Ashwin Lewis
Cannabis is a plant that contains over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Two of the most well-known and most-studied cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis and is associated with the high that people experience when using it. On the other hand, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that won't make users feel high but may still offer therapeutic effects.
Cannabis has been shown to have both benefits and drawbacks when used as a sleep aid. Some studies have found that THC may help people fall asleep faster and increase deep sleep, but it can also reduce REM sleep and lead to feelings of grogginess the next day. CBD, on the other hand, may offer fewer adverse effects but could be less potent in inducing sleep. It interacts with various receptors in the body and fosters relaxation, which can indirectly contribute to improved sleep quality.
Research suggests that cannabis can suppress REM sleep, which is important for memory consolidation and emotional regulation. This suppression can lead to a rebound effect where the brain attempts to recover lost REM sleep during later stages, resulting in a build-up of REM sleep debt over time. Long-term cannabis use can also disrupt sleep regulation, leading to variations in sleep duration and quality.
While cannabis may provide some benefits for people with insomnia or other sleep disorders, healthcare professionals generally discourage its long-term use as a sleep aid due to the potential for dependency and negative impacts on sleep quality.
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What You'll Learn
- Cannabis may reduce REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep when we dream
- THC and CBD, the two main compounds in cannabis, have different effects on sleep
- Cannabis may help people with chronic pain, PTSD, restless leg syndrome and insomnia
- Cannabis may have a negative impact on sleep quality, especially with long-term use
- Cannabis may be more effective as a sleep aid when consumed in edible form
Cannabis may reduce REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep when we dream
Cannabis is a plant containing more than 100 compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are natural chemical components that have potential therapeutic effects. The two most well-known and most-studied cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. It has sedative effects and has been shown to have a range of therapeutic benefits, including pain relief.
CBD is a non-mind-altering cannabinoid that promotes relaxation and has no psychoactive effects. It has been shown to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, promote mental focus and clarity, and may also reduce daytime sleepiness and promote alertness.
Research indicates that cannabis can help you fall asleep faster and potentially treat certain sleep disorders and chronic conditions. However, studies and experts warn that it can lead to dependency and reduce the overall quality of your sleep.
THC has been shown to increase deep sleep but reduce REM sleep, altering the delicate balance of sleep architecture. REM sleep is a distinct stage from the four stages of non-REM sleep and is when we do our most active dreaming. It is also when the brain does a lot of memory processing and consolidation of acquired information, as well as the processing of emotional experiences.
Research suggests that cannabis can suppress REM sleep, leading to a rebound effect where the brain attempts to recover lost REM sleep during later stages of sleep. This disruption may lead to waking up feeling groggy despite experiencing more deep sleep.
Long-term cannabis use can disrupt sleep regulation, leading to variations in sleep duration. Studies indicate a dose-dependent relationship, with heavier cannabis use correlating with more extreme alterations in sleep duration.
While cannabis may have some benefits for sleep, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with dependency and tolerance. Consulting with healthcare professionals and adhering to safe usage practices is essential for maximizing benefits while minimizing adverse effects.
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THC and CBD, the two main compounds in cannabis, have different effects on sleep
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid responsible for the characteristic psychological effects of marijuana. In small doses, it acts as a sedative, in moderate doses as a stimulant, in large doses, it becomes psychedelic, and very high doses may cause psychotic-like symptoms. Research shows that THC typically reduces REM sleep, which is associated with dreaming. This reduction in REM sleep may be beneficial for people with PTSD, as it can reduce nightmares. However, long-term use of THC-dominant strains could impair sleep quality, as REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning.
On the other hand, CBD (cannabidiol) does not cause intoxication or alter mental states. While there is limited research on the effects of CBD on sleep, some studies suggest that it may have a slightly alerting effect. However, in a survey of 72 adults with anxiety and poor sleep, two-thirds of the participants reported improved sleep after one month of using CBD. It is important to note that one-fourth of the participants experienced worsened symptoms, indicating that more research is needed to understand who benefits from CBD and why.
The effects of cannabis on sleep are complex and depend on various factors such as the strain, dosage, route of administration, and individual sensitivity. While cannabis may help with sleep disorders and restoring the natural sleep cycle, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using it for sleep to ensure safety and proper dosing.
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Cannabis may help people with chronic pain, PTSD, restless leg syndrome and insomnia
Cannabis has been shown to improve sleep in people with chronic pain, PTSD, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia. However, it is important to note that research into cannabis as a sleep aid is still developing, and it is unclear whether long-term use is beneficial or detrimental to sleep quality.
Chronic pain affects more people than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined and is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care in the United States. Cannabis may help to ease certain types of chronic pain, including pain due to nerve damage and inflammation. The components of cannabis that are believed to relieve pain are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC stimulates the brain's cannabinoid receptors and activates the brain's reward system, reducing pain levels. CBD interacts with pain receptors in the brain to exert pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
For individuals with PTSD, cannabis may help reduce symptoms and improve sleep quality. A study on women with PTSD found that those with more severe symptoms and poor sleep were more likely to use cannabis to cope. Synthetic forms of cannabis have been found to significantly decrease or stop nightmares in people with PTSD. Additionally, some participants in this study reported better overall sleep quality and fewer daytime flashbacks. However, it is important to note that some studies suggest that long-term cannabis use may worsen trauma-related symptoms over time.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes discomfort in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. A recent study found that medical cannabis effectively relieved symptoms for people with RLS. Six patients with severe RLS who had found no relief from traditional medications and treatments reported total remission of symptoms after using medical cannabis.
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can be challenging to treat. Many people use cannabis to self-treat insomnia, and some studies have found that it can help improve sleep in certain cases. However, the effectiveness of cannabis for insomnia is still being studied, and it is unclear whether long-term use is beneficial or detrimental.
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Cannabis may have a negative impact on sleep quality, especially with long-term use
Cannabis is a plant containing more than 100 compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are natural chemical components that have potential therapeutic effects. Among the most recognized cannabinoids for sleep are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. It has been shown to have a range of therapeutic benefits, including pain relief. THC has sedative effects. It may improve breathing during sleep, making it a potential therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. However, THC appears to play the most active role in altering sleep architecture and time spent in specific sleep stages. Many studies have found THC is most closely linked to reductions in REM sleep and increases in deep, slow-wave sleep and the lighter stages of non-REM sleep. While THC has clear sedative effects, a too-heavy concentration of THC can lead to next-day grogginess.
CBD is a non-mind-altering cannabinoid that promotes relaxation. It has no psychoactive effects—that means there’s no “high” associated with this compound. Scientists think that CBD works to balance or counteract the high that’s delivered from the cannabinoid, THC. There’s a compelling body of research showing CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, promote mental focus and clarity. CBD also may help to reduce daytime sleepiness and promote alertness.
It’s less clear what specific effects CBD has on the cycles and stages of sleep. Some research has demonstrated that CBD delivers little to no effect on sleep architecture, but it’s important to see more research before drawing any firm conclusions. CBD has been shown as a promising therapy for REM behavior disorder. At different doses, CBD can be either stimulating or sedating. Low doses of CBD tend to provide stimulation, while higher doses deliver sedative, or sleep-inducing effects. Today, it appears that CBD’s most potent role in facilitating sleep comes through relief from its ability to relieve anxiety and pain.
Cannabinol, or CBN, is a less well-known cannabinoid than CBD. It appears to have powerful sedative effects, which may be enhanced when it’s combined with THC. CBN also has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory properties.
Research indicates both benefits and drawbacks to using cannabis as a sleep aid. THC, for instance, may facilitate quicker sleep onset, yet not without potential consequences. Conversely, CBD may offer fewer adverse effects but could be less potent in inducing sleep.
A 2008 review found that THC increases deep sleep but reduces REM sleep, altering the delicate balance of sleep architecture. This disruption may lead to waking up feeling groggy despite experiencing more deep sleep.
Research suggests that cannabis can suppress REM sleep, leading to a rebound effect where the brain attempts to recover lost REM sleep during later stages of sleep.
Long-term cannabis use can disrupt sleep regulation, leading to variations in sleep duration. Studies indicate a dose-dependent relationship, with heavier cannabis use correlating with more extreme alterations in sleep duration.
Healthcare professionals generally discourage the long-term use of any sleep aid, including cannabis. Some research suggests that REM sleep may be important for brain function development. Interrupted REM sleep may have negative effects on mood regulation and memory.
Long-term cannabis use may also have unwanted effects on the brain, including difficulty with learning, memory, and focus. Although more research is needed to better understand why these changes occur and whether they’re reversible, experts agree that people under 25 are at greater risk for long-term consequences.
Smoking and vaping cannabis is hazardous to the lungs, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. THC-infused drinks, edibles, and other swallowed or sublingual (absorbed under the tongue) options are considered safer methods of use with fewer side effects.
Short-term use of cannabis may help you fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, or otherwise improve the overall quality of your sleep. However, studies and experts warn that it can lead to dependency and reduce the overall quality of your sleep.
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Cannabis may be more effective as a sleep aid when consumed in edible form
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a popular sleep aid, with around 70% of young adults who use it casually reporting that they do so to help them sleep. Among people who use cannabis for medical reasons, such as pain relief, as many as 85% say it improves their sleep. However, research into cannabis as a sleep aid is still developing, and it is unclear whether long-term use is ultimately beneficial or detrimental to sleep quality.
One of the benefits of edibles over other forms of cannabis is that they do not carry the same risks to the lungs as smoking or vaping. Inhaled cannabis can have bioavailability rates as high as 56%, compared with 4% to 20% for orally ingested cannabis. However, edibles can take longer to have an effect as they must pass through the digestive system.
According to Dr Benjamin Caplan, a board-certified family medicine physician, cannabis can help tens of thousands of patients discover restful sleep that most common prescriptions can't achieve, and without unpleasant side effects. Dr Smita Patel, a physician in neurology, sleep medicine, and integrative medicine, notes that research on cannabis and sleep disorders suggests that CBD may have therapeutic potential for insomnia and that THC may decrease the time it takes to fall asleep.
However, not all data on cannabis and sleep is positive. A 2017 literature review suggested that repeated THC use might hinder sleep in the long term, and that CBD could even act as a stimulant and keep people awake in some cases. It's important to note that the effects of cannabis on sleep can depend on the type and combination of cannabinoids used, as well as the dosage and timing.
When considering the use of edibles for sleep, it is important to
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cannabis can suppress REM sleep, leading to a rebound effect where the brain attempts to recover lost REM sleep during later stages.
Cannabis may help you fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, or otherwise improve the overall quality of your sleep. However, healthcare professionals generally discourage the long-term use of any sleep aid, including cannabis.
Some research suggests that REM sleep may be important for brain function development. Interrupted REM sleep may have negative effects on mood regulation and memory. Long-term cannabis use may also have unwanted effects on the brain, including difficulty with learning, memory, and focus.
The main thing to consider is the onset and duration of your chosen method. Generally, the faster the effects are felt, the faster they fade. If you smoke or vape cannabis, you’ll feel the effects almost immediately.
