Falling asleep with marijuana in your system is increasingly common as public opinion and laws around cannabis evolve. Many people turn to marijuana as a way to relax or improve their sleep. But what happens when you sleep high? Is it a good idea? Understanding how marijuana affects your body and brain during sleep, as well as its potential risks and benefits, can help you make informed choices about your health. Also, having relevant drug and alcohol information at your fingertips can help you determine if your marijuana usage may be leading to addiction.
Is Marijuana a Good Sleep Aid?
Advocates of marijuana often highlight its calming effects, suggesting it can be a helpful sleep remedy. Some strains, particularly indica-dominant ones, are known for their sedative properties. For people dealing with insomnia, anxiety, or chronic pain, marijuana might seem like the perfect answer for restless nights.
However, it’s not that simple. In fact, research on marijuana’s role as a sleep aid is relatively mixed. While it may help some people fall asleep faster, it can disrupt the quality of sleep over the long term. For instance, some studies suggest that marijuana decreases REM sleep, the stage associated with dreaming and cognitive processing. Without sufficient REM sleep, you may wake up feeling less refreshed, even if you slept through the night.
Side Effects of Marijuana
Using marijuana, especially before sleep, can bring on several side effects. These can vary depending on how much you take and how experienced you are with the drug. Common side effects include dry mouth, increased heart rate, and feelings of lethargy or grogginess the next morning, often referred to as a marijuana hangover.
For some people, marijuana can trigger heightened anxiety or paranoia, making it harder to relax. It can also lead to dependence over time. If your body begins to rely on marijuana for sleep, it may become even harder to rest naturally without it.
What Happens to Your Brain When You Sleep High?
Marijuana affects the brain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates processes like mood, appetite, and sleep. THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, binds to receptors in your brain, inducing sensations of relaxation or euphoria. These effects may help you unwind at bedtime, but what happens once you’re asleep?
When you sleep high, THC alters the natural sleep cycle. While it may increase slow-wave sleep (also known as deep sleep), it reduces REM sleep. REM is crucial for cognitive functioning, emotional processing, and memory consolidation. A lack of REM sleep can leave you feeling mentally foggy or emotionally unbalanced over time.
Risks of Using Marijuana to Sleep
Using marijuana as a sleep aid is potentially risky, especially in the long run. First, there’s the potential for dependency. Regular use can lead to tolerance, meaning you’ll need more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Stopping marijuana after consistent use may result in withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and restlessness.
There’s also the chance that marijuana use could mask underlying health issues. Chronic insomnia, for instance, can often be a symptom of stress, anxiety, or an undiagnosed medical condition. Relying on marijuana might prevent you from tackling the root cause of your sleep difficulties.
Additionally, impaired sleep patterns from habitual marijuana use can impact your overall health. Poor sleep is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and mental health challenges.
Benefits of Using Marijuana to Sleep
That said, marijuana can offer short-term relief for certain people. People who struggle with severe pain, for instance, may find it easier to rest after using cannabis. Similarly, marijuana’s ability to alleviate stress and anxiety can be beneficial for those whose racing thoughts keep them up at night.
Some research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of marijuana, may help improve sleep without many of the downsides associated with THC. CBD may promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and provide pain relief, all of which support better rest.
While there are potential benefits to using marijuana for sleep, it’s essential to weigh these against the risks and consult with a healthcare professional to explore safer or more sustainable options.
Get Help Today from Landmark Recovery
Now you have a better idea of what happens when you sleep high. If marijuana has become your go-to method to fall asleep, you may feel like it’s affecting your health or well-being. If so, you’re not alone. At Landmark Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of overcoming dependency on substances, including marijuana.
Our compassionate and experienced team is here to help you regain control of your life and restore healthy habits. If you’re struggling with marijuana addiction, know that evidence-based treatments can deliver lasting results.
You don’t have to face this on your own. Call Landmark Recovery today to begin your healing journey. Call 888-964-6828 or use our online contact form.
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