How Marijuana Completely Changes Your Sleep

AsapSCIENCE
11 Oct 202308:06
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video explores the impact of cannabis on sleep, weighing both the benefits and drawbacks. THC can help you fall asleep faster, especially for those with insomnia, but regular use may harm overall sleep quality by reducing REM sleep, leading to cognitive issues and grogginess. CBD shows promise in aiding sleep without disrupting REM or causing dependency, though it's still under research. The video also shares personal insights and encourages viewers to consider the potential negative effects of cannabis on their sleep and well-being.

Takeaways
  • 🌿 Cannabis is widely available, with more dispensaries in Canada than the total of McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger Kings, Taco Bells, and Starbucks combined.
  • 💤 THC can decrease sleep onset latency, helping users fall asleep faster and potentially aiding those with insomnia or depression.
  • 🛌 Studies show marijuana can increase total sleep time and reduce sleep disruptions for those with specific sleep issues, like insomnia or PTSD.
  • 🚫 However, regular cannabis use can lead to problems, particularly with REM sleep, which is crucial for cognitive abilities and overall brain health.
  • 🧠 THC negatively impacts REM sleep by delaying the first REM stage and reducing the overall amount of REM sleep, which can impair memory and cause grogginess.
  • 🔄 CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, shows promise in aiding sleep through various mechanisms, such as temperature regulation and interaction with adenosine.
  • 🤔 The effects of CBD on sleep are dose-dependent, with very low or high doses potentially being wake-promoting, and the ideal dosage is still under investigation.
  • 🚫 Chronic use of THC can lead to REM deprivation, which may cause anxiety, moodiness, and even hallucinations and paranoia in extreme cases.
  • 🔙 Withdrawal from cannabis can result in rebound insomnia, where sleep quality worsens after cessation, often leading to a difficult choice for regular users.
  • 📉 Regular marijuana users tend to have more sleep disturbances and are more likely to experience insomnia compared to non-users.
  • 🛑 Long-term cannabis use, especially with THC, may lead to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses and perpetuating negative impacts on sleep.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

    -The main topic discussed in the video script is the impact of cannabis, specifically THC and CBD, on sleep quality and overall health.

  • Why is cannabis sometimes considered a sleep aid?

    -Cannabis, particularly THC, is considered a sleep aid because it can decrease sleep onset latency, helping people fall asleep faster, which is beneficial for those with insomnia or who have racing thoughts before bed.

  • What are the potential benefits of THC for sleep as mentioned in the script?

    -The potential benefits of THC for sleep include decreased sleep onset latency, allowing for faster sleep, and increased total sleep time, which can improve daily functioning and general well-being.

  • What is sleep onset latency?

    -Sleep onset latency is the time it takes to fall asleep, and it is decreased with THC in the system, meaning people are likely to fall asleep faster.

  • How does CBD potentially aid sleep according to the script?

    -CBD may aid sleep by interacting with the body's thermal regulation to decrease body temperature, modulating sensitivity to adenosine to make one feel more tired, and quieting the amygdala to reduce anxiety and allow for more restful sleep.

  • What are the negative impacts of THC on sleep quality?

    -The negative impacts of THC on sleep quality include a delay in the arrival of the first REM stage and a significant decrease in the overall amount of REM sleep, which can impair cognitive abilities like memory and cause grogginess and lethargy.

  • What is REM sleep and why is it important?

    -REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is a phase of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, brain activity, and dreaming. It is important for brain health and various cognitive abilities.

  • What are the potential withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using cannabis?

    -Potential withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using cannabis include rebound insomnia, which can be even worse than their previous sleep issues, and increased frequency and intensity of dreams due to REM rebound.

  • Why might some people develop insomnia after quitting cannabis use?

    -Some people might develop insomnia after quitting cannabis use because their bodies have become dependent on the substance to initiate sleep, and the sudden absence of THC can lead to withdrawal symptoms that disrupt sleep.

  • What is the relationship between chronic cannabis use and sleep disturbances?

    -Chronic cannabis use can lead to more sleep disturbances throughout the night compared to non-users, and those who have used cannabis within the last month are more likely to report difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

  • How does the script suggest one should approach cannabis use in relation to sleep?

    -The script suggests that it might be best to use cannabis more discerningly, being aware of its specific negative impacts on sleep, and to consider taking breaks from heavy use to improve sleep quality and overall health.

Outlines
00:00
🌿 Cannabis and Sleep: The Complex Relationship

This paragraph delves into the effects of marijuana on sleep, highlighting THC's role in reducing sleep onset latency and aiding those with insomnia or other sleep disorders. It discusses the benefits of a single dose of cannabis in enhancing sleep duration and reducing disruptions. However, it also warns of the potential negative impacts of regular cannabis use, such as the disruption of REM sleep, which can affect cognitive abilities and lead to grogginess and lethargy. The paragraph also explores the promising research on CBD's potential to improve sleep quality without the negative REM effects associated with THC.

05:01
💤 The Downside of Cannabis Use on Sleep Quality

The second paragraph focuses on the long-term effects of cannabis use, particularly THC, on sleep quality. It explains how THC can negatively affect REM sleep cycles, leading to less dreaming and potential cognitive impairments. The paragraph also addresses the rebound insomnia that occurs when users quit cannabis, which can exacerbate sleep problems. It discusses the increased likelihood of sleep disturbances and insomnia among regular cannabis users, and how this can affect overall health, including the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The paragraph concludes with a personal anecdote from the speaker about taking a break from cannabis to improve sleep and energy levels, and an invitation for viewers to share their experiences.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Marijuana
Marijuana, also referred to as weed or cannabis, is the primary subject of the video. It is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. The video discusses its effects on sleep, with the script mentioning that 'there's a ton available' and comparing the number of dispensaries in Canada to fast-food chains and coffee shops. The theme revolves around understanding how marijuana impacts sleep patterns and overall health.
💡Sleep Aid
A sleep aid refers to substances or methods that help people fall asleep faster or improve the quality of their sleep. In the context of the video, it is noted that nearly 50% of marijuana users report using it as a sleep aid. The script explores whether this perception is accurate and what effects marijuana has on sleep onset latency and overall sleep quality.
💡Sleep Onset Latency
Sleep onset latency is the time it takes to fall asleep after going to bed. The script mentions that THC in marijuana decreases sleep onset latency, meaning that users with THC in their system are likely to fall asleep faster. This is a key point in the discussion about the immediate benefits of marijuana for sleep.
💡Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. The video script refers to studies that found marijuana helps those suffering from insomnia to fall asleep faster and sleep longer, which can lead to improved daily functioning and well-being.
💡CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis that has been the subject of research for its potential health benefits. The script discusses promising research into CBD's effects on sleep, such as its potential to decrease body temperature to initiate sleep, modulate sensitivity to adenosine, and quiet the amygdala to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep.
💡REM Sleep
REM, or rapid eye movement, sleep is a stage of sleep characterized by rapid movements of the eyes, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams. The video explains that THC negatively impacts REM sleep by delaying its onset and reducing its overall duration, which can impair cognitive abilities and cause grogginess and lethargy.
💡Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive abilities refer to the mental capacities or processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. The script points out that the disruption of REM sleep due to THC can directly impair cognitive abilities, such as memory, which is a significant concern regarding the long-term effects of marijuana use on sleep.
💡Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are physical and psychological effects experienced when stopping the use of a substance to which one has developed a dependence. The video script describes how cessation of marijuana use can lead to worsened sleep, particularly in individuals with insomnia, as a common withdrawal symptom.
💡Tolerance
Tolerance refers to the reduced response to a drug after repeated use, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effect. The script mentions that some people develop a tolerance to THC, which can exacerbate the negative impacts of cannabis and make it harder to quit.
💡Rebound Insomnia
Rebound insomnia is a temporary worsening of sleep problems after discontinuing the use of a sleep aid. The video script explains that rebound insomnia is a main symptom of cannabis withdrawal, where the body experiences a phase of increased REM sleep, leading to more dreams and disrupted sleep.
💡Optimal Sleep Duration
Optimal sleep duration refers to the recommended amount of sleep for maintaining health and cognitive function. The script cites research indicating that sleeping between 7 to 9 hours is the optimal range, and deviations from this can increase the risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases.
Highlights

In Canada, there are more cannabis shops than all the McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger Kings, Taco Bells, and Starbucks combined.

Nearly 50% of cannabis users report using it as a sleep aid.

THC decreases sleep onset latency, helping users fall asleep faster.

Marijuana helps insomniacs and those with depression and PTSD sleep longer, improving daily functioning and well-being.

A single dose of cannabis can increase Total Sleep Time and reduce sleep disruptions.

CBD may interact with the body's thermal regulation to initiate sleep by decreasing body temperature.

CBD could modulate sensitivity to adenosine, making users feel more tired.

CBD may quiet the amygdala, reducing anxiety and promoting more restful sleep.

The ideal sleep dosage of CBD is still being experimented with and is very dose-dependent.

THC negatively impacts REM sleep, delaying its arrival and decreasing its overall amount.

Reduced REM sleep can impair cognitive abilities like memory and cause grogginess and lethargy.

Chronic REM deprivation can lead to anxiety, moodiness, hallucinations, and paranoia.

Cannabis withdrawal can cause rebound insomnia, making sleep even worse than before.

Some people develop a tolerance to THC, necessitating increased dosages that perpetuate negative impacts.

Regular marijuana users have more sleep disturbances and are more likely to experience insomnia.

Chronic marijuana use is associated with sleeping less than 6 hours or more than 9 hours, increasing health risks.

While CBD shows promise, it's still early to recommend it as a sleeping aid, especially in combination with THC.

The speaker took a month off from cannabis and noticed feeling more well-rested, suggesting a positive impact on sleep.

It's recommended to take breaks from substances frequently indulged in for potential mental and physical health benefits.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Understanding and Using Dreams to Learn and to Forget

What would happen if you didn’t sleep? - Claudia Aguirre

Cannabis: Uses and Risks | Dr. Andrew Huberman | The Tim Ferriss Show

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream: Crash Course Psychology #9

How Marijuana Affects the Brain & Body | Dr. Andrew Huberman

Why You're Always Tired (and how to fix it)

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
CannabisSleepInsomniaTHCCBDREM SleepHealthWell-beingWithdrawalToleranceMental Health