New Study Reveals Link Between Cannabis Use, Sleep Problems, and Memory Issues
A recent study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas has shed light on the complex relationship between long-term cannabis use, sleep problems, and memory issues. The study, published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, found that individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD) who experience more sleep problems tend to have poorer memory outcomes.
The study, led by Dr. Francesca Filbey, professor of psychology at UT Dallas, examined the interrelatedness of cannabis use, sleep, and memory in a group of 141 adults diagnosed with CUD and 87 non-current users. The researchers found that while there was no direct link between long-term cannabis use and memory problems, sleep disturbances played a significant role in the severity of memory issues.
The study’s lead author, Tracy W. Brown, a psychology doctoral student at UT Dallas, noted that the findings suggest that the indirect effect of cannabis on cognitive outcomes is tied to its impact on the regulation of the sleep cycle. The researchers also found that the impact of sleep and CUD on memory performance was more pronounced on spatial memory, which is responsible for navigating and remembering locations, rather than verbal memory.
The study’s results have important implications for patients who use medical marijuana, physicians who prescribe it, and society as a whole. Dr. Filbey emphasized the need for further research to better understand the long-term effects of cannabis use, particularly among young people whose brains are still maturing.
The study’s findings also highlight the importance of cultural attitudes and lack of understanding about cannabis, which may contribute to its increasing use among Americans. Dr. Filbey noted that adverse, irreversible effects on sleep and brain connectivity are of particular concern among users before age 25.
The research was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a component of the National Institutes of Health. The study’s authors hope that their findings will inform a variety of groups about the links between cannabis use and memory issues, ultimately promoting a better understanding of the substance’s effects and reducing its negative consequences.
