CBD & Gut Health: The Science Behind Better Sleep & Digestion with Hemp
Written by: Vincent Pedre M.D. | March 27, 2024 | Time to read 14 min
Last week, we talked about how your gut and sleep are deeply connected —a topic that’s especially important to highlight during March, Sleep Awareness Month. We explored how your gut produces 400 times more melatonin than your brain, affecting everything from digestion to immune function. We also discussed how eating at the right times is just as important as what you eat when it comes to getting deep, restorative sleep.
But here’s something we didn’t dive into last week: how hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD (Cannabidiol — a non-psychoactive component of hemp, meaning it doesn’t get you high, often used for anxiety, pain relief, inflammation, and sleep support) and CBN (Cannabinol — a mildly psychoactive component of cannabis, but far less than THC, often associated with sedative effects used to help with sleep) can help optimize both your gut (reducing pain) and sleep (improving insomnia) at the same time.
That’s exactly what I’m going to explore in this blog post!
If you’ve been struggling with digestive discomfort or restless nights, you might be wondering: can CBD help? The short answer is YES! Research suggests that CBD (cannabidiol) and other hemp-derived compounds may play a significant role in balancing the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep. 😴
Let’s dive deep into the connection between CBD, gut health, and sleep—and how you can choose the right hemp or cannabis product for your needs.
CBD, CBN, Gut Health, and Sleep: What’s the Connection?
You might already know that your gut is connected to your brain through the gut-brain axis. But did you know this connection also influences sleep?
When your gut is out of balance—whether due to stress, poor diet, or an overgrowth of harmful bacteria—it can lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, and even leaky gut. This inflammation doesn’t just stay in your gut; it can disrupt your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in sleep regulation, digestion, and overall homeostasis.
This is where CBD and other cannabinoids come into play.
CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with the ECS to reduce inflammation, regulate gut motility, and promote relaxation.
CBN (cannabinol) is another cannabinoid known for its sedative properties, which may support deeper, more restorative sleep.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) —the psychoactive compound in cannabis—also influences sleep, but in larger doses, it can disrupt REM sleep.
Think of it this way. Whereas CBD can provide the comfort needed to fall asleep at night. CBN helps you stay asleep (for those of you who tend to wake up in the early morning hours).
By supporting the ECS, hemp and cannabis extracts like CBD and CBN can help restore balance in the gut and promote deeper sleep—two key factors in feeling your best every day.
Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum Hemp: Which One is Best?
If you’ve ever shopped for CBD products, you’ve probably seen terms like full-spectrum and broad-spectrum on the labels. It can get really confusing knowing how to choose the right product. But what do they mean?
Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract
Contains all cannabinoids, including CBD, CBN, THC (in legal trace amounts), as well as terpenes — aromatic compounds that can influence how cannabinoids like CBD or THC affect you
Works through the entourage effect, meaning the compounds work together for greater benefits (the idea here is that the whole is better than the parts)
May contain up to 0.3% THC (hemp naturally has low THC), which is very low and federally legal
Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract
Contains multiple cannabinoids (CBD, CBN, etc.), but zero THC
Offers many of the same benefits as full-spectrum, but without any THC concerns
Ideal if you want the benefits of hemp without the risk of THC showing up in drug tests
CBD Isolate
✅ Pure CBD, meaning it contains no other cannabinoids or terpenes
✅ Has no THC at all
✅ Doesn’t provide the entourage effect, but may still help with anxiety, pain, and inflammation
👉 Best for: Individuals who only want CBD and nothing else, or those who may be highly sensitive to other cannabinoids.
Something new on the market is also a CBN isolate.
✅ Pure CBN, meaning it contains no other cannabinoids or terpenes
✅ Has no THC at all
✅ Doesn’t provide the entourage effect, but may still help with sedation / sleep
👉 Best for: Individuals who only want CBN and nothing else, or those who may be highly sensitive to other cannabinoids.
Oftentimes, it’s better to combine these. For example, a CBD + CBN isolate that helps with gut health and sleep make for a great combination. One of my favorites is produced by the CBDistillery, and you can gain access here with a special discount code:
If your goal is better sleep and gut health, full-spectrum hemp may be the most effective option due to the entourage effect. However, if you’re sensitive to THC or have concerns about drug testing, broad-spectrum is a great alternative. Or opt for a combo product, incorporating the benefits of both CBD and CBN together, without the THC found in full-spectrum hemp.
CBD, CBN, and THC: Understanding the Differences
Many people confuse CBD, CBN, and THC, but they each have unique effects on the body.
Cannabinoid |
Effects on Sleep |
Effects on Gut Health |
CBD |
Calming, reduces stress, improves sleep quality |
Anti-inflammatory, supports gut motility, helps with IBS symptoms |
CBN |
Sedative, promotes deep sleep, good for staying asleep |
Anti-inflammatory, supports immune function in the gut |
THC |
Helps with sleep onset but may disrupt REM sleep at high doses |
Stimulates appetite, may cause gut irritation and nausea at high doses |
If you’re looking for better sleep without psychoactive effects, a CBD + CBN blend might be ideal. This one’s my favorite. (Use code HAPPYGUT25: for 25 percent off) If gut health is your main focus, CBD alone can be a powerful tool.
How CBD / Hemp Extracts Can Benefit Sleep and Gut Health
CBD and other hemp compounds support your gut and sleep through several key mechanisms:
1. Reducing Gut Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many digestive issues, including IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), leaky gut, and Crohn’s disease. CBD has been shown to:
✅ Reduce inflammation in the gut lining
✅ Modulate pain signals through the ECS
✅ Reduce visceral hypersensitivity (a fancy term for pain coming from internal organs like the gut)
✅ Relax smooth muscle, easing spasms and cramps✅ Support the balance of good gut bacteria
✅ Soothe an overactive immune response
By calming inflammation, CBD can help ease symptoms like bloating, cramping, and digestive discomfort.
2. Supporting the Gut-Brain Axis
Your gut produces about 95% of your serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for mood and relaxation. If your gut is out of balance, it can lead to:
🚫 Poor sleep
🚫 Increased stress and anxiety
🚫 Digestive issues
CBD interacts with serotonin receptors to promote relaxation and better mood, which in turn supports both gut function and sleep quality.
CBD also:
✅ Helps reduce anxiety and stress, which are major triggers for gut issues
✅ Calmer mind = calmer gut
I’ve also created an entire digital course designed to teach you how to balance the gut-brain axis for better sleep, mood, and focus. It’s an easy-to-do program with quick educational modules and practical videos that teach you exactly how to balance the gut-brain axis using the power of your vagus nerve, essentially biohacking your brain health through your gut.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to healing your gut and balancing your mind, my Gut-Brain Mastery Program is designed just for you!
🌿 Live stress-free and with a smile on your face
🌿 Get a step-by-step plan for optimal gut health in just 6 weeks
🌿 Learn how to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and sleep better
Your journey to better gut health, better sleep, and a happier YOU starts now! 💚
3. Regulating Sleep Cycles
Here’s a little more of the science behind the benefits of cannabidiol and cannabinol on sleep. Both CBD and CBN indirectly influence melatonin production and circadian rhythm , helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Unlike traditional sleep aids, CBD and CBN:
✨ Doesn’t cause grogginess
✨ Supports deep, restorative sleep
✨ Works naturally with your body’s sleep-wake cycle
I’ve been testing out the CBDistillery’s shhh CBN + CBD sleep gummies, and I can tell you that I wake up feeling refreshed the next morning, knowing that I’ve gotten the deep sleep my body needs to be at its best.
If you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep (and feeling unrested the next day), a CBD + CBN blend may be your best option.
How to Source and Find Quality CBD Products
Not all CBD products are created equal! With so many options on the market, it’s important to choose a high-quality, third-party-tested brand.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for CBD:
✅ Third-Party Lab Testing
Reputable brands provide COAs (Certificates of Analysis) to prove their products are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminants.
✅ Organic, U.S.-Grown Hemp
Hemp absorbs everything from the soil, so when possible choose products sourced from organic, pesticide-free farms.
✅ Full-Spectrum or Broad-Spectrum
For the best results, choose a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum product rather than CBD isolate, which may lack the additional beneficial compounds that create noticeable effects.
✅ Proper Dosage & Form
Consider whether you prefer CBD oil, softgels, or gummies based on your lifestyle and needs.
CBDistillery: A Trusted Brand for Sleep & Gut Health
One of the best brands I recommend for high-quality CBD and CBN products is CBDistillery. They offer a wide range of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD extracts, including:
🌿 CBD + CBN Sleep Tinctures – Perfect for deeper sleep
🌿 Full-Spectrum CBD Oil – Great for overall gut health and relaxation
🌿 CBD Softgels & Gummies – Convenient and easy to dose
CBDistillery is third-party tested, U.S.-grown, and highly reputable, making them a solid choice for anyone looking to support gut health and sleep naturally.
👉 Get started with CBDistillery here! Plus, use code: HAPPYGUT25 to save 25% on their range of CBD products.
HINT: I use a combination of a CBN + CBD gummy with 2 - 3 drops of their ahhh or shhh oil blend to achieve the perfect level of relaxation when I’m feeling a bit wired before bedtime.
Final Thoughts: Can CBD Help You Sleep Better & Improve Gut Health?
If you struggle with poor digestion, inflammation, or restless nights, CBD and CBN may be a game-changer. Unlike traditional sleep aids or over-the-counter gut remedies that only mask symptoms, hemp extracts work by addressing the root causes —balancing your endocannabinoid system, calming inflammation, and promoting deep relaxation.
By incorporating high-quality CBD + CBN products into your wellness routine, you may notice:
✅ Less bloating and digestive discomfort after meals
✅ More regular and comfortable digestion
✅ A calmer nervous system, reducing stress-related gut issues
✅ Deeper, more restorative sleep —so you wake up refreshed
And the best part? CBD is non-habit forming, meaning you can use it as needed without worrying about dependency or harsh side effects.
