By As marijuana and cannabinoid products gain popularity, with dispensaries opening widely, the question arises: Do these products truly improve sleep? Various claims and advertisements suggest that CBD oils, products, and marijuana help with insomnia. But are these claims backed by evidence? Here’s what research has shown:
A 2017 literature review in Current Psychiatry examined novel studies on cannabinoids, finding that they may decrease sleep latency, helping users fall asleep faster. However, like alcohol, THC products were associated with impaired long-term sleep quality, potentially harming sleep over time [1].
In a 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal, researchers examined CBD’s effects on anxiety and sleep. The study showed improved anxiety scores within the first month, suggesting CBD’s potential as an anxiolytic. Sleep improvements were more inconsistent, suggesting they might stem from reduced anxiety rather than a direct effect of CBD on sleep quality [2].
A 2021 study in Journal of American College Health investigated marijuana use among college students and its impact on sleep. Initially, students reported improved sleep. However, over time, users experienced worse sleep efficiency, increased daytime impairment from poor sleep, and problematic marijuana use patterns, suggesting marijuana’s risks outweigh initial sleep benefits [3].
From what is known till date. Marijuana will not help your sleep issues.
A 2016 review in Addiction Science & Clinical Practice provided a comprehensive look at cannabis’ effects on sleep. In the short term, users reported faster sleep onset and improved perceived sleep quality. However, chronic use was linked with negative subjective sleep reports, including strange dreams, difficulty falling asleep, and overall poor quality. During marijuana withdrawal, participants reported worse symptoms, often leading to increased marijuana use, suggesting that initial benefits could prompt dependence [4].
To objectively measure these effects, polysomnography (sleep studies) was conducted. In short-term users, results showed reduced sleep onset latency, fewer awakenings, increased deep sleep, and decreased REM sleep. Over time, however, these benefits waned, and chronic users showed worsened sleep efficiency. Withdrawal exacerbated sleep disruptions, with increased sleep latency, frequent awakenings, reduced deep sleep, and increased REM sleep due to REM rebound.
In summary, while marijuana and some cannabinoid products may offer short-term sleep benefits, their long-term use often harms sleep quality and efficiency. The evidence increasingly suggests that initial sleep improvements are unsustainable and that reliance on marijuana for sleep may lead to long-term sleep disruptions and potential dependence.
References:
1. Curr Psychiatry Rep . 2017 Apr;19(4):23
2. Perm J . 2019;23:18-041
3. J Am Coll Health . 2021 Jan;69(1):103-112
4. Addict Sci Clin Pract . 2016 Apr 26;11(1):9
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