WASHINGTON, USA — A new study finds that cannabis users seem to be less reliant on conventional sleep aids, according to researchers at Washington State University.
More than 80% of the 1,255 people surveyed reported no longer using over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids such as melatonin and benzodiazepines.
Those who utilized cannabis as a sleep aid indicated that they had a strong preference for inhaling high-THC cannabis by smoking joints or vaporizing flower, also considered as fast-acting methods proven as a sleep aid according to previous WSU research.
Nearly 50% of study participants also reported utilizing cannabis strains with CBD as well as an aromatic plant compound found in hops, basil and other plants outside of cannabis called terpene myrcene.
Carrie Cuttler, senior author of the study and associate professor of psychology at WSU says that she was surprised that some participants seek cannabis with terpene myrcene as a sleep aid.
“There is some evidence in the scientific literature to support that myrcene may help to promote sleep, so cannabis users seemed to have figured that out on their own, Cuttler said.”
Cuttler and psychology doctoral student Amanda Stueber analyzed self-report data from study participants regarding their use of cannabis, other sleep aids or no sleep aids, in addition to impact.
Regarding side effects and morning outcomes reported by participants, cannabis users reported feeling fewer headaches, less nausea, focused, refreshed and more productive in the morning compared to traditional sleep aids. Cannabis users also reported feeling more anxious, irritable and sleepier in the morning after using cannabis. Users also reported experiencing dry mouth and red eyes after cannabis usage.
“In general, the use of cannabis for sleep-related issues was perceived as more advantageous than over the counter medications or prescription sleep aids,” Cuttler said. “Unlike long-acting sedatives and alcohol, cannabis was not associated with a ‘hangover’ effect, although individuals reported some lingering effects such as sleepiness and changes in mood.”
Researchers also found that more than 60% of the study participants said they got six to eight hours of sleep when using cannabis solely as a sleep aid. While less than 20% of participants reported getting six to eight hours of sleep while using a prescription or over-the-counter sleep aid or cannabis combined with a sleep aid.
Only 33.8% of participants reported using cannabis edibles as a sleep aid and 14.1% reported using capsules infused with THC. Both options are known for their longer-lasting effects but were the least chosen options potentially due to the need for the sleep aid to quickly take effect.
Although the finding of the study was in favor of cannabis as the most common sleep aid, researchers say the study had its restrictions. There was a strong selection bias for participants who were already using cannabis because they perceive it to be beneficial, according to Cuttler.
“Not everyone is going to find that cannabis helps with their sleep and future research needs to employ more objective sleep measures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of cannabis for sleep,” she said.
The goal of the study is to provide some valuable insights for medical professionals working with cannabis users and those seeking alternative options for sleep-related issues.
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