What Happens When You Sleep High? Benefits vs. Long-Term Risks?
Many people who consume cannabis use it to help them fall asleep faster and relax. However, do you know the effects of going to sleep while high?
When does cannabis improve sleep, and when can it negatively affect your overall sleep quality over the long term? The answer is somewhat complex.
Sleeping while high may provide some short-term benefits, but regularly using cannabis before bedtime can affect your body’s natural sleep cycle over time. Understanding these effects can help you make more informed decisions about your sleep routine and overall wellness
What Happens When You Sleep High?
Cannabis can be consumed before bed, and the cannabinoids, especially THC, will interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) located in your body.
When THC is introduced into your bloodstream, many users experience a feeling of calm, relaxation, and reduced stress levels. This is one of the reasons why users report falling asleep faster after consuming cannabis.
However, the impact that cannabis has on sleep can be influenced by several factors, including:
1) The strain of cannabis consumed
2) The respective levels of THC & CBD
3) How cannabis is consumed
4) How much cannabis is consumed
5) The individual user’s tolerance
Some users find that they can sleep well and wake up feeling refreshed when using cannabis before bedtime. In contrast, other users may experience grogginess and sleep cycle disruptions.
You may also like: The 5-Minute Guide to Catching Early Signs of a Male Plant
Potential Benefits of Sleeping High
Sleep More Quickly
One major reason people use marijuana is to fall asleep more quickly; many people who have trouble sleeping sometimes fall asleep more quickly by consuming marijuana before bedtime.
Decreased Anxiety/Stress
Users report feeling calmer, less anxious, and less stressed out, whether asleep or trying to fall asleep. This can help create a more pleasant place to sleep.
Relieve Physical Pain
Individuals with chronic physical pain or soreness may experience temporary relief, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Not Waking Up As Much At Night
Some users report that they do not wake as often during the night if they use marijuana due to discomfort or stress, causing them to wake up.
The Impact on Sleep Cycles
While sleeping high may help you fall asleep faster, cannabis can influence the natural stages of sleep.
Research suggests that THC may reduce the amount of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. REM sleep is the stage associated with dreaming, memory processing, and emotional regulation.
This means that although you may spend more time asleep, your sleep quality may not always be as restorative as it appears.
Some users notice fewer dreams when they regularly consume cannabis before bed. Others experience vivid dreams when they stop using it after long-term use.
Long-Term Risks of Sleeping High Regularly
Greater Tolerance
Regular use of cannabis may cause your body to develop more tolerance over time. As a result, what worked in the past (i.e., helping you sleep) may now have little to no effect on you and cause some individuals to increase their cannabis consumption.
Dependence on Cannabis for Sleep
A major downside to nightly use of cannabis is that it can create a psychological dependence. Many people who become dependent report feeling like they cannot sleep unless they use cannabis, even though they can do so without it.
Potential Sleep Disruptions
Heavy use of cannabis over a long period of time may eventually lead to disruptions in the body’s natural sleeping cycle. Some long-time cannabis users have said that their sleep quality is poor after many years of cannabis use.
Daytime Drowsiness
Depending on the cannabis strain and how much cannabis you consumed before going to bed, smoking cannabis at night could result in drowsiness, decreased attention, and longer reaction time the next morning.
Withdrawal Symptoms:
When someone who has used cannabis regularly during the night stops using it, they may experience symptoms such as:
1) Trouble falling asleep
2) Restless nights of sleep
3) Vivid dreams
4) Increased incidence of waking during the night
These symptoms usually do not last beyond a few days, but they can be quite uncomfortable to experience while adjusting to life without cannabis.
Who Should Be Extra Cautious?
Sleeping elevated is not necessarily appropriate for everyone. People should be particularly careful if they:
1) Are new to cannabis
2) Have a prior mental health issue
3) Take any medication that may interact with cannabis
4) Need to be very alert in the early morning hours
5) Have a history of balance or dizziness
Starting at a low dose and being aware of how your body responds to cannabis will assist you in avoiding any negative side effects.
Tips for Sleeping High Responsibly
Here are some tips to keep in mind when consuming cannabis before sleep.
1) If you’re trying cannabis for the first time, start with a low dosage.
2) If you don’t feel the effects after consuming cannabis, avoid re-dosing until you have felt the effects.
3) Purchase your cannabis from a licensed dispensary only.
4) Try to go to bed at the same time every night.
5) Stay well hydrated.
6) Keep track of how you feel the next day.
7) If you use cannabis regularly, it may be beneficial to take periodic breaks.
8) By being mindful of how you’re utilizing cannabis, you can enjoy its potential benefits while limiting its potential risks.
You may also like: Cannabis Terpenes 101: Effects, Benefits & Popular Strains in New Jersey
Final Thoughts
So, from this blog, we learned — “What effect will being ‘high’ have on your sleep?”
For most people, cannabis provides some level of comfort, diminishes anxiety, and helps them fall asleep quickly. These time-tested advantages are just part of why previous users increasingly prefer using cannabis at night to help them sleep.
Moreover, each recurrent usage has the potential to alter one’s normal sleep cycles, build up tolerance to the effects, or create a dependency on cannabis as a sleep regulator.
Hence, it is really very important to understand how your body reacts to any substance you choose to use. As with other choices that impact one’s overall wellness, a balanced approach is necessary.
The fact is that what works for some individuals does not guarantee similar results for others; therefore, self-awareness and moderation are essential for long-term success in achieving quality sleep. To learn more, visit the Lemon22 website or our store for a better understanding and purchase.
