Both recreational and medical users regularly use cannabis, sometimes known as marijuana, as a sleep aid. Approximately 70% of young people who use cannabis sometimes report that it helps them fall asleep. Up to 85% of those who use cannabis for medical reasons, such as pain relief, say it helps them sleep better.
Cannabis’ efficacy as a sleep aid is still being studied. While it is unclear whether long-term cannabis use would improve or harm sleep quality, it may help treat insomnia if used seldom.
Is Cannabis a Sleep Aid?
In certain cases, cannabis appears to improve sleep. Cannabis may help people with multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) fall asleep faster, wake up less at night, and have better overall sleep quality. A new study found that cannabis effectively decreases the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Cannabis is often used as a self-medication for pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Although a study of patients with insomnia found that many of them reported relief from their symptoms after using cannabis, the effectiveness of cannabis for sleep is more varied among these users.
According to studies, the effects of cannabis on sleep differ between daily and non-daily users. Individuals who use cannabis on a daily basis are more prone to experience sleep problems than those who use it sometimes or never. Non-daily users report less sleep issues than daily users and non-users.
What Effect Does Cannabis Have on Sleep?
Cannabinoids are thought to promote sleep through interactions with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they send signals that reduce the brain’s arousal system and increase adenosine levels, promoting sleep. When combined, these effects may cause cannabis users to feel drowsy or sedated.
Cannabis has numerous active components, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Although THC often has a soothing effect, some people may find it stimulating, especially if they are taking higher doses or are new to cannabis use. In some cases, using cannabis before bedtime may cause you to fall asleep more slowly. CBD appears to promote alertness at lower doses while inducing sleepiness at higher doses.
Chronic disorders that impair sleep may benefit from the combination of CBD and THC. However, the timing and amount may influence how the two substances interact.
Synthetic THC, for example, has shown potential in treating obstructive sleep apnea, reducing PTSD-related nightmares, and improving sleep for people suffering from chronic pain. Conversely, CBD may reduce the symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness and REM sleep behavior disorder.
The effects of cannabis as a sleep aid may differ based on the type of cannabis you consume. THC, the major psychoactive component, is found in higher concentrations in cannabis. CBD concentrations are higher in hemp plants.
Does Cannabis Affect the Quality of Your Sleep?
Cannabis may alter the duration of each stage of sleep while also increasing your rate of falling asleep. Short-term cannabis use appears to increase the duration of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which allows you to wake up feeling renewed. THC, on the other hand, shortens the time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when you dream, process emotions, and create new memories.
Given that nightmares are a common and distressing symptom of PTSD, lowering REM sleep may benefit some people with the condition. According to a study on PTSD in women, those who experienced deteriorating symptoms and had difficulty sleeping were more likely to use cannabis as a coping method. According to one study, synthetic cannabis significantly reduced or eliminated nightmares for PTSD patients. Furthermore, numerous study participants reported fewer flashbacks during the day and improved overall sleep quality.
What distinguishes cannabis from other natural sleeping aids?
Because cannabis is classified as a prohibited substance, there has been little research on the safety and effectiveness of cannabis sleep aids in comparison to other sleep aids. The FDA has approved only one naturally derived CBD product and a small number of synthetic drugs that resemble THC. These do not help you sleep, but they do help with nausea and other symptoms.
Medical cannabis, like other natural sleep aids, may be utilized by some people who prefer not to take heavier drugs such as opioids. Despite the potential for short-term, potentially favorable results, many prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids are susceptible to abuse, tolerance, or dependence. While some homeopathic medicines, such as valerian, warrant additional investigation, some natural sleep aids, such as oral melatonin, appear to alleviate insomnia without generating severe side effects.
What Types of Cannabis Help You Sleep?
There are numerous strains of cannabis, each with its own set of benefits. Indica and sativa are the most commonly utilized strains:
Indica is said to be more calming, maybe contributing to feelings of tiredness and relaxation. People appear to favor Indica for sleeping, relaxing, and pain alleviation.
Sativa is regarded to be more energizing, and some people may feel euphoric after using it. Sativa is widely used to boost energy levels.
The majority of the differences between sativa and indica strains are based on the personal experiences of cannabis users. Some experts believe that the variety in THC levels and other compounds in any given product is more relevant than the difference between indica and sativa. Hybrid strains containing a combination of sativa and indica can have different effects depending on the exact makeup of cannabinoids and other components.
Consequences and Risks of Cannabis Use for Sleep
When used intermittently, cannabis may help you fall asleep faster. Long-term use of sleep aids, including cannabis, is generally discouraged by health professionals due to the risk of side effects and decreased sleep quality.
According to research, heavy cannabis use, especially over a lengthy period of time, may have harmful consequences on sleep, such as:
- Overall, less sleep
- spending less time in deep sleep
- More time for sleep
- Regular awakenings
Chronic cannabis use may have serious health consequences. According to studies, smoking the drug increases the chance of developing chronic bronchitis and may reduce the quantity of gray matter in the brain. Other sleep-related side effects of cannabis withdrawal include unusual nightmares, difficulty falling asleep, and a decrease in the amount of time spent in deep sleep. Additionally, medical specialists advise against using cannabis while pregnant or lactating.
Advice on Cannabis Use for Sleep
If you want to use cannabis as a sleep aid, your doctor can give you the best recommendations based on your specific needs and medical history. However, being aware of the numerous options available is useful.
What Kind of Cannabis Should I Take for Sleep?
Cannabis can be ingested, vaporized, smoked, or used topically as a sublingual tincture. Each variety has downsides, as does bioavailability, or the amount of active THC that is likely to enter your bloodstream. If a person is concerned about the effects of smoking on their lungs, they may refrain from smoking.
Because THC enters your system directly, inhaled cannabis usually has a high bioavailability. In contrast, the digestive process leads edibles to lose a large amount of THC. Compared to 4% to 20% for cannabis consumed orally, smoked cannabis can have bioavailability rates of up to 56%. If a person is concerned about the effects of smoking on their lungs, they may refrain from smoking.
When to Use Cannabis to Fall asleep
It’s crucial to note that different strains of cannabis require varying periods of time to begin working. Cannabis, unlike foods, usually takes effect very instantaneously when smoked.
The effects of smoked cannabis can vary widely depending on the individual, the length of the inhalation, the number of times it is breathed, and other factors. THC levels often peak 10 minutes later.
What Impacts Could You Observe
Because cannabis comes in a variety of strains and has varying effects on various people, you may need to experiment with different forms, dosages, and timings before determining what works best for you. In addition to promoting sleep, THC is a psychoactive drug with a variety of additional effects. You may experience tiredness, relaxation, exhilaration, or vigor.
Other cannabis side effects include dizziness, nausea, tiredness, dry mouth, vomiting, disorientation, unsteadiness, and hallucinations. Additionally, you may have paranoia, panic attacks, or anxiety.
Cannabis use has been linked to anomalies in the developing brain, hence it is not recommended for young children or teenagers.
How to Decide If Cannabis Is Right for You
Using cannabis to help you fall asleep is a highly personal decision. Although some researchers warn about the limitations of these trials and the potential risks of using cannabis until the dosage is more regulated, synthetic versions of the medication appear to ease restlessness and nightmares.
Cannabis is commonly used to alleviate pain and insomnia. On the other hand, some people report that it worsens their anxiety or paranoia. If you don’t enjoy getting high, a strain with a higher CBD concentration may be a better option.
Another important consideration is whether or not cannabis is legal in your location. If not, talk to your doctor about other alternatives for improving your sleep, such as utilizing various sleep aids or practicing good sleep hygiene.
