Entrepreneur and wellness innovator Benny Shabtai brings more than 40 years of global leadership to the conversation on CBD and sleep. As co‑founder and CEO of Botanika Life, he oversees a line of premium, CBD‑infused skincare and wellness products stocked by Bergdorf Goodman, Aman Resorts, and the Bellagio. Shabtai’s earlier successes include introducing Swiss luxury watches to the U.S. through Raymond Weil USA and elevating Italian fine‑jewelry brand Di Modolo International. His breadth of experience—spanning luxury goods, technology investing (notably as an early advisor to Viber), and philanthropic engagement at Yale University—underscores his authority on the science, safety, and consumer applications of CBD.
Sleep issues represent a major health concern in the United States. According to studies, as many as 70 million Americans live with sleep disorders, and roughly 84 million people, or about one in three adults, do not regularly get the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep. Individuals can make several lifestyle changes and try different sleep aids, including cannabidiol (CBD) sleep products, to achieve the recommended seven hours of nightly sleep.
Americans live with a variety of sleep conditions and disorders. A few common examples include sleep apnea, insomnia, and bruxism. Individuals with sleep issues incur an elevated risk for developing several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. They are also more likely to become obese, which causes many additional health complications.
CBD, one of the two major compounds found in cannabis, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has no psychoactive properties. Therefore, individuals who use CBD do not feel “high.” CBD use offers various health benefits, from pain relief to acne, as well as help with sleep issues.
CBD products can help individuals overcome sleep disorders in several ways. To start, some people experience success treating chronic pain using CBD products. Chronic pain is a major cause of sleep problems, though it is unclear whether CBD is primarily treating the pain or acting as a sleep aid.
Similarly, CBD offers anti‑anxiety benefits. Elevated levels of stress and anxiety can make it difficult for individuals to fall asleep, remain asleep, and achieve a deep state of sleep that provides the body with rejuvenating rest. Individuals can integrate CBD products into their sleep schedule to soothe their nervous systems and help them fall asleep faster. One study reported that almost four in five CBD users enjoyed decreased anxiety levels within one month, with nearly two in three participants experiencing improved sleep immediately after beginning.
Other studies have focused on CBD as a treatment for insomnia. Insomnia refers to various symptoms that result from a lack of quality sleep. Up to 10 percent of the world’s population experiences insomnia. Without intervention, insomnia can lead to chronic fatigue, memory issues, mood swings, and confusion, in addition to an increased risk of serious health conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.
Long‑term insomnia, especially insomnia that is resistant to treatment, can create a feeling of anxiety about going to sleep. CBD treatments for anxiety can help users overcome this obstacle and achieve quality sleep throughout the night.
Individuals who believe CBD may be able to address their sleep issues should discuss their interests with a medical professional and a CBD expert. CBD sleep aids come in many forms, including oral sprays, oils and tinctures, edible products, vaporizers, pills, and capsules. They are also available as topical solutions, such as lotions, patches, gels, and ointments. CBD sleep aids can be particularly effective when paired with proven sleep aids, such as magnesium.
Individuals should be aware that while studies suggest that CBD may have various health benefits, CBD products have only received approval from the Food and Drug Administration on a few occasions. These products can treat seizures in rare and extreme forms of epilepsy and minimize the side effects of chemotherapy treatments.