New Study Raises Concerns About Marijuana’s Impact on Sleep
A recent investigation by Northwestern University has found that regular marijuana use may be disrupting sleep patterns in adults, despite many people relying on the drug to help them fall asleep. The study, which tracked over 1,300 adults for 35 years, used wrist-actigraphy sleep monitors to analyze the sleep patterns of participants who used cannabis regularly. The results showed that these individuals woke up more frequently throughout the night and spent less time in deep sleep.
Interestingly, the study participants did not report feeling poorly rested, suggesting that the disruptions to their sleep may be occurring without them realizing it. A separate systematic review of nine earlier clinical trials also found that medical cannabis offered little to no benefit for individuals with chronic sleep disorders.
While the study’s findings do not prove that marijuana use directly causes disrupted sleep, they do suggest a strong correlation between the two. Health experts emphasize that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and avoiding screen time before bed are all effective ways to improve sleep naturally.
In light of these findings, it is essential for individuals who rely on marijuana to fall asleep to be aware of the potential risks and consider alternative methods for improving their sleep.
