New Study Reveals Link Between Long-Term Cannabis Use and Sleep Disturbances, Memory Problems
Researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a significant connection between long-term cannabis use and difficulties with sleep, which in turn can affect memory performance. The study, published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, examined the interplay between cannabis use, sleep, and memory in individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD).
The study, led by Dr. Francesca Filbey, professor of psychology, found that individuals with CUD who reported more sleep problems had poorer memory outcomes. The researchers tested 141 adults with CUD and 87 non-users, and found that while there was no direct effect of long-term cannabis use on memory, the indirect effect was tied to how cannabis impacts the regulation of the sleep cycle.
The study also found that the impact of sleep and CUD on memory performance was more pronounced on spatial memory, which helps individuals navigate and remember where items are located, rather than verbal memory. This may be due to the nature of the sleep-cycle disturbance induced by cannabis use, which affects slow-wave sleep and hippocampal function.
The findings have important implications for patients who use medical marijuana, physicians who prescribe it, and society in general. As cannabis legalization becomes more prevalent, it is crucial for individuals to understand the potential long-term effects of cannabis use, particularly for those who are at risk of addiction.
Dr. Filbey emphasized the importance of understanding the links between cannabis use and memory issues, particularly for those who begin using cannabis at a young age. “Effects can be long-term, especially if you are younger than 25, and your brain is still maturing,” she said. “It is crucial for those who have risk factors to understand the vulnerability associated with cannabis use.”
The study was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a component of the National Institutes of Health. The research highlights the need for further studies to better understand the effects of cannabis use and to inform policies and practices related to its use.
