In a busy retail environment where consumer wellness demands are evolving fast, the sleep-aid beverage category—with a functional twist—is taking off. Among these, CBD-infused drinks designed to support restful nights are emerging as standout performers in health-forward stores and specialty shelves. With their combination of approachable format and calming associations, a handful of brands are making notable impact. Below, we highlight the top players—each bringing a unique retail story, flavor strategy, and consumer hook.

First up is Recess, a brand reframing relaxation as a smart alternative to alcohol and sugar-laden drinks. Their line of sparkling waters infused with hemp extract (CBD) and adaptogens delivers a calm, cool, collected persona. Their branding-forward look and chilled vibe make them a strong fit for modern wellness-led retail environments.

Next, the long-standing wellness veteran CBD Living offers CBD-infused waters and sparkling waters in subtle flavors such as Strawberry Lavender. Their routine-friendly format—12-pack sparkling cans and single water bottles—makes them an easy addition to hydration or functional beverage shelves.

Another important name is Upstate Elevator. Their nano-encapsulated CBD soda and seltzer line emphasizes clean flavors like African ginger & Mexican lime, or raspberry, lime & hibiscus, along with a 0-THC promise. While not strictly “sleep specific,” their positioning as a chilled alternative to after-work drinks means they’re hitting the unwind segment—and sleep prep is a natural part of that journey.

The brand Daytrip plays slightly differently. They approach the market as a social, youthful brand with sparkling waters and pre-biotic sodas infused with CBD and terpenes. While more energy-and-mood-focused overall, they also produce nighttime “wind-down” varieties—making them an interesting retail option that bridges daytime functional beverages and evening relaxation products.

Retailers focused on true sleep-support formulations should also note the rise of CBN (cannabinol) beverages. Many emerging brands now blend CBD with CBN, melatonin, chamomile, or L-theanine to deliver a more targeted sleep-promoting effect. This shift is capturing the attention of retailers looking to differentiate their functional beverage sets with more specialized nighttime solutions.

Finally, retail buyers should note that taste, branding, and format matter just as much as cannabinoid content. Many industry reviewers consistently point out that the best CBD beverages are both functional and delicious, describing several top brands as flavor-forward and comparable to mainstream seltzer labels. The takeaway: shelf-ready sleep beverages must deliver on flavor expectations while supporting the consumer’s nighttime routine.

From a retail strategy perspective, stocking a mix of these brands offers multiple shopper entry points: everyday hydration (CBD Living), lifestyle relaxation (Recess), alternatives to alcohol (Upstate Elevator and Daytrip), and dedicated sleep-focused formulations (CBD + CBN blends). Merchandising them alongside wellness waters, recovery drinks, or evening routine sections—rather than only cannabis-adjacent areas—can increase visibility and improve shopper engagement.

In the evolving field of CBD beverages, sleep-oriented options are becoming a compelling retail segment. They align with consumer demand for natural relaxation, come with lower regulatory friction than THC products, and offer strong storytelling for both brands and stores. By curating the right mix and maintaining transparency through clear labeling and quality assurance, retailers can successfully tap into the growing “wind-down” moment and help shoppers refresh, relax, and rest.