Many people turn to cannabis, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, to improve their sleep. Young adults and individuals managing chronic pain, PTSD, or other sleep-disrupting conditions often use it as a sleep aid. With the growing availability of services that allow consumers to order weed online, access to potential sleep aids has become more convenient than ever. While preliminary studies suggest some short-term benefits, the long-term effects of cannabis on sleep remain uncertain.
Cannabis and Sleep: Pros and Cons
Many people use cannabis recreationally or medicinally to improve sleep, especially those with chronic pain, PTSD, or insomnia. While short-term benefits exist, long-term effects remain unclear.
Potential Benefits
- May help users fall asleep faster, reduce nighttime awakenings, and improve sleep quality, particularly for those with chronic pain, PTSD, or multiple sclerosis.
- Occasional users may see better results than frequent consumers, as heavy use can disrupt sleep.
- THC promotes drowsiness (though high doses may have the opposite effect), while CBD may increase wakefulness in low doses but aid sleep in higher amounts.
- Both compounds show promise in treating sleep-related disorders like sleep apnea, PTSD nightmares, and REM sleep behaviour disorder.
Key Considerations
Effects vary by individual, and long-term impacts are still uncertain. Moderation may be key for optimal results.
How Cannabis Affects Sleep Cycles
Short-term cannabis use may enhance deep, non-REM sleep, important for physical recovery. However, it may also suppress REM sleep, the stage associated with dreaming and emotional processing. While this reduction in REM sleep can be beneficial for those with PTSD (as it may lessen nightmares), it could have unintended consequences for others, such as affecting memory and mood regulation.
Cannabis Compared to Traditional Sleep Aids
Unlike prescription sleep medications, cannabis remains a controlled substance in many regions, limiting research and accessibility. While only a few cannabis-derived drugs have FDA approval, some users prefer it over conventional sleep aids due to concerns about dependency and side effects. Compared to over-the-counter options like melatonin, cannabis is less studied but may offer unique benefits for certain individuals.
Selecting the Right Cannabis Product for Sleep
Not all cannabis strains have the same effects. Indica strains are commonly linked to calming and sedative effects, which is why many people prefer them for improving sleep. Sativa strains, in contrast, may have more energizing effects. However, the actual impact depends more on the specific cannabinoid and terpene profile of a strain rather than its indica or sativa classification.
Potential Risks & Safe Use of Cannabis for Sleep
Risks:
- Long-term use may disrupt deep sleep, cause insomnia-like symptoms, and increase nighttime awakenings.
- Heavy consumption could affect brain structure, and smoking may harm lung health.
- Withdrawal can lead to vivid dreams and worsened sleep.
Safe Use Tips:
- Method: Smoking/vaping acts quickly; edibles last longer but take time to kick in.
- Dosage & Strain: Effects vary experiment carefully to find the right balance.
- Moderation: Occasional use may be more beneficial than frequent consumption.