CBD for Sleep: What the Latest Clinical Trial Found

What Researchers Found About Insomnia and Cannabis

Updated January 24, 2026Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2024

The Study at a Glance

Mixed Results

Published

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2024

Researchers

Swinburne University of Technology (Australia)

Study Type

Randomized Controlled Trial

Participants

30 patients · 2 weeks

Key Finding

In this rigorous 2024 trial, 150mg of nightly CBD was no better than placebo for most sleep measures in people with insomnia. While CBD users reported better well-being and showed slightly improved objective sleep efficiency, the primary sleep outcomes were not significantly different from placebo.

Key Finding: In this rigorous 2024 trial, 150mg of nightly CBD was no better than placebo for most sleep measures in people with insomnia. While CBD users reported better well-being and showed slightly improved objective sleep efficiency, the primary sleep outcomes were not significantly different from placebo.

What Researchers Studied About Insomnia and Cannabis

CBD products are everywhere, marketed heavily for sleep. But does the science support the hype?

This 2024 randomized controlled trial from the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine tested whether 150mg of nightly CBD actually helps people with moderate-to-severe insomnia sleep better.

Unlike many CBD sleep studies that rely on self-reports, this study used both wrist-actigraphy (objective sleep measurement) and validated sleep questionnaires.

How This Randomized Controlled Trial Was Conducted

Researchers conducted a rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled trial:

• 30 adults with primary insomnia (15 CBD, 15 placebo) • 150mg CBD taken sublingually 60 minutes before bed • 1-week placebo run-in followed by 2-week treatment phase • Measured with wrist-actigraphy (objective) and sleep diaries • Assessed sleep onset latency, efficiency, wake after sleep onset • Also measured well-being, anxiety, and sleep quality

Insomnia Treatment Results

The Main Results:

1Insomnia severity: NO significant difference between CBD and placebo
2Sleep onset latency: NO significant difference
3Self-reported sleep efficiency: NO significant difference
4Wake after sleep onset: NO significant difference
5Well-being scores: CBD group reported HIGHER well-being
6Objective sleep efficiency: SLIGHTLY better with CBD after 2 weeks (6.85% difference)

By the Numbers

Statistic	What It Means
150mg	nightly CBD dose tested
No difference	for most sleep outcomes vs placebo
6.85%	better objective sleep efficiency after 2 weeks
2 weeks	treatment duration

150mg

nightly CBD dose tested

No difference

for most sleep outcomes vs placebo

6.85%

better objective sleep efficiency after 2 weeks

2 weeks

treatment duration

What This Means for Insomnia Patients

This study provides an important reality check on CBD for sleep:

The honest findings: • CBD was NOT significantly better than placebo for most sleep measures • Insomnia severity, time to fall asleep, and wake time were all similar to placebo • The "psychological effects" (well-being) may be more prominent than actual sleep improvement

What DID improve: • Well-being scores were higher with CBD • Objective sleep efficiency was slightly better after 2 weeks

What this means for you: If you're taking CBD hoping it will dramatically improve your sleep, this controlled trial suggests you shouldn't expect major improvements at 150mg. The benefit may be more about feeling better overall than sleeping longer or falling asleep faster.

Important caveats: • This was a pilot study with only 30 participants • 2-week duration may be too short • 150mg might not be the optimal dose • Results might differ in anxiety-related insomnia vs primary insomnia

Quick Answers: Insomnia and Cannabis

Direct answers based on the findings of this study:

Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.

Does CBD help with insomnia?

Probably not. A 2024 controlled trial found 150mg CBD nightly was no better than sugar pills for insomnia—no improvement in sleep onset, wake time, or insomnia severity (Narayan et al., Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine).

Source: Narayan et al., Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2024 (PMID: 38174873)

Is CBD good for sleep?

No, based on best evidence. A rigorous 2024 trial found CBD was "similar to placebo regarding most sleep outcomes." Time to fall asleep, wake time, and insomnia severity were all the same as placebo.

Source: Narayan et al., Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2024 (PMID: 38174873)

What actually helps insomnia?

CBD didn't beat placebo in a 2024 trial. For insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) has much stronger evidence. If you want to try cannabis, THC-containing products may work better than CBD alone.

Source: Narayan et al., Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2024 (PMID: 38174873)

This is educational content, not medical advice

The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.

Important Limitations

This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:

Small sample size (30 participants)
Short treatment duration (2 weeks)
Single dose tested (150mg)
Primary insomnia only—anxiety-related insomnia might respond differently
Pilot study requiring larger confirmation trials

The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Insomnia

This rigorous 2024 trial delivers a sobering message for CBD sleep products: at 150mg nightly, CBD was no better than placebo for most sleep measures in people with insomnia. While CBD users reported feeling better overall and showed slightly improved objective sleep efficiency, the bottom line is clear—don't expect CBD alone to solve significant sleep problems. If you're struggling with insomnia, evidence-based treatments like CBT-I (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) have much stronger support.

Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?

If you're living with Insomnia, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.

Get Your Card Online View Qualifying Conditions

Related Research & Resources

Related Research

Condition Research

Insomnia Research

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This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:

Source

Narayan AJ, Downey LA, Rose S, et al. "Cannabidiol for moderate-severe insomnia: a randomized controlled pilot trial of 150 mg of nightly dosing" Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2024. DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.10958

View on PubMed View Full Text (DOI)

Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Medically Reviewed By

MMJ.com Medical Advisory Board

Last Updated: January 24, 2026

Important Information

Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.

Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.

Last reviewed: January 24, 2026

Important Notices

Research Summary Disclaimer

This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.

FDA Notice

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.

Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.

Data Sources

Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.

For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.

FAQs: Cannabis for Insomnia

Does CBD help with sleep?

Evidence is mixed. A 2024 controlled trial found 150mg nightly CBD was no better than placebo for most sleep measures in people with insomnia, though well-being and some objective sleep efficiency measures improved slightly.

What dose of CBD for sleep?

There's no established optimal dose. The 2024 trial tested 150mg and found minimal benefit over placebo. Some studies use higher or lower doses with varying results. More research is needed to determine effective dosing.

Should I use CBD for insomnia?

Not based on this trial. CBD may not significantly improve sleep at 150mg doses. For insomnia, evidence-based treatments like CBT-I have stronger support. If you want to try CBD, set realistic expectations.