Comprehensive review finds cannabis has minimal to no benefit for sleep disorders

What the researchers found

Cannabis products have minimal to no effects on sleep disorders and may have deleterious effects in some individuals. Cannabis withdrawal causes significant insomnia that can lead to worsening anxiety, mood, suicidal ideation, and ER visits. The few published RCTs are reviewed alongside observational data.

Why it matters

Many people use cannabis specifically for sleep, making this one of the most common self-reported reasons for use. This review challenges that practice by finding little supporting evidence and noting the risk of withdrawal-induced insomnia.

The numbers in context

Case report described withdrawal-induced insomnia leading to ER visit and inpatient admission due to worsening anxiety, mood, and suicidal ideation. Review covered multiple sleep disorder categories.

How the study worked

Comprehensive review evaluating literature on cannabis effects on normal sleep, circadian rhythms, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea, parasomnias, and restless legs syndrome. Included case report of withdrawal-induced insomnia.

What this study cannot tell us

Most available studies are observational. Few published RCTs. Different cannabinoid types, doses, and formulations may have different effects. Review acknowledges need for further research on specific cannabinoid types.

How to read the evidence

Comprehensive review covering multiple sleep disorder categories, but limited by the small number of available RCTs.

When this study was published

Published in 2022.

The bigger picture

The irony is stark: people use cannabis to sleep, develop dependence, and then experience worse insomnia when they stop, perpetuating a cycle that masks rather than treats underlying sleep problems.

Questions still open

• Are specific cannabinoids (CBD vs. THC vs. CBN) more effective for specific sleep disorders? Does cannabis-assisted sleep differ qualitatively from natural sleep?

Common questions

Read the original research

The Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep.

Journal of primary care & community health, 13, 21501319221081277

Citation

Kolla, Bhanu Prakash; Hayes, Lisa; Cox, Chaun; Eatwell, Lindy; Deyo-Svendsen, Mark; Mansukhani, Meghna P. (2022). The Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep.. Journal of primary care & community health, 13, 21501319221081277. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319221081277

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