CBD Oil vs Gummies: Which Is Better for Sleep?

Most adults need seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night to wake feeling energized and refreshed. But according to statistics from the Sleep Foundation, more than one-third of US adults sleep less than seven hours (Suni & Truong, 2023). An alarming 70% report having problems falling asleep or staying asleep at least once a week (Dobric, 2021). 

With growing awareness of the short and long-term implications of too little sleep and poor sleep quality, many people are investigating the use of herbal teas or plant extracts. The search for natural sleep support leads a significant number of sleep-deprived adults to hemp-derived CBD oil and gummies. In this CBD guide, you'll learn why. We'll explain what CBD is and how it works, what the research shows about the cannabinoid's impact on sleep, and how to decide which might be the better option for getting the rest you deserve. 

Brief Overview: What CBD Is & How It Works in Your Body  

CBD is the most abundant of more than 113 potentially beneficial cannabinoids in hemp. A detailed analysis of unaltered hemp extract will also show you numerous terpenes, hundreds of flavonoids, essential vitamins, and other phytonutrients (Lowe et al., 2021). Once the plants are harvested and dried, the cannabinoid-rich oil is extracted, distilled, and used as an ingredient in an impressive assortment of products. 

When CBD begins circulating in your bloodstream, the cannabinoid interacts with multiple molecular targets in your body and brain, including the receptors of your endocannabinoid system (ECS). With decades of research suggesting ECS signaling is involved in every crucial function from muscle movement and memory recall to stress responses and sleep cycle regulation (Mouslech & Valla, 2009), cannabis researchers believe CBD helps support ECS function in a way that promotes homeostasis (Sallaberry & Astern, 2018). 

Reports Backed by Science: Investigating CBD's Sleep-Promoting Potential  

Of the many possible causes of sleep difficulties, most experts find stress, physical discomfort, anxiety, and sleep cycle disruptions the most common. That's where CBD fits into the equation. 

 According to 1,900 participants in a CBDistillery® customer survey, most respondents report positive results using CBD for pain, stiffness, and inflammation after physical activity, relaxation, mild or temporary anxiety, and better sleep. An impressive 89% report that CBD helps calm their minds, and 76% prefer CBD over the effects of alcohol for relaxation. But you don't have to rely on anecdotal evidence alone. 

With minimal effort, you'll find numerous reports detailing CBD's many potential benefits on each of the most common causes of sleep difficulties. Take the study published in The Journal of Cannabis Research, for example. Investigators connected the dots between an impressive list of possible benefits to explain the cannabinoid's positive impact on sleep duration (Moltke & Hindocha, 2021). But if you're losing sleep because of the discomfort caused by a physically demanding job or testing your limits at the gym, you may find it more helpful to read about CBD's many potentially beneficial biochemical effects for supporting athletic recovery published in a 2020 edition of Sports Medicine-Open (McCartney et al., 2020). 

Understanding the Possible Side Effects and Potential Risks  

Whether you decide to try CBD oil or CBD gummies, you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're using a product that's generally well-tolerated and carries a remarkably low risk of adverse effects. In a report published by the World Health Organization, the agency reported "no evidence of public health-related problems" with daily use (WHO, 2020). However, some people have reported (mild) side effects. Fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, and diarrhea are the most common (Chesney et al., 2020). 

To further minimize that risk, we suggest starting with a partial serving when using any CBD product for the first time. If that partial serving doesn't provide the effect you're hoping for, increase the amount you're using gradually in small increments. Starting "low and slow" not only reduces the risk of any unpleasantness, it also helps you find your ideal serving size, the smallest amount of CBD you need to achieve the best results. If you have medical concerns, consult your healthcare provider. CBD is not appropriate for certain conditions and can interact with several medications (Brown & Winterstein, 2019). 

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing CBD Oil or Gummies for Sleep Support  

Before finalizing your decision between CBD oil or CBD gummies, you need to know that product purity and potency can vary by brand. You need to be cautious. Not only is hemp known for its rather impressive ability to draw heavy metals from the soil, products made from contaminated plant extracts can also contain pesticides, solvent residue, mold, e coli, and salmonella. 

But there are ways to ensure your purchasing high-quality CBD. Once you've found products made by a company relying on natural farming practices, food-safe extraction methods, and rigorous quality control standards, take a few minutes to confirm they also invest in the services of an unbiased lab to confirm the success of their efforts. If you can't find a Certificate of Analysis (COA), the document that proves a product is third-party tested, move on. Although 75% of CBD brands claim their products are third-party tested, only about 13% test at least 90% of their products (Harrington, 2021). 

Product Comparison: Administration, Usage, and Cost Per Serving  

As long as you're purchasing from a reputable provider of high-quality CBD oil and gummies, there's little chance you'll be disappointed with the sleep-promoting potential of either product. Choosing between them is simply a matter of personal preference. But before finalizing your decision, you may want to first consider how they deliver their sleep-promoting potential and how those differences might impact your nightly routine and your overall cost. 

Ease of Use & Versatility   

CBD gummies are easy to use because each fruit-flavored serving gives you a precise, pre-measured amount of CBD. Since you won't have to worry about mixing, measuring, or carrying a glass bottle that could leak or break, gummies are great for home use and travel. 

Although gummies are easier to use on the go, CBD oil is the more versatile product. You can simply hold the oil under your tongue before swallowing or use your tincture to add CBD to snacks and beverages, make your own edibles, or add the oil to a cream or lotion for topical application. 

Effectiveness & Absorption Rates  

CBD oil and CBD gummies are equally effective. However, CBD oil tinctures can deliver their sleep-promoting potential significantly faster, in as little as 20 minutes after you hold a serving beneath your tongue for 45-60 seconds before swallowing. 

When you swallow a gummy, your liver enzymes metabolize some of the CBD. Only the cannabinoids remaining after this "first pass effect" circulate through your bloodstream (Millar et al., 2020). Since it can take up to two hours (or more) for the impact of your gummies to peak, you'll need to plan ahead.   

Potency & Cost Considerations  

CBD prices are set according to their potency and product type. You'll usually pay more per milligram (mg) with CBD gummies because they cost more to make. Purchasing gummies with less CBD than you need for better sleep can increase your cost because you'll need multiple gummies per serving. 

CBD oil is the better choice if you're concerned about cost per serving. As you compare, you can calculate your cost per mg by dividing the unit price by the total amount of CBD in the bottle (or jar). Once you've determined your ideal serving size, you can further reduce your cost of using CBD oil by purchasing a more potent product and using a smaller amount. 

Product Recommendations: Choosing Between an Impressive Selection of Popular Options  

Now that you know how CBD oil and CBD gummies compare in terms of ease of use, absorption rates, and cost, there are several other factors you may want to consider, including the type of hemp extract they're made with. When you shop at CBDistillery®, you'll find an impressive selection of full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate products, as well as CBD oil and gummies featuring ingredients selected to further enhance their sleep-promoting potential. With so many products to choose from, you may find it helpful to browse the following descriptions of our most popular options. 

Full Spectrum CBD Oil & Gummies  

Full spectrum hemp extract gives you CBD plus all the additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients in the same ratios as the plant, including a small amount of THC. Many CBD users consider full spectrum products the more potent of the three main options. CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tinctures have your choice of 500 to 5,000mg of CBD per bottle. Our Full Spectrum CBD Gummies give you 30mg of CBD per serving and 30 strawberry-flavored hemp supplements per jar. 

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil & Gummies  

CBD oil tinctures and gummies made with broad spectrum hemp extract give you many of the same cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients as full spectrum, but their THC is reduced to non-detectable levels. CBDistillery® Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tinctures are available in potencies ranging from 500mg to 2,500mg of CBD per bottle. Our Broad Spectrum CBD Anytime Gummies have a delicious tropical fruit flavor. Our mixed berry-flavored Broad Spectrum CBD Sleep Gummies are enhanced with 2mg of melatonin per serving, a commonly recommended sleep supplement. 

THC-Free Pure CBD Oil Tinctures  

Pure CBD isolate tinctures are made with a blend of 0% THC CBD isolate powder and a carrier oil. Since the highly potent crystalline powder is flavorless and odorless, our THC-Free Pure CBD Oil Tinctures are a favorite of CBD users looking for a way to add the cannabinoid's sleep-promoting potential to their late-night snacks or a soothing cup of herbal tea because they don't alter the taste or aroma. Our 0% THC CBD tinctures are available in 500mg, 1000mg, and 2500mg bottles. 

Sleep Synergy CBN + CBD Oil Tinctures & Gummies  

CBDistillery® Sleep Synergy CBN +CBD Oil Tinctures and Sleep Synergy CBN + CBD Gummies are made with full spectrum hemp extract and enhanced concentrations of CBN (cannabinol), a minor cannabinoid known for promoting rest and relaxation. Our regular strength CBN + CBD Oil Tincture has 150mg of CBN and 450mg of CBD per bottle. With the extra strength version, you get double the amount of each cannabinoid. Our elderberry-flavored gummies give you 5mg of CBN and 15mg of CBD per serving. 

Deep Sleep Synergy+ THC & CBN Gummies  

Our first hemp-derived THC-infused product, CBDistillery® Unwind Synergy+ THC & CBD Gummies, introduced the positive effects of infusing full spectrum hemp extract with just enough naturally occurring delta 9 THC for relaxation, rest, and a mellow buzz. Our Deep Sleep Synergy+ THC & CBN Gummies are made with the same high-quality ingredients, plus just the right amount (5mg) of CBN to maximize their sleep-promoting potential. We strongly urge you to enjoy your dreamberry-flavored THC & CBN gummies when you're ready to wind down for the night and won't be driving or operating machinery. 

To Learn More, Visit CBDistillery®  

CBD Oil tinctures and gummies are two of the most popular products available. Since they both have considerable sleep-promoting potential, choosing between them is simply a matter of preference. If you're intrigued by what you've learned so far but still not quite sure where to start, consider taking our 3-minute CBD Product Quiz or scheduling a personal consultation. 

CBDistillery® products are made with 100% clean ingredients, manufactured in an A-rated NSF cGMP-registered facility, rigorously tested, quality assured, and backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Most of the 1,900 respondents in a 2019 CBDistillery® customer survey reported achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. 

References  

Brown J, Winterstein A. (2019) Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug-Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use. 8(7) J Clin Med 989. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8070989 

Chesney E, Oliver D, et al. (2020) Adverse Effects of Cannabidiol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Neuropsychopharmacol. 45, 1799-806. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-020-0667-2 

Dobric, M. (2021) 48 Surprising Sleep Statistics & Facts to Know In 2022. MedAlertHelp.org. 

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

Lowe H, Steele B, et al. (2021) Non-Cannabinoid Metabolites of Cannabis Sativa L with Therapeutic Potential. 10(2) Plants 400. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020400 

McCartney D, Benson M, et al. (2020) Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: A Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research. 6(1) Sports Med Open 27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-020-00251-0 

Millar S, Maguire R. (2020) Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). 13(9) Pharmaceuticals 219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219 

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

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

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 

Suni E, Truong K. (2023) Sleep Statistics. Sleep Foundation. 

World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2