Does Cannabis Help You Sleep: Several Americans are consuming cannabis as a way to fall asleep. They suggest that the plant extract makes them achieve the hurry to bed and remain in the deep sleep phase for a long time. This, however, is contradicted by others who don’t feel like sleeping through the usage of such preparations, and claim that cannabis indeed takes the place of traditional sleep aid medications. Nevertheless, according to fresh research, the cannabis plant may not always be so helpful in getting a good night of sleep. At times, it may even be so bad for one’s sleep.
New Studies on Cannabis and Sleep
The new investigation by the University of Southern California (USC) revealed that the effect of cannabis on sleep is diverse and it is influenced by the mental condition of the individual. Some people in their 20s who usually have mental issues report that their sleep has improved as a result of using cannabis. In spite of the fact, those who are healthy didn’t manage to sleep soundly and reported some sleep disturbances.
Another report from the University of Texas at Dallas claims that prolonged cannabis users may be predisposed to develop sleep disorders. According to the research done by John Neath the relationship between sleep problems and his memory was confirmed, showing that even cognitive performance was also affected in the process.
There was a study done by Washington State University (WSU) that involved 1,255 cannabis consumers. They discovered that more than 80% of them decreased their consumption of over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids after switching to cannabis. These data provide indirect proof that marijuana is the preferred drug to treat sleep disorders. However, the researchers are stating that more investigations should be held in order to secure the information about the long-lasting after-effects of the drug.
How Cannabis Affects Sleep
Cannabis affects endocannabinoid system that regulates sleep, mood, and appetite in the human body. According to some research, marijuana may increase the occurrence of the sleep stage commonly referred to as deep sleep, which is a period when the body regenerates itself. However, there were also conflicting results which pointed out that the medicine can also reduce the time of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep making it difficult for individuals to sleep naturally. Also, it was found out that REM sleep is beneficial because it is a time when memory is applied and emotional states are set, without it the person feels sleepy and distracted during the day.
THC and CBD are some of the major compounds present in Cannabis. The psychoactive ingredient THC can be a faster way for people to fall asleep. Because of that, elevated doses might lead to sleep disorders. On the other hand, the non-psychoactive THC compound is responsible for anxiety reduction and sleep quality improvement. It remains to be validated by more research to be deemed efficient.
Cannabis for Sleep: Expert Opinions
Dr. Deirdre Conroy, a sleep psychologist from the University of Michigan, discourages from the use of cannabis as a sleep initiator. This is despite the fact that it grants the desire to sleep yet may be linked to worsening sleeping patterns with its extended use.
Dr. Francesca Filbey, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas, indicates that the overuse of cannabis can affect cognitive function. The latter alludes to the memory loss and lack of concentration on long-term sleep interruptions in users.
Experts’ advice for cannabis as a sleep aid is to limit the use to medical supervision. They propose various sleep habits like avoiding screens before bed, setting a regular sleep time, and also the almost no consumption of caffeine source. What one do you follow?
Medical Cannabis and Changing Laws
In the manner of the American states, more are identifying have cannabis as medicine for people with sleeping difficulties. New Mexico included insomnia as one of the diseases eligible for medical cannabis use in 2023. This consequently also allows the patients to use cannabis as a prescribed sleep aid.
At the national level, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been advised to recategorize marijuana. If given, it would permit more studies to be done and the creation of more cannabis-based drugs for sleep.
Consumer Trends in Cannabis for Sleep
Today, a considerable number of Americans resort to the use of cannabis for insomnia as an alternative to other sleep-aid drugs. Based on the survey conducted in 2023, 25% of the US adults disclosed that they got consumed cannabis for sleep. It is worthy to note that the younger generations, notably the Millennials and the Gen Zs, are more likely to intake cannabis in the nighttime.
Mushrooming demand for the medical cannabis products causes companies to be more focused on developing sleep-specific goods. These goods include such wonder items as edibles, tinctures, and vaping oils distinguished for “nighttime use.” Some products have CBN, chemical with therapeutic effects which is thought, but not proven, to be a sedative. But CBN has largely hindered its full qualification as conditional evidence.
Marijuana is increasingly gaining a reputation as a sleep-inducing aid in the US. A number of people find it to be quite effective, however, others experience sleep problems. Cannabis may work as a remedy for other health issues such as anxiety and chronic pain from the scientific study, yet it is not for everyone.
Physicians caution their patients about the risks associated with the long-term use of cannabis, these risks may include sleep cycle breakthroughs as well as cognitive deficiencies. As cannabis laws change, more scientific research will help determine if it really does have a positive or negative impact on sleep.
For the time being, the wise opinion is to have a diverse approach to this issue. The hopefuls themselves who will use it for this purpose are well, in any case, to consult a doctor and thus remain informed on the latest research.