A large-scale survey of cannabis use for sleep: preferred products and perceived effects in comparison to over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids

Abstract

Aim: Cannabis use for sleep-related problems is on the rise; however, little is known about the cannabis products people are using for sleep or the perceived effects of cannabis in comparison to more conventional sleep aids. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the products cannabis users prefer to use for sleep as well as their experiences with cannabis relative to more conventional sleep aids. Methods: De-identified archival data from a Strainprint® survey of 1,216 individuals who use cannabis for sleep were analyzed. Results: Participants predominantly reported smoking joints or vaping flower as their methods of administration, and seeking tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and the terpene myrcene in the cannabis they use for sleep. Only a small minority reported using cannabis in conjunction with conventional sleep aids. Comparisons of the self-reported effects of cannabis to conventional sleep aids revealed that participants reported feeling more refreshed, focused, better able to function, fewer headaches, and less nausea the morning after using cannabis for sleep than after using more conventional sleep aids or no sleep aids. However, they indicated they were more sleepy, anxious, and irritable in the mornings following the use of cannabis relative to other sleep aids. Participants were more likely to report red eyes and thirst and less likely to report nausea, anxiety, paranoia, and racing heart as side effects of cannabis relative to other sleep aids. Conclusions: Knowledge gained from this survey will provide health professionals with a better understanding of why people are using cannabis for sleep and may help guide future more controlled research.