What Happens When You Sleep High? Marijuana and Sleep

What Happens When You Sleep High on Marijuana?

Cannabis is now a widely used sleep aid for many. For people with insomnia or chronic pain, marijuana appears as a natural remedy. But what truly occurs in your brain and body when you sleep high?

This article examines cannabis’s impact on sleep stages, its benefits, risks, and if marijuana is suitable for enhancing sleep.

Marijuana Overview

Marijuana, or cannabis, is a psychoactive substance from the Cannabis plant, commonly used for medicinal, recreational, and therapeutic purposes. Its main active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), produces mind-altering effects like euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.

Cannabidiol (CBD), another significant compound, provides potential therapeutic benefits without causing a “high.” Though legal in some areas, marijuana remains controversial due to its effects on mental and physical health, especially with long-term or heavy use.

Side Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana’s side effects vary by dosage, use method, and individual tolerance. Common short-term effects include:

• Dry mouth (“cottonmouth”)
• Red eyes from blood vessel dilation
• Increased heart rate, potentially raising heart-related risks
• Impaired coordination and slower reaction times
• Short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing
• Anxiety or paranoia, particularly at high doses or in sensitive users
• Drowsiness or fatigue

Long-term or heavy use may cause:

• Respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis from smoking
• Cognitive decline, especially in adolescents with prolonged use
• Mental health issues, including higher risk of anxiety, depression, or psychosis
• Dependence or cannabis use disorder

What Happens to Your Brain When You Sleep High?

Marijuana affects the brain through its active compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which interact with the endocannabinoid system that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

For cannabis users, this interaction can change how the brain manages sleep stages.

THC and REM Sleep

THC reduces REM sleep, the stage where most dreaming occurs. REM sleep is essential for memory processing and mental health. Suppressing it results in fewer dreams and decreased brain activity during this phase.

Increased Deep Sleep

Marijuana can boost deep sleep, or slow-wave sleep, which is vital for physical restoration. It supports muscle recovery, hormone release, and overall sleep quality.

Brain Activity

THC slows brain activity during sleep, creating a calming effect that helps people fall asleep, particularly those with anxiety or sleep disorders.

While short-term use may aid sleep, long-term use can negatively affect brain function and memory.

Is Marijuana a Good Sleep Aid?

Marijuana is commonly used as a sleep aid, especially by those with sleep problems or medical conditions. Its effectiveness depends on how and why it’s used.

In the short term, marijuana can help you fall asleep faster. THC’s sedative effects relax the mind and body, which is particularly helpful for people with:

• Sleep disorders like insomnia
• Chronic pain that disrupts sleep
• Anxiety or PTSD that makes falling asleep difficult

By calming the nervous system, cannabis can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, offering relief for those with serious sleep issues.

However, while it aids sleep initially, marijuana suppresses REM sleep, which is crucial for emotional regulation and brain function. Long-term REM reduction can affect memory, concentration, and mental health.

Regular cannabis use may also lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect and increasing the risk of dependency and other side effects.

Benefits of Using Marijuana for Sleep

For individuals with sleep disorders or chronic pain, cannabis offers several notable benefits:

• Faster Sleep Onset: THC’s sedative effects help calm racing thoughts and reduce stress, allowing users to fall asleep more quickly.
• Better Sleep for Pain Patients: Chronic pain can disrupt sleep. Cannabis eases pain, enabling the body to relax and recover.
• Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Anxiety often causes sleep difficulties. Cannabis helps calm the mind, making it easier to drift off.
• Increased Deep Sleep: Cannabis can enhance deep, restorative sleep, supporting physical recovery and overall sleep quality.
• Natural Alternative to Sleeping Pills: Many turn to cannabis as a gentler option compared to prescription sleep aids, which may have harsh side effects.

For those with serious sleep problems, these advantages can greatly improve life quality, though the potential risks should also be taken into account.

Using Marijuana For Sleep

If you choose to use cannabis as a sleep aid, it’s important to do so responsibly to maximize benefits and minimize risks. Here are some tips:

Choose the Right Strain

Indica strains are more sedative and relaxing, making them ideal for sleep. Sativa strains can be energizing and may interfere with rest. Strains higher in CBD and lower in THC can offer a more balanced effect.

Start with a Low Dose

Begin with a small amount, especially if you’re new to cannabis or have low tolerance. Higher doses may cause grogginess and side effects. Often, a small dose is enough to help you fall and stay asleep.

Time It Right

Take cannabis 30–60 minutes before bedtime to allow it to take effect. Avoid use too close to waking hours to prevent morning grogginess.

Avoid Smoking

Consider safer methods like edibles, tinctures, or vaporizers to reduce respiratory risks. Smoking provides quick effects but can harm lung health, while edibles take longer to act but last longer. Tinctures or oils allow precise dosing.

Monitor Your Usage

Use cannabis occasionally rather than nightly to lower the risk of tolerance and dependency. Track how it affects your sleep and energy. Overuse can cause anxiety, paranoia, or disrupted sleep patterns.

Consult a Healthcare Provider

Talk to a doctor if you have medical conditions, take medication, or have a history of substance use. This ensures safe and effective use.

Avoid Mixing Substances

Do not combine cannabis with alcohol, sedatives, or prescription sleep aids to prevent dangerous interactions and health risks.

Know Your Local Laws

Cannabis regulations vary by location. Make sure its use is legal for medicinal or recreational purposes where you live, as some areas require prescriptions or restrict use entirely.

Should You Use Marijuana For Sleep?

Marijuana can help people with severe sleep issues or chronic pain by promoting faster sleep onset, reducing anxiety, and increasing deep sleep. However, it also suppresses REM sleep and carries the risk of tolerance.

Occasional use may offer short-term relief, but regular use can disrupt sleep cycles and affect mental health. Responsible use and monitoring how cannabis impacts your sleep are essential.

For ongoing sleep difficulties, consider other long-term strategies. Good sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and regular exercise can effectively improve sleep quality over time.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Using marijuana for sleep can offer benefits but also carries risks. If you choose to use it, moderation is key.

While marijuana is generally less addictive than some substances, it can still lead to dependence. Cannabis use disorder occurs when someone continues using marijuana despite negative effects on their life.

Treatment for marijuana addiction often includes behavioral therapy, counseling, support groups, and sometimes medication to manage withdrawal symptoms. Seeking help is crucial for recovery.

Our residential addiction treatment centers in Scottsdale, Arizona, provide expert guidance and support. Our team of specialists develops personalized treatment plans to meet individual needs. Reach out today for help and take the first step toward recovery.

Even though marijuana may seem less harmful than other drugs, addiction can still have serious consequences, making professional support essential.