Sleep Disturbances: Implications for Cannabis Use, Cannabis Use Cessation, and Cannabis Use Treatment

Abstract

Cannabis may be used, among certain individuals, for its actual and/or perceived sleep-promoting properties. Although evidence suggests that cannabis is likely beneficial for sleep initiation, over time individuals may develop tolerance to these benefits, leading to greater use in order to maintain the same sleep-inducing effects. This form of use likely contributes to the development of problematic cannabis use patterns, including cannabis use disorders. Evidence also points to sleep as an important consideration in terms of understanding cannabis withdrawal and relapse. Here, sleep disturbances have been reported as a primary symptom of withdrawal, with studies revealing that this increase in sleep disruption during discontinuation of cannabis use may be a significant risk factor for relapse. Therefore, it is likely important to consider interventions aimed at providing alternative means to cope with and/or treat sleep disturbances (e.g., behavioral or pharmacological approaches) as adjuncts to interventions for cannabis use disorders to improve treatment outcomes.

The impact of posttraumatic stress disorder on cannabis quit success

“…In conjunction with prior empirical work, findings are consistent with a model whereby individuals with PTSD find cannabis to be a useful short-term coping strategy to reduce acute symptoms (e.g. poor sleep) (42). However, coping-oriented use among this population may lead to dependence and exacerbated symptoms of withdrawal and craving during cessation attempts (13,34).…”

Medical marijuana in neurology

“…Although evidence suggests that cannabis is likely beneficial for sleep initiation, tolerance may develop over time, potentially leading to cannabis use disorder. Again sleep disturbances are a primary symptom of cannabis withdrawal, and may be a significant risk factor for relapse and abuse [82].…”

Prevalence and correlates of sleep-related problems in adults receiving medical cannabis for chronic pain

“…The rapidly changing epidemiology of medical cannabis highlights the importance of research on the potential beneficial and adverse effects of cannabis use (Volkow et al, 2017). Although a long line of research has established associations between recreational cannabis use and adverse health outcomes (Wilkinson et al, 2016), the relationship between cannabis use and sleep appears to vary as a function of dose and timing of administration (Babson and Bonn-Miller, 2014; Conroy and Arnedt, 2014). Evidence indicated that cannabis has sedative and excitatory effects (Babson and Bonn-Miller, 2014), and cannabis withdrawal is associated with sleep disruptions (Bolla et al, 2010; Gates et al, 2016).…”

“…Although a long line of research has established associations between recreational cannabis use and adverse health outcomes (Wilkinson et al, 2016), the relationship between cannabis use and sleep appears to vary as a function of dose and timing of administration (Babson and Bonn-Miller, 2014; Conroy and Arnedt, 2014). Evidence indicated that cannabis has sedative and excitatory effects (Babson and Bonn-Miller, 2014), and cannabis withdrawal is associated with sleep disruptions (Bolla et al, 2010; Gates et al, 2016). One study showed that heavy (but not occasional) cannabis use was associated with sleep disturbance (Conroy et al, 2016).…”

“…These encouraging findings are tempered by concerns that chronic cannabis use could lead to increases in cannabis use disorders (Babson et al, 2017; Benbadis et al, 2014), exacerbation of sleep problems (Babson and Bon-Miller, 2014), and other adverse outcomes (D’Souza and Ranganathan, 2015). For example, using marijuana for sleep-related motives was correlated to greater frequency of use and marijuana-related problems among nonmedical cannabis users (Lee et al, 2009), and using cannabis to improve sleep was associated with higher frequency of cannabis use among medical users with probable PTSD (Bonn-Miller et al, 2014b).…”