Until now, studies investigating the effects of cannabis use on sleep have produced mixed results. Furthermore, while it is understood that cannabis affects sleep and memory independently, it remains relatively unknown how memory and sleep problems might interact in the presence of cannabis use.
In the current study, researchers examined how sleep impacts the memory of cannabis users. To do so, they recruited 141 adults with CUD and 87 without the condition. CUD was defined as using cannabis for more than 5 days per week over the last year. Participants reported their past-week frequency of sleep problems and completed several cognitive tests to assess their verbal memory, visuospatial learning, and memory performance.
Ultimately, the researchers found that participants with CUD reported more sleep problems than those without the condition and that more sleep difficulties were linked to poorer visuospatial memory. They found no difference between the two groups regarding verbal memory performance.
Lead author of the study, Tracy Brown, a PhD student at the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas said in a press release:
“Although sleep is one of the primary reasons people use cannabis, our findings suggest that long-term cannabis use actually results in poorer sleep, which is associated with poorer memory. These findings are useful to inform the consumers, clinicians and policymakers about the therapeutic considerations for cannabis, particularly regarding its use as a sleep aid. For researchers, this study points to the importance of analyzing sleep when evaluating the effects of cannabis on brain health.”
Sources: EurekAlert, The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
