Comprehensive review finds cannabis has minimal to no benefit for sleep disorders
A comprehensive review concluded that cannabis products have minimal to no effects on sleep disorders and may worsen sleep in some people, while cannabis withdrawal causes significant insomnia that drives relapse.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are specific cannabinoids (CBD vs. THC vs. CBN) more effective for specific sleep disorders?
- ?Does cannabis-assisted sleep differ qualitatively from natural sleep?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Minimal to no effect on sleep disorders; withdrawal worsens insomnia
- Evidence Grade:
- Comprehensive review covering multiple sleep disorder categories, but limited by the small number of available RCTs.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- The Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep.
- Published In:
- Journal of primary care & community health, 13, 21501319221081277 (2022)
- Authors:
- Kolla, Bhanu Prakash, Hayes, Lisa(2), Cox, Chaun, Eatwell, Lindy, Deyo-Svendsen, Mark, Mansukhani, Meghna P
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03975
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis help you sleep?
This comprehensive review found that cannabis products have minimal to no effects on sleep disorders and may actually worsen sleep in some people. Withdrawal from cannabis can cause severe insomnia.
Can quitting cannabis cause insomnia?
Yes. The review described a case where cannabis withdrawal caused insomnia severe enough to trigger worsening anxiety, mood problems, and suicidal ideation requiring emergency and inpatient treatment.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03975APA
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
MLA
Kolla, Bhanu Prakash, et al. "The Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep.." Journal of primary care & community health, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319221081277
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "The Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep." RTHC-03975. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/kolla-2022-the-effects-of-cannabinoids
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.