What Happens if You Fall Asleep High?
Does smoking weed make you tired? The truth is, sometimes it can and sometimes it doesn’t. A lot of people want to know, does weed affect sleep quality? Well, you’re about to find out!
Falling asleep while high can be a unique and enjoyable experience. However, cannabis affects everyone differently, and there is a chance some might feel too high to sleep. This and other reasons are why it’s important to understand the effects of sleeping high.
While cannabis is safe and non-toxic, it can have multiple impacts on your sleep cycle. We’re going to answer some top questions we get about falling asleep high.
Is it safe to go to sleep while high?
Safety is usually one of the biggest concerns for people who are new to consuming cannabis. Some beginners even want to know if you can go to sleep high, let alone if it’s safe. The answer to both questions is yes. You can fall asleep high and sleeping while high is a relatively safe activity.
Different forms of cannabis, like edibles and concentrates, as well as different cannabis strains, are going to affect your sleep differently. The potency of different products will produce different effects. Edibles, for example, which we talk about more in depth later on, are known to have more powerful effects than smoking cannabis flower.
The only real safety concerns about sleeping while high are circumstantial. Should there be some sort of emergency during your sleep, and you’ve consumed a potent amount of cannabis, you could wake up in the middle of the night feeling overly tired and groggy. Should this be the case, it is not recommended to operate machinery or a motorized vehicle in an impaired state.
The other safety circumstances to consider are your health and well-being. If you suffer from a medical condition, we recommend consulting your physician about the potential benefits or risks of sleeping while high associated with your condition.
How marijuana affects sleep
Marijuana can affect sleep in several ways. One of the primary active ingredients in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is responsible for many of the psychoactive effects of marijuana. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which can alter a person’s mood, perception, and sleep patterns.
Other cannabinoids, like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG) also interact with the ECS and can affect sleep patterns. Terpenes also play a large role in how marijuana affects sleep. For example, some marijuana strains are higher in the terpene linalool, which is the same terpene in lavender that is known to have relaxing and sedative effects.
Does weed make you sleep better?
Most people interested in marijuana for sleep are trying to find ways to sleep better. The effects of marijuana on sleep can be complex and can vary from person to person. Some people find that marijuana helps them to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, while others may have difficulty sleeping after using the drug.
One of the main factors that can determine whether marijuana benefits or hinders sleep is the strain and potency of the marijuana being consumed. Different strains of marijuana can have different levels of THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes, which all influence the effects cannabis has on sleep.
Research on the subject is positive. A scientific review of cannabis use in people with insomnia and sleep disorders concluded that “Our review of cannabis use in patients with sleep disorders suggests some benefits, with a subjective patient-reported improvement in insomnia and a decrease in use of prescription hypnotics.” This indicates people are reporting better sleep with cannabis, and are choosing cannabis over pharmaceutical sleep medications.
Is CBD or THC better for sleep?
CBD has been shown to have many potential health benefits, including anxiety relief and pain management. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce the same high or altered state of consciousness as THC.
Some people find that CBD can help promote relaxation and improve sleep, while others may not experience the same effects. A literary review of cannabinoids and sleep found that “CBD may hold promise for REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness”.
It also found that THC “may decrease sleep latency but could impair sleep quality long-term”. Researchers still want to know, how does THC affect sleep, and is one cannabinoid better than the other? This is important to keep in mind when deciding if CBD or THC is better for your sleep.
Best strain for sleep
As we’ve discussed, cannabis affects everyone differently and will affect everyone’s sleep patterns a little differently as well. Because the effects of different strains can vary from person to person, it will take some trial and error to find a strain that works best for you. Experimenting with different products and strains is the best way to find the best cannabis for sleep.
However, a general rule of thumb is to look for cannabis products that promote sleep. Keep in mind that strains with the terpene linalool may have similar relaxing effects as lavender. Don’t be afraid to ask your budtender what they recommend as the best strain for sleep.
Best edible for sleep
Edibles are another popular way to consume marijuana. Edibles are made by infusing marijuana into foods or drinks. They can take longer to take effect but may also have longer-lasting effects.
Some people find that edibles can help them to relax and sleep better, but it is important to be cautious when using edibles. It can be difficult to gauge the dosage and the effects can be powerful, especially for first-time consumers. As with cannabis strains, you should try a few different edible products and doses to determine which is your best edible for sleep.
Can you get a marijuana prescription for sleep?
Marijuana is not currently legal federally, is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of sleep disorders, and is not available by prescription in some states. Some states have legalized medical marijuana for the treatment of certain sleep disorders or symptoms related to sleep disorders.
If you are interested in using marijuana for sleep, it is important to check your local state’s laws regarding medical marijuana prescriptions or recommendations.
How Many Grams of Marijuana for Sleeping?
The appropriate dosage of marijuana for sleep will vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s tolerance, the strain and potency of the marijuana, and the method of consumption.
It is generally recommended to start with a low dose of marijuana and gradually increase the dosage as needed. If you’re new to cannabis, consider starting with half a gram or less of cannabis flower or only one pull from a marijuana vape. It is also important to pay attention to the serving size of mg on edibles, as they can vary widely in potency. 5mg or less is the recommended starting dose.
In conclusion, marijuana can have both positive and negative effects on sleep. The best way to find out what cannabis strains or products help you sleep is to experiment and learn what works best for you.