Study register · detailRCT · Sleep Disorders · 2026
The effects of cannabidiol on sleep disturbances within a sample of high trait worriers: A double-blind, randomized placebo controlled trial.
Gournay et al.·Experimental and clinical psychopharmacologyImpact 0.7
MixedGRADEModerate0 citations
Samplen = 63 Pat.
Duration2 weeks
ControlPlacebo daily over 2 weeks
EndpointSleep disturbances / sleep…
Blindingdoppelblind
DesignRCT
Cannabinoidcbd
Max. dose300.0 mg
Routeoral
”Key finding
300 mg CBD reduced sleep disturbances significantly more than 50 mg CBD, but not significantly more than placebo.
Summary
n=63 persons with elevated trait-worry (mean age 29,3 years), randomised double-blind to 300 mg CBD, 50 mg CBD or placebo daily over 2 weeks. 300 mg CBD showed significantly stronger reduction of sleep disturbances and sleep quality vs. 50 mg CBD (B=-0,39, t=-2,59, p<0,05, d=0,08), but NOT vs. placebo (B=-0,32, t=-2,09, p=0,10, d=0,07). No effects on sedation or cognitive impairment.
P
PopulationAdults with elevated trait-worry tendency, n=63, mean age 29,3 years
Outcome300 mg CBD reduced sleep disturbances significantly more than 50 mg CBD (B=−0,39, p<0,05, d=0,08), but not significantly compared to placebo (B=−0,32, p=0,10, d=0,07)
Confidence in the evidence
Very lowLowModerateHigh
Moderate
The third of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is probably reliable.
Downgraded for
Imprecision
Quality profile
Sample size★★★★★
BlindingDouble-blind
Effect sizeMixed
Citations / year★★★★★
Authors
Gournay LR, Ferretti ML, Dickens HB, Floyd V, Fernandez DA, Rathbun E, Nguyen AM, Leen-Feldner EW
Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonintoxicating molecule derived from the cannabis plant, is garnering attention as a novel sleep aid despite a dearth of empirical literature supporting its efficacy for sleep-related indications. The present study aimed to address this gap. Participants were 63 individuals (M(age) = 29.27; SD(age) = 9.58) reporting elevated trait worry who were randomly assigned to take 300 mg CBD, 50 mg CBD, or placebo daily for 2 weeks. Results suggested 300 mg CBD decreased sleep disturbances and sleep quality significantly more than 50 mg CBD (B = -0.39, t = -2.59, p < .05, d = 0.08), but not placebo (B = -0.32, t = -2.09, p = .10, d = 0.07) with no effects on sedation or cognitive impairment. These data suggest 300 mg CBD showed significantly greater improvement than 50 mg CBD but did not show statistically significant improvement compared to placebo. More work is needed to assert strong conclusions regarding CBD's effects on sleep-related indicators. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).