Cannabis use for sleep is a common practice, with many turning to marijuana to aid in falling asleep. While weed’s sleep-inducing properties are well-documented, questions arise about the quality of sleep and the lingering effects upon waking. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why Do I Still Feel High After I Slept?”, you’re not alone. This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon, exploring how cannabis interacts with your sleep cycle and why those effects can extend into your waking hours.
Indica vs. Sativa: Which Strain Influences Sleepiness?
When considering cannabis for sleep, strain selection is crucial. Indica and sativa strains are known for producing contrasting effects, impacting sleepiness differently. Indica strains are generally favored for sleep due to their relaxing properties. They are known to induce a sense of calm and sedation, making them a popular choice for those seeking sleep assistance. Sativa strains, conversely, are typically associated with energizing and uplifting effects.
The interaction between cannabis and sleep is largely mediated by cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors play a vital role in regulating anxiety and the body’s stress response. When cannabinoids from cannabis bind to these receptors, they can promote relaxation and sleepiness.
Unpacking the Science: How Weed Makes You Sleepy
The sleep-promoting effects of cannabis are attributed to its interaction with the brain’s neurochemistry. When cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD, engage with brain receptors, they trigger a cascade of effects that can lead to sedation.
According to the Sleep Foundation, cannabis is believed to increase adenosine levels in the brain while simultaneously suppressing the arousal system. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness, while the suppression of the arousal system reduces alertness and wakefulness. This combined action contributes to the sedative effects of cannabis.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the primary active compounds in cannabis, exhibit distinct effects on sleep. THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis and is also considered to be a sedative. However, in some individuals, THC can be stimulating, potentially hindering sleep onset.
CBD, on the other hand, presents a more complex picture. In lower doses, CBD may promote alertness, while higher doses are associated with sleepiness. The interplay between THC and CBD, along with other compounds in cannabis, can influence how effectively cannabis promotes sleep. For individuals with chronic conditions that disrupt sleep, cannabis may offer a pathway to easier sleep initiation.
Indica vs. Sativa: A Closer Look at Sleep Effects
The distinction between indica and sativa strains extends to their specific effects on sleep.
Indica and Sleepiness: A Strong Connection
Indica strains are widely recognized for their calming and sleep-inducing properties. Users of indica strains often report experiencing significant relaxation and tiredness. This makes indica a popular choice for managing pain and alleviating symptoms of insomnia. The question “Does indica make you tired?” is generally answered with a resounding yes, due to its inherent relaxing qualities.
Sativa and Sleepiness: A More Complex Relationship
Sativa strains, in contrast to indica, are known for their energizing and stimulating effects. They are often used to boost creativity and combat fatigue. Sativa can provide an energy lift and, in some cases, induce euphoria due to its stimulating nature.
While sativa is not typically considered a sleep aid, some experts suggest that the overall THC content and the presence of other cannabinoids in hybrid strains can play a more significant role in sleepiness than strain type alone. Therefore, while “Does sativa make you tired?” might be answered with “less likely than indica,” the specific chemical profile of the cannabis product is a crucial factor.
Sleeping High: Exploring the Effects on Sleep Quality
While cannabis can induce sleepiness, the quality of sleep attained while high is a subject of ongoing discussion. Research in this area is somewhat limited due to historical cannabis regulations, leading to reliance on anecdotal evidence and emerging studies.
To understand the impact of cannabis on sleep, it’s essential to consider the different sleep cycles, particularly REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. REM sleep is considered a critical stage for feeling refreshed and rested upon waking.
Dr. Kevin Hill highlights stage four, or REM sleep, as crucial for restorative sleep. However, studies suggest that cannabis use might reduce the duration of REM sleep. It’s important to note that research in this area is still developing, and findings are not entirely conclusive.
Harvard Medical School suggests that cannabis use before bed may lengthen stage three sleep, also known as slow-wave or deep sleep. Stage three sleep is important for physical restoration and repair. Current research indicates that stage three sleep is particularly sensitive to cannabis, and its extension might come at the expense of REM sleep duration. This potential reduction in REM sleep could explain why some individuals who use cannabis for sleep may still feel tired or less refreshed upon waking, even if they slept for an adequate duration.
Safety Considerations: Is Sleeping High Safe?
From a safety perspective, there’s no definitive evidence to suggest that sleeping while high on THC poses serious health risks. However, regular reliance on cannabis as a sleep aid could lead to dependence. If you consistently use weed to sleep, you might find it challenging to achieve restful sleep without it.
Furthermore, dependence on cannabis for sleep could potentially lead to insomnia symptoms if cannabis use is discontinued. This highlights the importance of considering the potential for dependence when using cannabis for sleep management.
Why Do I Still Feel High After I Slept? Unraveling the Lingering Effects
Addressing the core question, “Why do I still feel high after I slept?”, it’s crucial to understand that sleep itself doesn’t eliminate the effects of cannabis. Despite the common use of marijuana as a sleep aid, THC persists in your bloodstream for a considerable time, irrespective of whether you are awake or asleep.
The duration of THC’s presence and effects is influenced by several factors, including the potency of the cannabis, the consumption method, and the time elapsed between consumption and sleep.
Edibles, for example, can lead to prolonged effects, potentially lasting up to 12 hours. In contrast, smoking cannabis typically results in effects lasting for around three to four hours. Consequently, if you take a short nap after consuming an edible, it’s highly likely you will still experience the effects of being high upon waking.
Cannabis and REM Sleep: Understanding the Impact
As previously mentioned, REM sleep is a vital sleep stage for feeling refreshed and rested. Studies suggest that cannabis use might impact REM sleep duration.
In the short term, cannabis use may seem to increase the time spent in deep sleep, potentially making it appealing for occasional use for sleep. However, with chronic, heavy cannabis use, particularly high-THC cannabis, there’s a potential for reduced REM sleep. This reduction could interfere with dreaming, memory consolidation, and emotional processing, processes that are associated with REM sleep.
Brain Activity During Sleep While High: What We Know
The precise effects of sleeping high on brain function remain somewhat unclear due to research limitations. While cannabis can aid sleep onset, its long-term impact on brain health during sleep is less understood.
Reduced REM sleep, potentially associated with chronic cannabis use, could lead to several negative consequences:
- Short-term memory issues: REM sleep is implicated in memory consolidation.
- Feelings of un-restedness: Reduced REM sleep can lead to a subjective feeling of not being fully rested despite sufficient sleep duration.
- Dreamless sleep: REM sleep is the sleep stage most associated with dreaming.
- Impaired emotional regulation: REM sleep plays a role in emotional processing and regulation.
It’s important to emphasize that these potential negative impacts are more likely associated with heavy, chronic cannabis use. Casual users may experience sleep benefits without these adverse effects, primarily due to the interaction of cannabinoids with brain receptors. For medical cannabis patients who struggle with sleep due to underlying conditions, the benefits of cannabis for sleep may outweigh the potential drawbacks. Individual sleep habits and honest self-assessment of cannabis’s effects on sleep quality are crucial.
REM Sleep Disruption: Does Weed Ruin REM Sleep?
Limited research indicates a potential negative impact of cannabis consumption on REM sleep. The shift towards more time spent in stage three sleep, potentially at the expense of REM sleep, could reduce the body’s restorative processes. However, this is an area requiring further investigation, and current findings are not definitive.
THC’s Influence on Sleep Patterns: Direct or Indirect?
THC itself hasn’t been directly linked to disruptions in sleep patterns. Changes in sleep patterns are more likely related to individual behaviors associated with cannabis use. For instance, inconsistent sleep schedules, potentially arising from daytime cannabis use and napping, can disrupt regular sleep patterns. Conversely, strategic use of cannabis, such as consuming edibles with appropriate timing, might even enhance sleep for some individuals. Choosing sativa strains and using cannabis closer to bedtime could be strategies to mitigate potential sleep pattern disruption if sleepiness is a concern.
Cannabis for Insomnia: A Potential Aid?
The question of whether cannabis can effectively treat insomnia is another area requiring more research. Cannabis undeniably affects sleep, but the nature of this effect is influenced by strain, dosage, and consumption method.
Individuals with insomnia often turn to cannabis to facilitate sleep onset, particularly in cases of severe insomnia or insomnia related to medical conditions. Medical patients also utilize cannabis to manage insomnia as a side effect of their conditions or treatments.
While some experts caution against developing dependence on cannabis for sleep, the reality is that many individuals with insomnia experience significant benefits from incorporating cannabis into their nighttime routines.
Next-Day Sleepiness: Why Weed Can Make You Sleepy After Waking
Yes, cannabis use, whether through smoking or edibles, can indeed lead to next-day sleepiness. This can stem from waking up while still under the influence of cannabis. Alternatively, it might indicate a disrupted sleep pattern with reduced REM sleep, resulting in insufficient physical and mental restoration during sleep.
If you consistently experience morning sleepiness, it could signal a need to re-evaluate your cannabis consumption habits or investigate potential underlying health issues contributing to fatigue. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable in such cases.
Medical Marijuana for Sleep: Explore Your Options
Experiencing persistent sleep difficulties? While sleeping high might offer the immediate experience of deeper sleep, addressing the root cause of sleep problems is crucial.
If you struggle with insomnia or conditions that hinder sleep, medical marijuana might be a viable option in states where it is legal. Green Health Docs offers a platform to connect with physicians and explore medical cannabis eligibility.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more about medical cannabis and its potential benefits for sleep.
Medical review of this article was conducted by Dr. Anand Dugar, Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Physician.
