What Happens When You Sleep High?

Introduction

Cannabis has gained widespread popularity for both medicinal and recreational use, with one of its most well-known effects being its ability to aid sleep. As medical cannabis becomes more accepted and legalization expands globally, many people are turning to cannabis to address sleep-related issues such as insomnia, sleep disturbances, and difficulty staying asleep.

With sleep disorders affecting millions worldwide, researchers are increasingly studying cannabis as an alternative to traditional sleep aids. But how exactly does cannabis influence sleep? What happens to your brain when you sleep high? 

While cannabis has shown potential benefits for sleep, understanding its effects on sleep cycles, REM sleep, and long-term sleep quality is essential for making informed decisions about its use.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of using cannabis as a sleep aid, examining its effects on deep sleep, REM cycles, and overall sleep health.

Read Also: Five Common Illnesses Patients Use Medical Marijuana For

The Common Sleep Benefits of Cannabis

Many cannabis users turn to the plant for its relaxing and sedative effects. According to a survey of 1,000 individuals, approximately 74% of cannabis users reported using it as a sleep aid. This statistic highlights the growing reliance on cannabis for sleep-related concerns, especially among those struggling with conditions like chronic insomnia or anxiety.

How Cannabis Helps With Sleep

1. Inducing Sleep Faster – Cannabis, particularly strains high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been shown to shorten sleep onset latency, meaning users fall asleep more quickly than they would without cannabis.

2. Deeper and More Restful Sleep – Many users report experiencing deeper sleep when using cannabis. This effect can be particularly helpful for individuals who wake up frequently throughout the night due to stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders.

3. Pain and Anxiety Reduction – Chronic pain and anxiety are two leading causes of sleep disturbances. Cannabis, especially when containing both THC and cannabidiol (CBD), can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.

4. Reduction in Nightmares – Cannabis has been shown to reduce REM sleep, which may decrease the frequency and intensity of nightmares, particularly in individuals with PTSD.

Effects of Cannabis on the Brain During Sleep

Understanding what happens to the brain when you sleep high is key to evaluating cannabis as a sleep aid. Sleep is composed of multiple stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. Each stage plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function, emotional stability, and overall health.

The Role of THC and CBD in Sleep

Cannabis contains numerous cannabinoids, but the two most studied for sleep are THC and CBD:

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the "high." It is known for its sedative properties and ability to promote deep sleep. However, it also reduces REM sleep, which can impact memory consolidation and emotional processing.

• CBD (Cannabidiol) – Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and has been found to promote relaxation without impairing REM sleep. Low doses of CBD may increase alertness, while higher doses have sedative effects, making CBD a potential sleep aid.

Related: CBD vs. THC: How Do They Differ?

Weed and REM Sleep: Unraveling the Connection

REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement sleep) is one of the most critical stages of the sleep cycle, playing a vital role in emotional processing, memory formation, and dreaming. Studies have found that THC decreases the amount of time spent in REM sleep.

How Reduced REM Sleep Affects You

• Fewer Dreams – Many cannabis users report experiencing fewer dreams or less vivid dreams because THC suppresses REM sleep.

• Potential Impact on Memory – Since REM sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, prolonged suppression of REM sleep may lead to minor cognitive impairments over time.

• Withdrawal Effects – If a regular cannabis user suddenly stops using it, they may experience a "REM rebound," which leads to more vivid and intense dreams as the body tries to make up for lost REM sleep.

Related: 8 Ways To Sober Up From Being Too High From Weed

The Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on Sleep

While cannabis has notable short-term benefits for sleep, long-term use may lead to potential drawbacks. Research on the long-term effects of cannabis on sleep is still limited, but some concerns include:

• Tolerance Development – Over time, frequent cannabis use can lead to increased tolerance, meaning users may need higher doses to achieve the same sleep-inducing effects. This could increase dependence on cannabis for sleep.

• Changes in Sleep Architecture – Chronic cannabis use has been linked to alterations in sleep cycles, including reduced REM sleep and an increased amount of deep sleep.

• Sleep Disturbances During Withdrawal – If a regular user stops using cannabis, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, vivid dreams, or restlessness.

Best Practices for Using Cannabis as a Sleep Aid

If you’re considering cannabis for sleep, here are some best practices to maximize its benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks:

1. Choose the Right Strain – Indica-dominant strains are generally better for sleep due to their sedative effects, while sativa-dominant strains may be more stimulating.

2. Start with a Low Dose – If you're new to using cannabis for sleep, start with a low dose to gauge its effects before increasing the dosage.

3. Consider CBD Over THC – If you want the relaxing benefits without impairing REM sleep, CBD-dominant products may be a better option.

4. Avoid Frequent Use – To prevent building a tolerance, use cannabis for sleep only when necessary rather than making it a nightly habit.

5. Time Your Consumption Properly – Consuming cannabis too close to bedtime may result in grogginess the next morning. Try using it 30-60 minutes before sleep.

6. Consult a Medical Professional – If you have chronic sleep problems, consult a doctor before using cannabis as a sleep aid.

Conclusion

Cannabis can be an effective sleep aid for those dealing with insomnia, anxiety, or chronic pain. It can help users fall asleep faster, experience deeper rest, and reduce nighttime awakenings. However, long-term use may impact REM sleep, potentially leading to cognitive changes and withdrawal-related sleep disturbances.

To safely access cannabis for sleep, it is essential to obtain a medical marijuana card from a trusted provider. CannabisMD Telemed is the best place to get your medical marijuana card, offering a seamless and professional online consultation process. With licensed medical professionals ready to assist, CannabisMD Telemed ensures that you receive expert guidance tailored to your individual health needs. 

Start your journey toward better sleep and improved well-being by scheduling an appointment with CannabisMD Telemed today!

FAQ

• What happens if you go to sleep high? 

  Going to sleep high can help you fall asleep faster and experience deeper sleep, especially if you're using THC-rich cannabis. However, it may also reduce REM sleep, leading to fewer dreams and potential memory impacts over time. Some users report waking up feeling groggy, depending on the strain and dosage consumed.

• What does high sleep mean? 

  High sleep refers to the experience of sleeping under the influence of cannabis, particularly THC. It often involves deeper, more restful sleep but may also result in reduced REM sleep, leading to fewer vivid dreams. The effects can vary based on the strain, dosage, and individual tolerance levels.

• Is it good to have high deep sleep?

  Deep sleep is essential for physical recovery and overall health, and cannabis can enhance this stage of sleep. While high deep sleep can be beneficial in the short term, consistently suppressing REM sleep may have downsides, such as impaired memory processing. Moderation and mindful cannabis use are key to maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.

• Does going to sleep high make you dream? 

  Cannabis, particularly THC, is known to reduce REM sleep, which is the stage where most dreaming occurs. As a result, many users report fewer or less vivid dreams when they sleep high. However, stopping cannabis use after regular consumption can cause a REM rebound effect, leading to unusually intense dreams.

• Can weed cause insomnia?

  Cannabis affects individuals differently, making it challenging to predict its effects on sleep. Research indicates that chronic users discontinuing cannabis use may experience sleep disturbances, but occasional use is less likely to lead to insomnia.

• Is there a way to avoid feeling sleepy when I’m high?

  To avoid excessive sleepiness while using cannabis, consider both the strain and dosage. Some strains are energizing, while others induce sleepiness. Adjusting the dose to a lower level may help maintain alertness and avoid potential side effects like paranoia or anxiety.