Colin Snow
Many people use cannabis as a sleep aid, but is it effective? THC and CBD are the two main compounds in cannabis, and they have varying effects on sleep. THC typically acts as a sedative, but it can have a stimulating effect for some people, especially those new to cannabis or taking higher doses. CBD promotes alertness in lower doses and sleepiness in higher doses. Both compounds may have benefits for chronic conditions that interfere with sleep. Research on the effectiveness of THC and CBD for sleep is limited and mixed, with most studies focusing on THC. While some studies show that THC can help people fall asleep faster, others indicate that long-term use may impair sleep quality by reducing REM sleep. CBD has been linked to effective insomnia treatment in some studies, but data is limited, and results are mixed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| THC's impact on sleep | THC typically acts as a sedative, but it can have a stimulating effect for some people, especially those new to cannabis or taking higher doses. THC can help people fall asleep faster in the short term. THC can also impair sleep quality if taken long-term. |
| CBD's impact on sleep | CBD promotes alertness at lower doses and sleepiness at higher doses. CBD is linked to effective treatment of insomnia. CBD is generally considered safe to try, but there is no conclusive research on how well it works for sleep. |
| Combined impact on sleep | Positive sleep outcomes are frequently reported when CBD is combined with THC or CBN (cannabinol). |
| Other considerations | Cannabis can be smoked, vaporized, eaten, or placed under the tongue. Each form has different bioavailability. THC enters the system faster when inhaled, while edibles lose a significant amount of THC through the digestion process. THC-infused drinks and edibles are considered safer with fewer side effects. |
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What You'll Learn
THC's impact on sleep quality
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the main active compounds in cannabis, and it has a variety of effects on sleep quality. On the one hand, THC can act as a sedative, helping people fall asleep faster and promoting deeper sleep. This is due to its interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which increases levels of sleep-promoting chemicals and suppresses the brain's arousal system.
However, the effects of THC on sleep are complex and can vary depending on individual factors and the method of ingestion. For example, THC can have a stimulating effect for some people, especially those new to cannabis or taking higher doses, which may result in a longer time falling asleep. Additionally, THC can reduce the amount of REM sleep, which is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning. Long-term use of THC may impair sleep quality and have negative effects on mood regulation, memory, learning, and focus.
THC can be ingested through smoking, vaping, edibles, or sublingual tinctures. The method of ingestion affects the onset and duration of its effects. Smoking or vaping THC provides immediate effects, while edibles and drinks may take up to four hours to take effect as they must pass through the digestive tract. Inhaled THC has higher bioavailability as it enters the bloodstream directly, whereas edibles lose a significant amount of THC during digestion.
While THC may provide short-term benefits for sleep, long-term use can lead to dependence and sleep problems upon discontinuation. Some people may experience insomnia, the return of vivid dreams or nightmares, and dizziness when trying to quit THC.
Overall, THC can have both positive and negative impacts on sleep quality, and its effects are highly variable depending on the individual and their specific circumstances. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using THC for sleep to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
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CBD's impact on sleep quality
CBD is the second-most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant, with THC being the most abundant. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the "high" associated with THC.
CBD is most recognised for reducing anxiety, pain, inflammation, and improving sleep. Research links CBD use to the effective treatment of insomnia, with a 2022 review in European Psychiatry noting that CBD helped increase the time it took to reach the REM stage of the sleep cycle. Another study in Medicines found that higher CBD potency levels were associated with greater symptom relief compared to higher levels of THC.
CBD appears to promote alertness at lower doses and sleepiness at higher doses. A 2017 study found that only 1 in 4 CBD products were accurately labelled for CBD content, and some CBD products may contain THC, which can have unwanted effects, such as disrupting sleep.
While some clinical studies show that CBD alone can help improve sleep, the results are mixed, and many participants in these studies had other health problems, such as multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or chronic pain. It is, therefore, unclear if CBD helped their sleep directly or eased symptoms from other conditions. When researchers focus on CBD alone in healthy people without other health conditions, the results are mixed.
CBD is available in several forms, including oils, capsules, and edibles such as gummies. For localized conditions, such as arthritis or joint pain, a person might consider topical CBD products like creams, balms, patches, or sprays.
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THC and CBD's impact on sleep when used together
THC and CBD are two of the most widely studied compounds of the cannabis plant, which has become the most frequently used psychoactive substance worldwide following its legalisation.
THC typically acts as a sedative, interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the brain to increase levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppress the brain's arousal system. However, it can have a stimulating effect for some people, especially those new to using cannabis or taking higher doses, in which case it may result in a longer time falling asleep.
CBD, on the other hand, appears to promote alertness at lower doses and sleepiness at higher doses. It is a noncompetitive antagonist of CB1 receptors, reducing the potency of THC. It has been used to treat pain, inflammation, depression and anxiety, and may therefore be a better option for those who do not like the feeling of being high.
Both compounds may have benefits for chronic conditions that interfere with sleep, and some studies have shown that they can help with period cramps and other menstrual pain. However, the effects of the two compounds together may depend on the dose and timing. Long-term use of THC may impair sleep quality by reducing REM sleep, which is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning. It may also have unwanted effects on the brain, including difficulty with learning, memory and focus.
THC-infused edibles, drinks and other swallowed or sublingual options are considered safer methods of use with fewer side effects, although they take longer to take effect. Smoking and vaping cannabis can have negative effects on the lungs, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
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The different ways to consume THC and CBD for sleep
The decision to use cannabis for sleep is a highly personal one. While synthetic forms of THC have shown promise in treating sleep apnea and PTSD-related nightmares, and CBD may help with REM sleep behaviour disorder, there is limited research on the safety and efficacy of cannabis as a sleep aid.
If you are considering using THC or CBD products to aid your sleep, there are several ways to consume them.
THC
THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, and it can make you feel high. Human-made versions of THC are used to ease nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment. When using THC, it is recommended to start with a low dose, especially if you are new to it. Oral THC, which involves placing drops in the back of your mouth and swallowing, is a common method as it lasts longer and has a slower onset time of 1 to 3 hours, with effects lasting up to 8 hours. THC-infused drinks and edibles are also considered safer methods of consumption compared to smoking or vaping, which can be hazardous to the lungs.
CBD
CBD, on the other hand, does not have psychoactive properties and will not make you feel high. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, pain, and epilepsy. While CBD is generally considered safe when used in the short term, it is not regulated by the FDA, and products may contain higher levels of THC than reported, potentially leading to unwanted side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using CBD to address any potential drug interactions or health concerns.
Combination of THC and CBD
Some research suggests that a combination of THC and CBD may be effective in treating insomnia, even in the absence of other medical conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of these cannabinoids on sleep.
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The legality and safety of using THC and CBD for sleep
The use of THC and CBD to aid sleep is a highly personal decision. While many people use cannabis to manage pain and insomnia, some people find it makes them feel more anxious or paranoid. The legality of using THC and CBD varies by location, and there are safety considerations to keep in mind.
Legality
CBD can be legally sold in the US when extracted from hemp and marketed according to relevant regulations. THC, on the other hand, is considered a controlled substance in the US. However, hemp, which naturally contains higher levels of CBD, is no longer defined as a controlled substance as of 2018. The legality of CBD and THC products varies by state, and it's important to consult state laws before using these substances.
Safety
THC typically acts as a sedative, but it can have a stimulating effect for some people, especially those new to cannabis or taking higher doses. CBD appears to promote alertness at lower doses and sleepiness at higher doses. While cannabis may help with sleep disorders and restore natural sleep cycles, healthcare professionals generally discourage its long-term use. THC has been linked to reduced REM sleep, which could impair sleep quality and have negative effects on mood regulation and memory. Smoking and vaping cannabis can also be hazardous to the lungs.
While CBD is an increasingly popular substance, the scientific validity of its effectiveness as a sleep aid is still unclear. The FDA has approved some CBD drug products, such as Epidiolex for seizure treatment, but has not approved its use for sleep. The FDA also hasn't determined the safety and effectiveness of cannabis or CBD in treating specific conditions. However, research shows that oral CBD doses of up to 300 mg can be taken safely on a daily basis for up to six months.
When considering the use of THC and CBD for sleep, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance based on individual needs and medical history.
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Frequently asked questions
THC typically acts as a sedative, helping you fall asleep faster in the short term. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, increasing levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppressing the brain's arousal system.
THC can have a stimulating effect for some people, especially those new to cannabis or taking higher doses. It can also have unwanted effects, such as making you feel high, and may impair your sleep quality if taken long-term by reducing your REM sleep.
CBD is non-psychoactive, so it doesn't produce the "high" of THC. It has been shown to reduce anxiety, pain, and inflammation, which can improve sleep. CBD may also increase the amount of time it takes to enter the REM stage of the sleep cycle, resulting in deeper sleep.
CBD is not regulated by the FDA, so it's hard to know the exact dosage you're getting. It may also be contaminated with THC, potentially leading to unwanted side effects. Some people have reported that CBD is ineffective or stimulating, making them more awake.
The answer depends on individual preferences and needs. THC may help you fall asleep faster, but it can have stimulating effects for some users and impair sleep quality in the long term. CBD can help improve sleep by addressing underlying issues like anxiety and pain but may be ineffective or stimulating for others. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable before trying THC or CBD for sleep.
