What the Research Says About Using Cannabis as a Sleep Aid
Midjourney
Sleep Aid: A new study found that 22% of Americans ages 19 to 30 use cannabis, alcohol, or both to help them sleep. Among those who had used cannabis in the past year, 41% said they did so specifically because they believed it would improve sleep. While a gummy or nightcap may help you wind down, researchers warn the habit could backfire.
The Study: Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the research analyzed survey responses from nearly 1,500 young adults across the U.S. Women were almost twice as likely as men to use cannabis as a sleep aid, and those who identified as a gender other than a cis man or woman were nearly four times as likely to do so.
The Takeaway: Using cannabis to aid sleep is more common than many might expect. But the study’s principal investigator cautions against relying on it regularly. Research shows cannabis has mixed effects on sleep: for some, it may shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, while for others it’s linked to poorer sleep quality overall.
Keep In Mind: Using cannabis occasionally to help you sleep is unlikely to cause harm. But if it’s become a nightly crutch, it may be worth reassessing your habits — and exploring other, more reliable sleep supports.
