CBD & Sleep 
Traditional Remedies, Current Evidence, Future Innovations

  • By Jeremy Amos

Published: Friday, Oct 17, 2025

Sleep is one of the most universal human needs—and one of the most common struggles. For centuries, people have turned to natural remedies to improve rest, from chamomile tea to valerian root. In recent years, CBD has joined that list, marketed as a natural way to support healthy sleep.

 

But does the science support the claims? The truth is nuanced: promising evidence, but with gaps that researchers are racing to fill. To understand CBD’s role in sleep, we need to look at yesterday’s remedies, today’s research, and tomorrow’s innovations.

Title

Yesterday: Traditional Sleep Remedies

Long before CBD became a household name, humans relied on herbal and behavioral sleep aids:

  • Chamomile, valerian, lavender, melatonin — staples of natural wellness for centuries.
  • CBN folklore: CBN, a cannabinoid formed from oxidized THC, was historically associated with sedation.
  • CBD’s early buzz: Anecdotal reports suggested calming and anti-anxiety effects that might improve sleep quality.

Takeaway: Yesterday’s remedies show a long history of turning to nature for sleep support, laying the groundwork for CBD’s rise.

Title

Today: What The Evidence Says

CBD is now one of the most popular wellness ingredients marketed for sleep. But what does research actually show?

  • Anxiety and sleep: A 2019 study found CBD may improve sleep scores in people with anxiety, though results varied.
  • Insomnia: Evidence is mixed—some studies show improvement, others little effect.
  • Dosage matters: Low doses may be stimulating, while higher doses may be sedating.
  • Combination formulas: CBD is often paired with melatonin, botanicals, or minor cannabinoids like CBN for stronger perceived benefits.

Takeaway: Today, the evidence is encouraging but not definitive. Consumers report benefits, but large-scale clinical validation is ongoing.

Title

Tomorrow: Innovations in Sleep Science

The future of CBD and sleep is tied to better science and smarter products.

  • Clinical trials: More rigorous studies are needed to identify ideal dosing, populations, and delivery methods.
  • Minor cannabinoids: CBN is gaining traction as a potential sleep aid, though proof remains limited.
  • Next-gen delivery: Fast-acting formats (strips, sprays, nanoemulsions) could align CBD with nighttime routines.
  • Personalization: Wearables may help tailor CBD sleep support based on real-time sleep data.

Takeaway: Tomorrow’s innovations will separate hype from science, shaping CBD’s role as a trusted sleep solution.

Title

What This Means for Brands (and OBX)

  • Avoid overpromising. Consumers value honesty—don’t market CBD as a guaranteed sleep cure.
  • Focus on blends. Pair CBD with botanicals or minor cannabinoids where early evidence supports synergy.
  • Highlight transparency. COAs and certifications build trust in a sensitive health category.

At OBX, our goal is to create science-aligned formulations that consumers can trust—designed for real-world routines and future-ready as the research evolves.