Does cannabis disturb sleep?
Sleep problems are among the symptoms that can occur after cannabis use stops. According to drugcom, sleep problems and strange dreams count among the typical withdrawal symptoms. The focus of this article is therefore on withdrawal. Anyone who sleeps badly should have the cause clarified, because sleep disorders can have many causes.
What drugcom writes about sleep problems
Drugcom describes withdrawal symptoms as a reaction to stopping regular use. The symptoms named include sleep problems and strange dreams. The site stresses that withdrawal symptoms can vary considerably from person to person. For some people they are barely noticeable, while for others they weigh heavily on everyday life.
For sleep problems, this means that they can occur in the phase after stopping, but they do not occur in everyone. Anyone who stops for the first time does not know in advance how strongly their body will react. If you are unsure whether your complaints belong to withdrawal, have them assessed in a counselling service or by a doctor.
When the symptoms begin
According to the drugcom FAQ, withdrawal symptoms usually appear 24 to 48 hours after the last use. Plan the first days so that you have enough rest and time for yourself. It also helps to speak early with someone you trust, so that you are not alone during this phase.
The drugcom FAQ gives a duration of usually no more than a week, and at most 14 days. Another drugcom article gives roughly three to four weeks until withdrawal is largely over. The figures therefore differ, and symptoms vary from person to person. If sleep problems persist for several weeks, speak to a doctor. The Sucht & Drogen Hotline of the BIÖG offers telephone counselling and refers people to local support services.
Sleep as part of stopping
Sleep is an important factor when stopping. It is therefore worth actively supporting sleep.
Fixed sleep times, a dark and quiet place to sleep and avoiding screens shortly before bedtime are simple steps. They cannot replace a medical assessment, though they can help stabilise your rhythm.
Why alcohol does not solve the problem
Some people try to offset poor sleep with alcohol. According to cannabispraevention.de, cannabis and alcohol together place a heavy load on the circulation and often lead to nausea and vomiting. Anyone who combines the two therefore risks physical problems.
Anyone who cannot settle without use discusses this with a doctor and does not use cannabis as a sleep aid.
A look at everyday life
Anyone who stops after regular use may experience sleep problems and strange dreams. Drugcom names both explicitly as possible withdrawal symptoms.
A plan helps in this case. Note when the problems occur, how long they last and what helps you. Bring these notes to a conversation with a counselling service or a doctor.
When you should seek help
Seek medical advice if sleep problems last for a longer time, if you feel markedly worse, or if other health complaints are added. A doctor can check whether other causes are present and offer help for sleep.
An addiction counselling service supports you when stopping and can show you how to deal with relapses. The Sucht & Drogen Hotline can be reached on 01806 313031. For acute complaints, such as breathlessness or severe confusion, call the emergency number. The Sucht & Drogen Hotline is aimed at people with addiction problems and at relatives, and refers them to local support services where needed.
Sleep and medical cannabis
Anyone taking medical cannabis on prescription discusses changes to the dose or stopping only together with the treating doctor.
What you can do concretely now
- For two weeks, note how you sleep and how you feel during the day.
- Set fixed sleep times and keep to them, if possible also at weekends.
- If sleep problems persist, speak to a doctor.
- Contact an addiction counselling service if stopping is hard.
More on withdrawal symptoms can be found in the article on the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. Anyone planning to stop will find the article What happens when you stop after long-term use? helpful. Help for a difficult phase is covered in the article When is professional help for cannabis use advisable?.
Frequently asked questions
Does cannabis make you sleepless?
According to drugcom, sleep problems and strange dreams are among the withdrawal symptoms that can occur after stopping. Their extent varies considerably from person to person. If sleep problems persist, speak to a doctor.
When do withdrawal symptoms begin?
According to the drugcom FAQ, withdrawal symptoms usually appear 24 to 48 hours after the last use. How long they last varies from person to person. If the problems persist for weeks, have them checked by a doctor.
What helps with sleep problems when stopping?
Fixed sleep times, a quiet place to sleep and avoiding screens before bed are simple steps. They cannot replace a medical assessment, though they can help stabilise your rhythm. Counselling from an addiction service also helps with managing the process of stopping.