The Ultimate Guide to Sleep Gummies: What to Know Before You Try Them

 Within a few years of candy companies introducing gummies to mainstream USA, the chewy confections became one of the most enjoyable ways to take supplements consumers had seen in decades. Regardless of where you shop, you're sure to find a diverse assortment infused with everything from vitamins to adaptogens. Displayed alongside gummies made for metabolic function, digestive health, and smoother skin, you'll find multiple formulations with ingredients selected for sleep support. 

Sleep gummies are an attractive option for nearly any adult struggling to fall asleep or stay sleeping. Some are made with the same pharmaceuticals as conventional OTC sleep aids, others with melatonin or a range of botanical alternatives. With so many products available, there's a lot to take in. That's why we're dedicating this space to covering the benefits of improving sleep, explaining how some of today's most in-demand sleep gummies work, and providing the details you need to know before you try them. 

Cause and Effect: How Poor Sleep Could Be Impacting Your Daily Life  

The hours dedicated to sleep are crucial for nearly every aspect of your physical health and emotional well-being. A body routinely deprived of the time it needs to cycle through the processes required for cellular repair, hormonal regulation, and the removal of accumulated toxins is at risk of developing heart disease, metabolic dysfunction, mood disorders, obesity, and even premature skin aging.^1,2
 
Although a single night of poor sleep is unlikely to cause lasting physical harm, your system compensates for sleep deprivation by moving through essential sleep cycles faster. When that happens, your brain is vulnerable to a kind of "network instability" that can compromise the processes involved in decision-making, memory recall, and impulse control.³ The strain on your body increases the amount of cortisol in your system, a stress hormone linked to persistent fatigue, irritability, and sleep cycle disruptions.⁴

Sweet Support: The Science Behind Various Sleep Gummy Formulations  

Most sleep gummies deliver their active ingredients suspended in a smooth, dense base made of gelatin (or a vegan equivalent), sugar, pectin, citric acid, and natural or artificial flavoring and coloring agents. They're often coated in finely milled sugar. Gummies made with the same pharmaceutical ingredients as over-the-counter capsules and tablets typically owe their sedating effects to antihistamines like doxylamine or diphenhydramine – the same active ingredients you'll find in most OTC allergy medications.⁵

Consumers who prefer a more holistic approach to sleep support tend to lean towards gummies infused with melatonin or botanicals like valerian root, passionflower, ashwagandha, and hemp-derived CBD. Melatonin supplements help reset your circadian rhythms. Valerian root, passionflower, and ashwagandha help increase the availability and efficacy of serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), neurotransmitters involved in multiple aspects of sleep support.^6,7 CBD influences the same neurotransmitters while also interacting with CB1 and CB2 – your endocannabinoid system receptors. 

Exploring the Endocannabinoid System's Role in Sleep Cycle Regulation 

Your endocannabinoid system has three main components: its messengers (anandamide & 2-Ag), receptors (CB1 & CB2), and the metabolic enzymes that break down its messengers (fatty acid amide hydrolase & Monoacylglycerol lipase). As the largest regulatory system in the human body, ECS signaling is involved in everything from emotional regulation and stress responses to metabolic function and the perception of pleasure and pain.⁸ 

The endocannabinoid system's multifaceted role in sleep regulation is directly linked to its contributions to circadian rhythm maintenance, neurotransmitter regulation, and its influence on the structure and pattern of the sleep cycles that occur throughout the night – your sleep architecture.⁹ Based on decades of study, most cannabis researchers believe supporting ECS function with CBD helps promote homeostasis when internal or external influences threaten essential balance.¹⁰ 

Natural Relief: How CBD Sleep Gummies Could Help You Wake Feeling Refreshed  

Most adults (18-64) need 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep to greet the morning feeling rested and refreshed. Although you might feel that your body has adapted to running on less, only about one percent of our population needs fewer than six hours of sleep.¹¹ If you need eight hours of rest for optimal well-being but are only sleeping six, you're accumulating 14 hours of sleep debt each week. 

Once you're ready to experience the sleep-promoting potential of CBD gummies, timing is everything. We generally recommend enjoying the flavor of your favorite cannabinoid-infused confection about an hour or two before you plan on turning in. That's how long it usually takes for the CBD and minor cannabinoids in full spectrum and broad spectrum gummies (and softgels) to metabolize and begin delivering the impressive list of potential benefits illustrated by the following examples.    

Natural Relaxation  

According to a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report positive results using hemp-derived products for relaxation, and 76% preferred its effects over alcohol. While there's not much research specific to the cannabinoid's role in relaxation, researchers studying CBD's sleep-promoting potential credited its "calming effect" for the favorable outcomes in participant sleep scores.¹³

Sleep Improvements 

In a report detailing the results of a two-year study, CBD-dominant cannabis was credited for "statistically and clinically significant" benefits related to sleep quality.¹³ A similar study suggested a positive influence on sleep duration, and the results of a Project CBD survey show a significant reduction in the number of minutes needed to fall asleep^14,15 – without causing morning grogginess. 

Reducing Nighttime Anxiety   

During a recent recreation of a 2011 study, volunteers given CBD 1.5 hours before a simulated public speaking engagement reported less anxiety-related discomfort than the research control group. In a four-week double-blind clinical trial specific to anxiety symptoms, sleep study participants given CBD also reported significant improvements compared to volunteers given a placebo.¹⁶

Easing Physical Discomfort  

In a 2020 study, CBD demonstrated the potential to ease pain, stiffness, and inflammation after physical activity and "aid recovery".¹⁷ In a 2021 review of the available data, CBD's impact on several homeostatic regulators was also credited for possible benefits related to "recovery efficiency."¹⁸ Of our nearly 2,000 survey respondents, 84% report that CBD helps with pain, and 90% prefer CBD over turmeric for relief.   

General Guidelines: Choosing the Best CBD Gummies for Sleep Support  

The best CBD gummies for sleep are made with naturally cultivated, U.S.-grown hemp flower extract and 100% clean ingredients. Reputable, industry-leading brands ensure consistent product quality and consumer safety by investing in third-party testing. If you can't find a certificate of analysis (COA) on a brand's website– the document that verifies you're buying potent products screened for heavy metals and other potentially harmful contaminants hemp is known to absorb as it grows – shop elsewhere. Only about 13% of CBD brands batch-test at least 90% of their products.¹⁹ 

Regardless of the brand you choose, it's important to know that serving size suggestions are just that – suggestions. Regardless of potency, most products have similar instructions. Since the amount of CBD ideal for one person can be quite different than the serving size preferred by another, most experts recommend starting with a partial serving – just half of a gummy – and self-assessing from there.   

It can take anywhere from several hours to several weeks for your system to respond. If your first partial serving doesn't provide the support you need, increase your serving sizes in small increments. But don't get too discouraged. Most CBDistillery® survey respondents report achieving favorable results within 7-14 days of consistent use. When you visit our website, you'll find an impressive selection of hemp- derived CBD gummies, including several sleep-specific formulations crafted by our expert botanists. 

Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies   

CBDistillery® ahhh distilled Full Spectrum CBD Gummies have the cannabinoid and terpene profile nature intended, including a small amount of THC. CBDistillery® ahhh distilled Broad Spectrum CBD Anytime Gummies have a similar profile, but their THC is reduced to non-detectable levels. The combined impact of their minor cannabinoids and terpenes contributes to an "entourage effect."²⁰    

Broad Spectrum Sleep Gummies with Melatonin 

Your body produces melatonin in response to darkness and light. Melatonin supplements ensure you have enough of the hormone in your system to block wakefulness signals. With CBDistillery® shhh distilled Broad Spectrum CBD + Melatonin Sleep Gummies, you get the advantages of synergy – 30mg of CBD to help you relax and unwind paired with 5mg of melatonin to help you feel sleepy. 

CBN Enhanced CBD Sleep Gummies   

CBN (cannabinol) is a minor cannabinoid in hemp flower extract usually found in small amounts. It's known for contributing to the calming, relaxing effects of CBD products. Our expert botanists added just enough CBN isolate to CBDistillery® shhh distilled CBN + CBD  Gummies for Sleep to achieve a 1:1 CBN to CBD ratio. They're elderberry flavored and give you 15mg of CBN and 15mg of CBD in every serving. 

THC Enhanced CBN + CBD Deep Sleep Gummies  

CBDistillery® shhh+ distilled THC + CBN + CBD Deep Sleep Gummies have 5mg of naturally occurring Delta-9 THC, 5mg of CBN, and 25mg of CBD. As the THC helps you drift off to dreamland naturally, the CBN and CBD help you sleep through the night. Known for their relaxing effects and a mild, uplifting buzz, we recommend starting with a partial serving and waiting at least two hours before deciding if you want more. Starting low and going slow minimizes the risk of exceeding your THC tolerance levels. 

Discover How CBDistillery® Gummies Could Help Support Your Sleep Routine  

CBD is generally well tolerated and safe for most adults. The cannabinoid is not habit-forming, and the World Health Organization found "no evidence of public health-related problems" associated with CBD use. But side effects are possible. Some CBD users report dry mouth, fatigue, digestive upset, or changes in appetite – symptoms that tend to resolve with smaller serving sizes.^21.22 

When you choose the sleep-promoting potential of CBDistillery® CBD gummies, you can shop with confidence. Our gummies are vegan, made with 100% clean ingredients, and backed by more than 47,000 verified 5-star reviews. If you're still not quite sure where to begin, consider requesting a personal consultation. All CBDistillery® product labels have a QR code linked to a certificate of analysis.   

If you have medical concerns, consult your healthcare provider before using sleep gummies. CBD, CBN, THC, herbal supplements, melatonin, and antihistamines are not advisable for people with certain conditions and can interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications. 

References 

1. Suni E. (2022) What Happens When You Sleep? Sleep Foundation 

2. Chattu V, Manzar D, et al. (2019) The Global Problem of Insufficient Sleep and Its Serious Public Health Implications. 7(1) Healthcare (Basel) 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare7010001 

3. Suni E. How Lack of Sleep Impacts Performance and Focus. Sleep Foundation. 

4. Santos-Longhurst. (2024) What Are the Symptoms and Causes of High Cortisol Levels? Healthline. 

5. Sleep Aids: Understand Options Sold Without a Prescription. (2022) Mayo Clinic. 

6. Bruni O, Ferini-Strambi L, et al. (2021) Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. 13(2) Nutrients 530. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020530 

7. Lopresti A, Smith S, et al. (2019) An Investigation into the Stress-Relieving and Pharmacological Actions Of An Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Extract. 98(37) Medicine. 

8. Mouslech Z, Valla V. (2009) Endocannabinoid System: An Overview of Its Potential in Current Medical Practice. 30(2) Neuro Endocrinol Lett 153-79. PDF 

9. D'Angelo M, Steardo L. (2024) Exploring the Endocannabinoid System: From Circadian Rhythms to Sleep Regulation and Potential Therapeutic Insights. J of Sleep and Sleep Dis Res. 

10. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

11. Short Sleepers: The 1 Percent of the Population Who Only Need 6 Hours of Sleep (2022) Chronobiology. 

12. Shannon S, Lewis N, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. 23, Perm J 18-41. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041 

13. Vigil J, Stith S, et al. (2018) Effectiveness of Raw, Natural Medicinal Cannabis Flower for Treating Insomnia Under Naturalistic Conditions. 5(3) Medicines 75. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030075 

14. Moltke J, Hindocha C. (2021) Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross0Section of CBD User, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems. 3(1) 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5 

15. Devitt T. (2019) 2019 Project CBD Survey Results. Project CBD. 

16. Stanciu C, Brunette M, et al. (2021) Evidence for Use of Cannabinoids in Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD: A Systematic Review. 72(4) Psych Serv. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.2020001 

17. Hatchet A, Armstrong K, et al. (2020) The Influence of Cannabidiol on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. 7(2) Int J Phys Ed, Sports and Health 89-94. https://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2020/vol7issue2/PartB/7-2-4-412.pdf 

18. Rojas-Valverde D. (2021) Potential Role of Cannabidiol on Sports Recovery: A Narrative Review. 12 Front Physiol 722550 https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.722550 

19. Harrington A. (2021) 25% of CBD Products Are Not Tested for Purity. Forbes. 

20. Wilkins T. (2022) What Is the Entourage Effect? Marijuana Takers. 

21. World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF 

22. Bergamaschi M, Mateus R, et al. (2011) Safety and Side Effect of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis Sativa Constituent. 6(4) Curr Drug Saf 237-49. https://doi.org/10.2174/157488611798280924