A meta-analysis of 120 studies found recreational cannabis use was associated with poorer sleep quality, abnormal sleep duration, more insomnia symptoms, and later bedtimes, though experimental studies did not replicate the observational findings.
Cannabis users who consume for sleep, sleep researchers, and anyone curious about the evidence behind cannabis as a sleep aid.
120 studies analyzed; observational and experimental findings contradicted
What the researchers found
Across 102 observational studies, current recreational cannabis use was associated with poorer sleep quality, both short and long sleep duration, more insomnia symptoms, and a later chronotype compared to non-use. These associations were stronger in men and younger users. However, 19 experimental studies found no associations between cannabis use and sleep quality or duration.
Why it matters
Many people use cannabis specifically to improve sleep, yet this large-scale synthesis of the general population evidence suggests recreational use is actually associated with worse sleep outcomes. The disconnect between observational and experimental findings highlights the complexity of the cannabis-sleep relationship.
The numbers in context
120 studies total: 102 observational, 19 experimental (1 study counted in both). Observational findings: poorer sleep quality, short and long duration, more insomnia, later chronotype. Experimental findings: no significant associations. Neither study type found links to daytime sleepiness.
How the study worked
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 120 studies identified from six databases. Studies on medicinal cannabis and clinical samples were excluded. Current use was defined as use within one month; lifetime use as use in the past year or lifetime. The analysis separated observational and experimental evidence.
What this study cannot tell us
Observational studies cannot establish causation. The experimental studies were relatively short-term and may not capture chronic effects. Excluding medicinal cannabis users and clinical samples limits generalizability to people using cannabis specifically for sleep problems.
How to read the evidence
Large meta-analysis with 120 studies provides strong evidence for an association in observational data, but the lack of experimental confirmation introduces important uncertainty about causation.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
The gap between observational and experimental findings could mean that poor sleepers are more likely to use cannabis (reverse causation) or that confounding factors like stress and mental health problems drive both cannabis use and poor sleep. Long-term trials are needed but face ethical and practical barriers.
Questions still open
- Does cannabis cause poor sleep, or do poor sleepers turn to cannabis? Would the findings change if different consumption methods or cannabinoid profiles were analyzed separately?
Common questions
Why do observational and experimental studies disagree?
Should I stop using cannabis for sleep?
Read the original research
Recreational cannabis use and sleep in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Sleep medicine reviews, 84, 102189
Citation
Mao, Fangxiang; Hoepel, Sanne J W; Shahisavandi, Mina; Luik, Annemarie I; El Marroun, Hanan. (2025). Recreational cannabis use and sleep in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Sleep medicine reviews, 84, 102189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2025.102189
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