CBD and sleep: what testimonials and studies in Switzerland have to say

CBD in Switzerland: A Strict and Regulated Legal Framework

In Switzerland, cannabidiol (CBD) is legal as long as it contains less than 1% THC, according to the Narcotics Act (NarcA). This legislation, revised in 2011, allows the free sale of CBD-based products as long as they do not have psychoactive effects. This explains why there is now a wide variety of CBD products available in Switzerland, including oils, teas, cosmetics, and even food.

However, medical claims regarding CBD are strictly prohibited, unless made in the context of approved medications authorized by Swissmedic, the Swiss authority for therapeutic products. This means that brands, distributors, and even healthcare professionals cannot legally claim that CBD “cures” or “treats” any disease or disorder, including insomnia.

This rule is intended to protect consumers from unproven promises, especially as scientific research on CBD is still limited. Although many users report calming or sleep-enhancing effects, such experiences should always be understood as personal, not as medical advice. That is why this article focuses on documented testimonials in Switzerland and expert opinions, without asserting any universal or guaranteed effectiveness.

Understanding CBD and Its Potential Impact on Sleep

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from industrial hemp. Unlike THC, it does not produce any euphoric effects. Preliminary research and clinical reports suggest it may act as a modulator of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in functions such as stress, pain, and sleep.

Prof. Barbara Broers, an addiction specialist at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), explains that CBD has calming, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. However, she emphasizes that effects vary greatly between individuals, and that CBD use should always start with a low dose, gradually increasing depending on individual response.
(Pulsations, HUG, Oct. 2022)

Swiss Testimonials on CBD and Sleep

Several people living with chronic pain or sleep disorders have shared positive experiences with CBD – without claiming a cure.

• René Nussbaum, who suffers from joint pain, says that taking 20 drops of CBD tincture in the evening helps him fall asleep more easily. Although it doesn't make the pain disappear, it helps him experience more restorative sleep. (Swiss League Against Rheumatism)

• Petra Müller, who has rheumatoid arthritis, has replaced conventional treatments with natural remedies, including CBD. She reports that CBD relieves her pain and improves her sleep, helping her better manage daily life. (rheumaliga.ch)

These testimonials have no clinical value, but they reflect empirical, personal usage of CBD – often accompanied by medical guidance.

CBD and Sleep Disorders: What the Science Says

Ongoing studies aim to better understand how CBD affects sleep. A 2019 scientific review published in The Permanente Journal observed that CBD may help improve sleep in individuals suffering from anxiety. However, researchers stressed the need for more rigorous clinical trials.

In Switzerland, a report by Addiction Switzerland found that CBD consumers primarily use it to alleviate sleep problems or anxiety, as part of a personal well-being approach. Still, no definitive conclusion can be made regarding its effectiveness, and use should always be personalized and ideally supervised by a healthcare provider.

Conclusion: A Promising Option, to Be Used with Care

CBD appears to be a complementary option explored by individuals facing sleep issues. The Swiss legal framework allows relatively flexible usage, but the ban on medical claims remains an essential protective measure.

Before trying CBD, it is advisable to seek information, choose certified products, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.