Weed And Rem Sleep: A Troubling Relationship?

Marijuana use has been linked to a decrease in REM sleep, which may have implications for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. While the relationship between marijuana and sleep is complex and influenced by a variety of factors, research suggests that marijuana can disrupt sleep patterns and reduce the duration of REM sleep. This can result in a REM rebound effect when marijuana use is discontinued, leading to an increase in REM sleep and more vivid dreams. However, the effects of marijuana on sleep may vary depending on factors such as the strain of cannabis, the method of consumption, and individual differences in tolerance and usage patterns.

Marijuana use can decrease the duration of REM sleep

Marijuana use can indeed decrease the duration of REM sleep. REM sleep is the stage of sleep when we do our most active dreaming, and when the brain does a lot of memory processing and consolidation of acquired information, as well as the processing of emotional experiences.

Marijuana, especially THC-rich strains, are likely to reduce levels of REM sleep. This is due to the sedative effects of THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. While THC has clear sedative effects, a too-heavy concentration of THC can lead to next-day grogginess. Research has shown that 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.

Altered REM sleep may have implications for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning, and cannabis with higher THC levels could impair your sleep quality if taken long-term. Research suggests that interrupted REM sleep may have negative effects on mood regulation and memory.

There is also the concept of REM rebound, which occurs when someone gets a much larger proportion of REM sleep during the night compared to what is considered normal (about 25% of total sleep time). This can happen when someone consistently misses out on REM sleep and then stops using marijuana.

It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis on sleep and to determine where marijuana use and sleep disturbance fall in the causal pathway.

REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning

During REM sleep, the brain processes emotions and emotional memories, including those associated with fear. Dreams, which tend to be more vivid during REM sleep, may also be involved in emotional processing. The amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, is activated during this sleep stage.

REM sleep is also when the brain consolidates new learnings and motor skills from the day, deciding which ones to commit to memory, maintain, or delete. This process of memory consolidation is facilitated by "sleep spindles", or one- to two-second bursts of brain waves that occur during REM sleep. These spindles may also play a key role in helping people learn and remember how to perform physical tasks.

Additionally, REM sleep is thought to aid in the development of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. This may explain why infants, particularly newborns, require a large amount of REM sleep.

Finally, REM sleep contributes to healthy immune functioning by boosting the immune system. This occurs during the deep sleep stage, which is the third stage of non-REM sleep. However, as each cycle through the sleep stages includes a REM stage, it can be said that REM sleep also indirectly contributes to immune functioning.

THC-rich strains of marijuana are likely to reduce levels of REM sleep

Marijuana use can decrease the duration of REM sleep. THC-rich strains of marijuana are likely to reduce levels of REM sleep. This is the stage of sleep when we do our most active dreaming, and when the brain does a lot of memory processing and consolidation of acquired information, as well as the processing of emotional experiences.

REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning, and cannabis with higher THC levels could impair your sleep quality if taken long term. Research suggests that interrupted REM sleep may have negative effects on mood regulation and memory.

A 2008 study found that during discontinuation of heavy marijuana use, polysomnographic (PSG) measures of sleep disturbance were detected in marijuana users compared with a drug-free control group. The marijuana users showed lower total sleep times and less slow-wave sleep than the control group on both nights. They also showed worse sleep efficiency, longer sleep onset, and shorter REM latency than the control group on the second night.

A 2022 study found that cannabis strains with higher levels of THC typically reduce the amount of REM sleep. The theory is that if you spend less time dreaming, you'll spend more time in a "deep sleep" state. The deep sleep state is thought to be the most restorative, restful part of the sleep cycle.

However, REM sleep is still important for overall health. Too much suppression of REM sleep is not healthy. Cannabis is now recognised as a promising therapeutic tool for sleep disorders associated with abnormal REM sleep and disruptive dreaming, including REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder and PTSD.

Marijuana withdrawal can cause sleep disturbances

These findings are supported by numerous reports from marijuana users themselves, who have noticed that cutting back on or quitting marijuana use has led to more vivid dreams and improved dream recall. Some users have also reported experiencing "REM rebound", where they get a much larger proportion of REM sleep than what is considered normal. This occurs when REM sleep has been consistently missed, and it can have a negative impact on memory.

While marijuana can be effective in helping people fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly, it can also disrupt the sleep cycle by reducing the amount of REM sleep. This can have implications for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. Therefore, while marijuana may provide short-term relief for sleep disorders, it is important to consider the potential long-term effects on sleep architecture and brain function.

Marijuana can be a useful sleep aid for those with PTSD

Marijuana, or cannabis, is a popular sleep aid, with 70% of young adult casual users reporting that they use it to help them sleep. This figure rises to 85% among people who use marijuana for medical reasons.

Research suggests that marijuana can help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) fall asleep faster, wake up less during the night, and enjoy better sleep quality overall. A study on women with PTSD found that those with more severe symptoms and poor sleep were more likely to use marijuana to help them cope. Another study found that synthetic forms of marijuana significantly decreased nightmares, or stopped them altogether, for people with PTSD. Some participants in this study also reported experiencing better overall sleep quality and fewer daytime flashbacks.

Marijuana's sleep-promoting effects are believed to be due to its interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they send messages to increase levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppress the brain's arousal system.

However, it's important to note that marijuana can also decrease the amount of time spent in REM sleep, when the brain processes emotions and memories. While this may be beneficial for people with PTSD, as it can reduce nightmares, REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning. Therefore, marijuana with higher THC levels could impair sleep quality if taken long-term.

Healthcare professionals generally discourage the long-term use of any sleep aid, including marijuana, and it may not be suitable for everyone. It can increase the risk of developing psychosis in those who have previously experienced psychotic symptoms and those with a family history of schizophrenia. It may also worsen cognitive symptoms for some people with MS and increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases.

If you're considering using marijuana as a sleep aid, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your individual medical history.

Frequently asked questions