Recreational cannabis use was linked to poorer sleep in observational studies
A review found different patterns across study designs: observational research linked cannabis use with sleep problems, while experiments found no association with sleep quality or duration.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Observational studies linked current recreational cannabis use with poorer sleep quality, more insomnia symptoms and both shorter and longer sleep duration. Experimental studies found no association with sleep quality or duration. These results do not establish that cannabis caused sleep problems, and the experimental findings do not prove that cannabis has no effect on sleep.
The authors note possible bias in the observational findings. The abstract provides no effect sizes, detailed exposure amounts or follow-up durations, limiting judgments about the size and timing of any relationship.
How use was defined
Current use meant cannabis use within the previous month. The review grouped use during the past year or at any earlier point as lifetime use, a broad category that differs from recent exposure.
Other sleep outcomes
Past use showed associations with insomnia and a later chronotype, or sleep-wake preference. Daytime sleepiness was not associated with either current or lifetime use. The review therefore did not find the same pattern for every aspect of sleep.
The original publication
Recreational cannabis use and sleep in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Mao F, Hoepel SJW, Shahisavandi M et al.
Sleep Med Rev · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41187699
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.