How Marijuana Affects Dreams – The Fresh Toast

They are good for your mental health and most people remember them occasionally. Here's how marijuana affects dreams.

Dreaming is a universal human experience that involves a state of consciousness during sleep characterized by sensory, cognitive, and emotional events. Dreams are stories that the brain creates during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. The time spent in dream sleep is healthy. Dreaming in REM sleep appears to take the painful sting out of difficult, even traumatic, emotional episodes that one experiences during the day and provides an emotional resolution when one wakes up the next morning. Almost 11% of people remember their dreams every night. Only 6% of people say they never remember their dreams. About 29% of people report remembering dreams a few times a week. However, not everyone is happy: 80-90% of adults have had a nightmare at some point in their lives. Considering how cannabis helps with sleep, here's how marijuana affects dreams.

Marijuana has a complex relationship with sleep and dreams, affecting various aspects of our nightly rest. Understanding these effects is critical for both recreational users and those considering cannabis for medical purposes.

Cannabis, particularly strains high in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), can significantly alter sleep architecture. THC is known to shorten the duration of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the stage in which the most vivid dreams occur. This reduction in REM sleep often results in fewer and less memorable dreams for regular cannabis users. Conversely, marijuana tends to increase the time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. While this may sound beneficial, it is important to note that a balance between all stages of sleep is crucial for optimal rest and cognitive function.

One of the most fascinating phenomena related to marijuana and dreams is the “REM rebound” effect. When heavy cannabis users stop using, they often experience an increase in REM sleep, which leads to more vivid and intense dreams. This effect is typically temporary and lasts for a few weeks while the brain adjusts to the absence of THC.

While THC is primarily responsible for suppressing REM sleep, CBD (cannabidiol), another main ingredient in marijuana, may have other effects. Some research suggests that CBD may actually increase the vividness of dreams. This highlights the complexity of cannabis' effects on sleep and dreams, as different strains and consumption methods can produce different results.

The dream-suppressing effects of marijuana have sparked interest in its possible therapeutic use for certain sleep disorders. For example, it can help manage nightmares related to PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

It is important to note that altering natural sleep cycles can have long-term effects on cognitive function and emotional regulation. While marijuana can significantly influence dreaming by suppressing REM sleep, its effects are not uniform and can vary depending on consumption patterns, individual physiology, and the specific cannabis strains used. Because research in this area continues to evolve, it is important for consumers to be aware of these potential effects and to consult medical professionals when considering cannabis for sleep-related problems.