A lot of people find that puffing on a bit of weed before bed can help bring some deep, uninterrupted sleep. But, what happens when you sleep high?
More specifically, what happens to your brain when you sleep high?
If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on in that head while you’re sleeping stoned to the bone, we’re here to tell you. Let’s explore.
Should You Smoke Before Bed?
First things first, should you even smoke cannabis before heading to bed? Will this disrupt your ability to fall asleep? What about staying asleep?
Well, that depends!
Many people do find that smoking cannabis before bed can help bring a lot of solace and restful sleep. However, others with high anxiety levels may find that smoking before sleeping can heighten worries, making it more difficult to decompress fully.
If you find that things like chronic pain and stress are what keep you up at night, enjoying a bit of weed before sleeping may be helpful. But, it genuinely varies from person to person.
So, if you feel as though smoking before bed will help you stay asleep, we say go for it. But, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of what’s going on in your brain when you do decide to smoke prior to sleeping.
What Happens to Your Brain When You Sleep High?
So, what happens when you sleep high? Let’s start with the brain.
When you sleep after consuming cannabis, the brain experiences a range of effects due to the active compounds in the plant, mainly THC and CBD.
THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant, can alter the sleep cycle by reducing the amount of time spent in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This is the stage associated with vivid dreams and memory consolidation.
So, if you’ve ever wondered why you don’t seem to dream much after sleeping, that’s why! This can lead to fewer dreams or, at least, a reduced recall of them.
Along with this, cannabis consumption before sleep may increase the duration of slow-wave sleep — the deep restorative phase where the body and brain repair themselves.
While this shift in sleep cycles might promote a sense of deep sleep and relaxation, long-term use can disrupt the natural sleep architecture, potentially leading to dependence or tolerance where higher doses are needed for the same effects.
In other words, as with everything, there are ups and downs to smoking weed before bed and going to sleep high. And it truly depends on the person.
Cannabis as Sleep Aid
In recent years, it’s become more common than ever to utilize cannabis to help you fall asleep — or stay asleep.
For some people, consuming cannabis before bedtime can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and ease discomfort, making it easier to fall asleep.
This effect is particularly beneficial for those who find it challenging to unwind or who suffer from conditions that cause nighttime discomfort, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
The effectiveness of cannabis as a sleep aid can vary based on the strain and dosage.
Many people prefer indica-dominant strains and their sedative properties because they contain higher levels of relaxing cannabinoids and terpenes, such as myrcene and linalool.
Dosage also plays a crucial role in helping you fall asleep effectively. Lower doses may alleviate stress and promote sleep, while higher doses of THC could have a paradoxical effect, leading to increased anxiety and trouble sleeping.
Also, those with complications like obstructive sleep apnea should seek alternative natural sleep aids, as cannabis isn’t helpful for those with any sort of respiratory complication.
In general, while cannabis can be a helpful sleep aid for some, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You should take the time to consider its long-term impact on sleep quality and overall health before committing to the plant being your go-to — and foregoing all other sleep aids.
Read more about medical marijuana for sleep and insomnia in our post.
CBD vs. THC for Sleep
Cannabis, in general, for sleep, can have various benefits. But, when we break it down further, the actual effects that CBD and THC offer for sleep are going to vary.
So, let’s compare CBD for sleep versus THC for sleep to help you determine what might be best for you.
Aspect | CBD for Sleep | THC for Sleep |
Mechanism of Action | Interacts with serotonin receptors, reduces anxiety, and promotes relaxation. Does not have intoxicating effects. | Binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, induces sedation, and can create a “high” feeling. |
Sleep Cycle Effects | May improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety without significantly altering the sleep architecture. | Increases deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) but reduces REM sleep, which can suppress dreams. |
Use Cases | Ideal for those with anxiety-related sleep issues or conditions like PTSD. Can be used during the day without affecting cognitive function. | Often used for individuals with pain-related sleep disturbances, insomnia, or PTSD who may benefit from REM sleep reduction. |
Side Effects | Mild side effects, such as dry mouth, fatigue, or changes in appetite. Less likely to cause cognitive impairment. | Possible side effects include dry mouth, increased heart rate, drowsiness, and potential for increased anxiety at higher doses. |
Tolerance and Dependence | Lower potential for tolerance buildup, making it suitable for long-term use without dose escalation. | Can lead to tolerance and dependence with regular use, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms may include sleep disturbances. |
Dosage Considerations | Typically taken in lower doses (10-50 mg) for sleep support. Higher doses may cause grogginess. | Dose-dependent effects; lower doses may promote relaxation, while higher doses could cause restlessness or fragmented sleep. |
Legal Status | Legal in many places without a prescription if derived from hemp (<0.3% THC). | Varies by location; some areas permit medical or recreational use, while others have strict regulations. |
Long-Term Effects on Sleep | Less research available on long-term effects, but may be safer for chronic use. | Chronic use may disrupt natural sleep patterns, with potential long-term impacts on cognitive health. |
What Weed is Best Before Bed?
So, what happens when you sleep high? Well, for many people, it means getting a super-deep, ultra-relaxing experience. But, some strains are going to be much better than others for helping you get some shut-eye.
As we mentioned earlier, indica or indica-dominant hybrid strains tend to get the best rep for sleepy weed.
In contrast, sativa strains, which tend to be more stimulating, might not provide the same sleep-promoting effects — and could even cause restlessness for some.
That being said, your ideal weed before bed will differ from person to person. But, if we were to give you some good options, here are some great sleep-inducing strains:
Granddaddy Purple (GDP)
Bubba Kush
Purple Kush
Ice Cream Cake
Each one of these strains has soothing, sedative properties that may be incredibly beneficial before bed.
But, some of them are quite strong in terms of THC levels, so make sure to take your time! Low and slow with cannabis consumption is always best.
Get the Best Cannabis Options for Sleep With Elevate Holistics
At the end of the day, more people than ever are turning to smoking marijuana to help with sleep and sleep disorders. And, while many don’t quite understand what happens to the brain when you sleep high, what they do find is support — and relaxation.
If you’re ready to turn to cannabis to help you sleep, Elevate Holistics is here to get you there. We can get you approved for medical marijuana online in minutes for your sleep disorders, allowing you to find natural relief in ways you’d never expect.
Plus, if you live somewhere that has fully legal weed, having a medical marijuana card will save you tons of money. You likely won’t have to pay as much in taxes, and you can get medical-only discounts just by having an MMJ card.
Ready to discover what happens when you sleep high? Click the button below to get approved for medical cannabis online in minutes — and fall asleep easier than ever before.
