Adults only (18+)

What Happens When You Sleep High?

Sleeping while under the influence of cannabis or other psychoactive substances, commonly referred to as “sleeping high,” can affect your sleep quality and overall rest in various ways. Many people use cannabis for its relaxing effects and to help with falling asleep, but it is important to understand how it truly impacts your sleep cycle and health. This article explores what happens when you sleep high, including potential benefits, drawbacks, and long-term effects.

How Cannabis Affects Sleep

Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive “high” feeling and can have sedative properties that make it easier to fall asleep. CBD, on the other hand, may promote relaxation without intoxication.

When you sleep high, THC can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase overall sleep duration initially. However, it can also alter the normal sleep architecture by suppressing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the stage associated with dreaming and cognitive restoration.

Potential Short-Term Effects of Sleeping High

In the short term, sleeping high may help people with conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, or anxiety fall asleep more easily. The sedative effect of THC can reduce anxiety and racing thoughts, aiding sleep onset.

However, because REM sleep is reduced, some users report less vivid dreams or dream recall. For some, this may feel like deeper sleep, but REM sleep is important for memory consolidation and emotional processing.

Using cannabis before bed can also cause next-day grogginess or a “hangover” effect in some people, impacting daytime alertness.

Possible Negative Effects

Regular use of cannabis for sleep may lead to tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This can disrupt natural sleep patterns over time.

Abruptly stopping cannabis after long-term use might cause withdrawal symptoms including sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, and insomnia.

Cannabis can also interact with other medications or health conditions, so caution is advised.

Long-Term Considerations

Chronic alteration of sleep architecture, especially reduced REM sleep, might have unknown consequences for brain health and emotional wellbeing.

Research into the long-term impact of sleeping high is ongoing, and results are mixed. Some studies suggest potential benefits for certain medical conditions, while others highlight risks of dependence and impaired sleep quality.

Alternatives for Better Sleep

For those seeking better sleep, practising good sleep hygiene, managing stress, and consulting healthcare professionals are safer, evidence-based approaches.

If considering cannabis for sleep, discussing it with a medical provider helps ensure safe and appropriate use.

In Summary

Sleeping high can make it easier to fall asleep initially but may reduce REM sleep and alter normal sleep cycles. While it may benefit some people with specific conditions, regular use can lead to tolerance and sleep disruptions. Understanding these effects helps you make informed choices about your sleep and health. If sleep problems persist, seeking professional advice is recommended.