with higher doses)

• Upset stomach

CBD also has a low risk of drug interactions—but if you take medications or have a health condition, it’s still smart to talk to your doctor before using it regularly.

What’s the Right Dose?

There’s no official recommended dosage of CBD for sleep. Some studies have used high doses of up to 600mg per day—but that doesn’t mean more is always better or practical.

Our recommendation is to start small (e.g. 10–25mg before bed) and adjust based on your experience. At Utah Cannabis Co., our gummies and mints make it easy to control your intake, so you can find what works for you.

What Kinds of CBD Work Best for Sleep?

Different products suit different needs. Here’s what we recommend for sleep support:

• CBD Gummies or Mints: Great for general, gradual relaxation before bed.

• Vape Pens: A fast delivery system for those times when you need help falling asleep quickly.

• CBD Muscle Rubs: May help if pain or soreness is keeping you up at night.

Some users prefer full-spectrum CBD for its entourage effect—the enhanced impact of multiple cannabinoids working together. But we also sell CBD products with no THC at all.

 

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Final Thoughts: Can CBD Help You Sleep Better?

There’s still a lot we don’t know about CBD and sleep—but early evidence suggests it may help with:

• Anxiety-related insomnia

• REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)

• Poor sleep quality

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Results vary by person, dosage, and product type.

If you’re struggling with sleep, CBD might be worth a try—especially if you’re looking for a more natural, non-habit-forming option. Just make sure to start low, buy from a trusted brand like Utah Cannabis Co., and talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions.

See What Utah Cannabis Co.’s CBD Products Can Do for Your Sleep Habits

We’ve been making clean, lab-tested CBD products right here in Utah since the beginning—and we’re committed to helping you find a better night’s rest, naturally.

Explore our line of full-spectrum vapes, gummies, and more—designed to help you wind down and rest easier.