What Happens When You Sleep High: Benefits and Side Effects

Published: Jan 27, 2024
Updated: Sep 13, 2024
What Happens When You Sleep High: Benefits and Side Effects
In this article
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    8 min

    Do you ever wonder what happens when you sleep high? If you’re curious about the effects or have experienced it yourself, this article will explore the altitude effects of sleeping while under the influence of marijuana.

    You may already know that marijuana can induce relaxation and sleepiness, making it a popular natural sleep aid. However, it’s important to understand the potential risks and drawbacks.

    From impaired sleep quality to disruption of REM sleep, there are factors to consider before incorporating marijuana into your bedtime routine.

    Key Takeaways
    Different strains of marijuana have different effects on sleep, with high CBD strains making it easier to fall and stay asleep, and high THC strains increasing time in deep sleep stages.
    Marijuana use can reduce the duration of the REM sleep stage, which may be beneficial for individuals with PTSD.
    The terpene myrcene plays a role in the sedating effects of marijuana, with strains high in myrcene tending to have more sedating effects.
    Indica strains are commonly associated with sedation, but sativa strains can also induce sleep.
    The balance between indica and sativa genetics can influence sleep effects.

    Effects of Different Cannabis Strains on Sleep

    When it comes to the effects of different cannabis strains on sleep, the key factor to consider is their potency. Cannabis strains vary in their levels of THC and CBD, which are the main compounds responsible for the high and therapeutic effects. 

    Indica strains, known for their relaxing properties, are often recommended for sleep. These strains can help you unwind and prepare for a restful night. On the other hand, sativa strains are believed to be more energizing and may not be as effective for sleep.

    Mechanisms of How Weed Makes You Sleepy

    When you smoke weed, cannabinoids in the marijuana plant bind to cannabinoid receptors in your brain. This binding increases the levels of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness, while also repressing the arousal system.

    THC, one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis, is believed to be responsible for the sedative effects of weed. However, it’s worth noting that THC can also stimulate some individuals. Additionally, CBD, another cannabinoid, can promote alertness in lower doses and sleepiness in higher doses. The combination of THC and CBD can make it easier for some people to fall asleep.

    These mechanisms contribute to the sleep-inducing effects of cannabis when you use it to fall asleep.

    Safety and Dependence on Cannabis for Sleep

    person holding marijuana flower during sunset
what happens when you sleep high

    Using cannabis for sleep can have both benefits and risks. While it may help improve sleep quality for some individuals, there are potential risks and side effects to consider.

    Relying on cannabis as a sleep aid may result in dependence, making it challenging to get restful sleep without it. Additionally, there’s a possibility of experiencing symptoms of insomnia when not using cannabis products.

    It’s crucial to be aware of the risks and side effects associated with using cannabis for sleep. Before deciding on using it for sleep, consult with a medical professional.

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    Effects of Weed on REM Sleep

    While using weed, the effects on your REM sleep may vary. Cannabis smokers tend to spend more time in the previous stage of sleep, resulting in less REM sleep. This reduction in REM sleep can hinder the body’s ability to rest and recover. 

    On the other hand, cannabis may improve sleep in individuals with REM sleep behavior disorder. Different strains of cannabis have different effects on sleep, with strains high in THC increasing time spent in deep sleep stages and reducing the length of the REM sleep stage.

    However, it’s important to note that the impact of weed on REM sleep is still not well-studied, and further research is needed to determine the exact effects.

    Medical Marijuana for Insomnia

    Using medical marijuana can be beneficial for individuals suffering from insomnia. It’s a natural sleep aid that can help promote better sleep. Here are some key points to consider when using cannabis for sleep:

    • Cannabis strains high in CBD can make it easier to fall and stay asleep
    • Strains high in THC can increase the time spent in deep sleep stages
    • Marijuana use can reduce the length of the REM sleep stage

    Medical marijuana may be an option for those with insomnia or trouble sleeping. However, it’s important to exercise caution and not develop a reliance on cannabis for sleep.

    person holding grey tongs and kush
what happens when you sleep high

    Factors Affecting Sleep Quality

    How do different factors affect the quality of your sleep when using marijuana? When it comes to using marijuana for sleep, various factors can influence the quality of your sleep. These factors include the strain of marijuana, the levels of THC and CBD, and the presence of different terpenes. To help you understand how these factors affect your sleep, take a look at the table below:

    Factors Affecting Sleep QualityEffects on Sleep
    Strain of marijuanaIndica strains are relaxing and best for sleep
    THC and CBD levelsHigh CBD strains make it easier to fall and stay asleep
    TerpenesMyrcene promotes sedation, while limonene can be uplifting

    Potential Side Effects of Marijuana on Sleep

    Factors that can affect the quality of your sleep when using marijuana include the potential side effects of the drug. Here are some potential side effects that you should be aware of:

    • High doses of THC can increase anxiety and paranoia, negatively impacting sleep
    • Energizing strains with lower myrcene content can be stimulating and may affect sleep.
    • Paranoia and anxiety are side effects of smoking too much THC.

    It’s important to pace yourself and avoid smoking certain strains past mid-afternoon.

    person in black leather gloves holding green plant

    Best Weed Strains for Sleep

    To find the best weed strain for sleep, consider your individual preferences and needs.

    When using cannabis as a sleep aid, Indica strains are often recommended because they’re known for their relaxing properties. Indica strains can help you sleep by promoting a sense of calm and tranquility, making it easier to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. These strains can also help regulate sleep patterns, ensuring a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.

    Some popular Indica strains for sleep include Northern Lights, Girl Scout Cookies, Bubba Kush, and Gelato.

    Remember to start with small doses and monitor how different strains affect your sleep. It’s important to find the strain that works best for you and helps you go to sleep high for a good night’s rest.

    Conclusion

    While marijuana can help with sleep, there are also many risks. It may be a tempting solution. However, it’s best to always opt for more natural remedies or seek professional help.

    Consider using sleep apps like ShutEye® for a start, to help you. ShutEye offers features to help you keep track of your sleep cycle and a smart alarm clock. You may also find various sleep aids within the app.

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    FAQ

    Using marijuana for sleep can potentially lead to addiction or dependence. It's important to be cautious and not rely on it every night for sleep. Seek personalized guidance and monitor its effects on your sleep.

    Using marijuana as a sleep aid doesn't have any long-term effects associated with it. However, relying on it every night may make it harder to get restful sleep. It's important to find a balance that works for you.

    Marijuana can affect your dreams and dream recall during sleep. THC, a compound in marijuana, can suppress REM sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs. This may lead to reduced dream recall.

    Marijuana can affect your dreams and dream recall during sleep. THC, a compound in marijuana, can suppress REM sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs. This may lead to reduced dream recall.

    Using marijuana for sleep can disrupt your natural sleep cycle. The effects of THC and CBD can alter the stages of sleep, including reducing REM sleep. It's important to find the right strain and dosage for a good night's sleep.

    Some strains of marijuana, such as Northern Lights and Bubba Kush, are known for their sedative effects and can be effective for treating sleep disorders. It's important to find the strain that works best for you.
    About authors
    Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.

    Grinspoon, P. (2024) Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't [online]. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

    Kesner, A. J., & Lovinger, D. M. (2020). Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep. Frontiers in molecular neuroscience, 13, 125. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2020.00125

    Kolla, B. P., Hayes, L., Cox, C., Eatwell, L., Deyo-Svendsen, M., & Mansukhani, M. P. (2022). The Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep. Journal of primary care & community health, 13, 21501319221081277. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319221081277

    Wikipedia (n.d.) Tetrahydrocannabinol [online]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol

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