What Is In CBD Gummies For Sleep? The Ingredients of Restful Sleep

When you have a hard time getting a good night’s sleep, CBD gummies can be a game-changer. Surveys suggest that millions of Americans use cannabidiol products to fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night. Unfortunately, many users have only a vague idea of what ingredients their CBD sleep gummies contain, or what those ingredients do.

When it comes to CBD products, ignorance may not be bliss. As legal cannabis products have exploded in popularity, sloppy and dishonest brands have flooded the market.

Their products may contain far more or less CBD than advertised, not to mention nasty impurities ranging from infectious mold to synthetic hallucinogens. And even if you find high-quality CBD gummies, it’s good to have a clear idea of what you’re putting in your body and why.

At FOCL, we believe that a better-informed customer is a happier customer, which is why we publicly share the lab test results for our bestselling sleep gummies. To make sure you have the facts you need, we’ll break down some of the most commonly used ingredients in CBD gummies for sleeping and how they can support a better night’s rest. We’ll also address common questions about things like dosage, safety, and side effects.

What’s in CBD Gummies For Sleep? The 5 Types of Ingredients

There are thousands of possible ingredients that can go into CBD sleep gummies. However, almost all of them fall into a few key categories.

1. Cannabinoids. This includes CBD, naturally, but also some related compounds like CBN that can have slightly different effects on the body and mind.
2. Hormones and nutrients. Amino acids and synthetic hormones such as melatonin are sometimes added to CBD gummies (or used as sleep supplements on their own).
3. Botanicals. CBD products may be augmented with extracts from herbs commonly used to promote relaxation and sleep, such as Valerian root.
4. Carriers. Here’s where you find the “gummy” part of the gummy — the gels and oils that contain the active ingredients.
5. Flavorings. Part of the reason to take CBD in gummy form is because it tastes good! Just about all gummy brands include some type of sweetener or flavoring.

We’ll review these one by one, looking at the most common ingredients in each category.

Not sure you can digest all that info right now? Just looking for a recommendation for CBD sleep gummies with clean, high-quality ingredients? In that case, give our Deep Sleep Gummies a try. They include a potent blend of …

• CBD to induce relaxation while relieving stress and anxiety
• CBN to promote restful sleep without interruptions
• Melatonin to counteract a disrupted sleep cycle
• A smidge of THC to create a pleasant drowsiness

More importantly, they’re made with impeccable quality control, from the start of the supply chain to the independent testing performed on each finished batch. You can sleep soundly knowing that our gummies are completely free from toxic impurities. Like all of our products, FOCL sleep hemp gummies with CBD and CBN are also backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

What Cannabinoids Are In CBD Gummies For Sleep?

CBD is obviously the star of the show in CBD gummies. But lots of other compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant can also help with sleep quality.

Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate

It’s possible to distill pure CBD from cannabis, leaving all of the other active ingredients behind. This is known as CBD isolate.

However, many CBD gummies, especially those made from organic ingredients, often use full-spectrum CBD instead. This is still mostly cannabidiol, but it also contains tiny amounts of all of the other phytochemicals found in the hemp plant. Broad-spectrum CBD offers a middle ground: it’s like full-spectrum CBD, but with all of the THC removed.

Some early research suggests these other cannabinoids and terpenes may enhance the therapeutic power of CBD in subtle but measurable ways, through a mechanism called the entourage effect. That means full-spectrum gummies could have slightly greater benefits for things like anxiety reduction, inflammation, and neurological health, all of which could improve the effects of CBD for sleep.

The downside? A full-spectrum product also contains trace amounts of THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Regular use could cause it to build up in your system enough to show up on a drug test.

THC in CBD Gummies For Sleep

Full-spectrum CBD contains 0.3% THC or less, which is far too little to have noticeable effects. However, some sleep gummies may use higher concentrations, up to 5 mg per gummy.

This isn’t enough to cause a psychoactive “high” in most users, and that’s not the intent. Instead, it’s meant to help you doze off more quickly. Some studies have found that in small doses, THC decreases the time needed to fall asleep.

CBN in Sleep Gummies

Though CBD and THC are the only cannabinoids many people have heard of, there’s also growing interest in cannabinol, AKA CBN. CBN seems to act like a milder, drowsier version of THC, producing much less euphoria and sensory distortion but more sleepiness. Added to CBD sleep gummies in appropriate doses, it may help reduce nighttime waking and other symptoms of sleep disorders.

CBG in Sleep Gummies

Another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s been growing in popularity is cannabigerol, or CBG. Like CBN, there’s not yet much known about this molecule. Current evidence suggests that its primary effects are things like pain relief and inflammation reduction. It doesn’t directly promote sleep, but it may make it easier to rest if you’re troubled by aches and pains.

What Sleep Hormones and Nutrients Are Found in CBD Gummies?

Along with cannabis compounds, sleep gummies may also contain ingredients meant to supplement your body’s natural sleep signals.

Melatonin in CBD Sleep Gummies

Melatonin is the ingredient you’re most likely to find combined with CBD and other cannabinoids in sleep gummies. It’s a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness, and its rise and fall in your blood and brain is a key part of how your circadian rhythm is regulated.

We have an article offering a detailed look at CBD vs. melatonin, but here are the key points to remember:

• While CBD is great for relieving poor sleep caused by anxiety, pain, and tension, melatonin seems to be especially helpful for correcting a disrupted sleep-wake cycle.
• Melatonin is best taken in small doses — 0.5-5 mg per night or less.
• Using CBD gummies with melatonin may slightly increase the chances of daytime sleepiness, dizziness, or nausea.
• Combining these two sleep aids can lead to greater relief from sleep disruptions than using either one by itself.

5-HTP and GABA in CBD Sleep Gummies

Some people who want to increase their melatonin levels go a step back on the food chain, so to speak, and take supplements containing 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP. This is the chemical precursor that your brain converts into melatonin. Some trials have found evidence that having more 5-HTP in your system may help produce better sleep, especially when combined with the amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

However, the evidence is still quite sparse, and there’s some risk involved. 5-HTP is also a precursor to serotonin, and excessive supplementation could cause a dangerous buildup of this neurotransmitter called serotonin syndrome. GABA is unlikely to cause serotonin syndrome when used on its own, but it can produce side effects like tingling skin or burning sensations in the throat.

We prefer to stick to melatonin in our sleep gummies since it doesn’t pose the same risks as 5-HTP and GABA.

L-theanine in CBD Sleep Gummies

Another popular non-groggy natural sleep support, L-theanine is what makes green tea feel calmer and less jittery compared to other caffeinated drinks. It can travel to the brain and reduce the effects of certain excitatory neurotransmitters, diminishing agitation and stress. Like CBD, it may improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting a calmer mood.

What Botanical Ingredients Are Found in CBD Sleep Gummies?

People have been using plants and plant extracts for sleep medicine long before they had any idea what CBD was. Many of these herbal remedies can be found in “CBD for sleep” gummies alongside cannabinoids. Here are some of the most widely used:

• Valerian (Valeria officinalis). Valerian root has been used to promote natural sleep since medieval times. Evidence suggests it can be clinically effective, though this depends a lot on the quality of the extract.
• Chamomile (Matriarca chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile). This beloved ingredient in bedtime tea appears to benefit sleep quality, though it may not help with insomnia.
• Purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). Taking Passionflower seems to help people feel better rested. We’ve incorporated it into our line of melatonin-free sleep gummies with good results.
• Lavender (Lavendula). Though it’s more often used for aromatherapy, there’s evidence that lavender essential oil can also improve sleep when taken orally.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Used for various purposes in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, this shrub seems to hold promise for improving rest, and it’s often added to CBD gummies for this purpose.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). This herb, which belongs to the mint family, has demonstrated positive effects on sleep when combined with Valerian.

Remember that just because these herbs are natural doesn’t mean they’re always harmless. Some people have experienced side effects like nausea, headaches, or diarrhea, and allergic reactions are always possible. However, the amounts added to CBD gummies for sleep aid are generally small enough to be safe for the vast majority of users.

What Carrier and Filler Compounds Do CBD Gummies For Sleep Contain?

Let’s talk about the substances that give CBD gummies their bulk and their wonderful chewy textures. The following options are commonly used in the best CBD gummies for sleep.

Carrier Oils

CBD doesn’t dissolve well in water, so it has to be extracted from hemp into some type of oil before it can be added to sleep products. Common candidates include:

• Hemp seed oil. Since CBD comes from hemp anyway, many manufacturers dissolve it in the oil from pressed hemp seeds. It contains lots of nutrients and healthy fats but may give gummies a harsher, earthier taste.
• MCT oil. Short for “medium-chain triglycerides,” MCT oil generally comes from coconuts. It’s absorbed quickly by the gut, leading to faster delivery, and it’s flavorless and largely unprocessed. There are concerns it could interact poorly with some cholesterol drugs and might be dangerous for people with liver disease.
• Olive oil. The nutritional benefits of olive oil are well-known, but it can also be a carrier oil for CBD. It can produce a thicker consistency and a stronger “oily” flavor.

Emulsifiers

In some sleep gummies, these fatty substances are used to break up the carrier oil into even smaller droplets and disperse it through the gummy.

• Lecithin. This is the most popular emulsifier in CBD gummies. It’s usually derived from soy, though it can also be made from eggs, so it’s not always vegan.
• Gum arabic/gum acacia. Made from tree sap, this is another widely used emulsifier that adds very little flavor.

Gelling Agents

In addition to carrier oils, CBD gummies need something to firm them up so they’ll hold their shape but squish nicely between your teeth. There are only two widely used options:

• Gelatin. This classic food-gelling agent is used in many CBD edibles. Some prefer to avoid it because it’s an animal product (and because it can melt on hot days, causing your gummies to stick together).
• Pectin. Since it’s made from apples, pectin is vegan. It also doesn’t melt as easily as gelatin.

What Flavorings and Sweeteners Are Used In CBD Gummies For Sleep?

Every CBD gummy maker uses a unique combination of ingredients to make their products taste better — unflavored hemp products tend to taste like mildly pine-scented dirt.

There are too many options for us to go into detail here. The main question for most consumers is whether their CBD gummies contain natural or artificial sweeteners and flavorings. Although the health effects haven’t been conclusively proven, many people are wary of synthetic additives like aspartame. High fructose corn syrup, while technically natural, also gets some side-eye for its possible inflammatory effects.

Popular natural sweeteners in CBD gummies include cane sugar, tapioca syrup, agave, and beet sugar. You’ll also usually see things like “natural fruit flavors” on the ingredients list.

Note that some natural ingredients may have artificial-sounding names. Sodium citrate, which adds a tangy flavor to many top CBD gummies for enhancing sleep, is one example — despite the sterile-sounding name, it’s derived from citrus fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Gummies Ingredients

Could the ingredients in CBD sleep gummies be addictive?

Most of the common ingredients in CBD gummies are considered non-addictive. In fact, some researchers think CBD itself could be useful for counteracting addictive cravings.

High-potency THC may have addictive properties. But the amounts used in CBD sleep products are so low that they’re highly unlikely to cause dependency, especially when combined with the protective effects of cannabidiol.

Is CBD or melatonin better for sleep?

There’s no clear reason to think that either substance is better in every case. Melatonin may be preferable for recovering from jet lag or sleep debt, while CBD seems to be better for people who have trouble sleeping due to stress, pain, anxiety, or tension. You can find the best CBD sleep aids without melatonin and with melatonin depending on your preference. 

What are the potential side effects of CBD gummies for sleep?

Side effects from CBD sleep gummies are usually mild when they occur at all. They can include:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Are CBD gummies for sleep safe?

As long as you don’t massively exceed the recommended dosage of CBD gummies, they should be safe for most adults. You should talk to a doctor before using CBD sleep gummies if you’re on prescription medication, especially blood pressure drugs. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should not use CBD. You can find out more in out guide to sleep gummies.

Where can I find CBD gummies with pure ingredients and transparent labeling?

You can shop with us! Our Deep Sleep Gummies are made with the same manufacturing process the World Health Organization recommends for prescription drugs and hospital supplies. They’re also tested for purity by ISO-certified third-party laboratories, and you can view the results yourself on our website.

Our industry-leading satisfaction guarantee means you’ll get your money back if our gummies don’t work for you. Order now and discover why thousands of customers say FOCL CBD gummies are the best support for a good night’s sleep.