Long-Term Cannabis Use Linked to Worse Sleep Quality
While study participants reported feeling rested, objective measurements revealed significant sleep impairment.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Sleep Disorders
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A 35-year study of 1,266 adults has linked long-term cannabis use to objectively measured sleep disruption. Despite these findings, cannabis users reported no difference in their perceived sleep quality compared to non-users.
Why it matters
This research suggests that habitual cannabis users may experience physiological sleep impairment without being aware of the decline. These findings highlight a potential discrepancy between subjective feelings of rest and actual sleep architecture.
In a 35-year longitudinal analysis of 1,266 adults using data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study, researchers measured sleep outcomes using wrist-worn actigraphy. The results showed increased fragmentation and lower sleep efficiency among long-term cannabis users.
The players
Northwestern University
A major research institution that conducted the data analysis regarding long-term sleep health.
Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study
A long-running longitudinal research project tracking cardiovascular health and lifestyle factors across nearly four decades.
The details
Researchers utilized wrist-worn actigraphy to track sleep patterns over seven consecutive days, providing objective data on sleep efficiency and fragmentation. The analysis revealed that cannabis users experienced more wakefulness after initial sleep onset and were more likely to sleep longer than eight hours. These effects persisted even after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, race, alcohol use, nicotine use, and depression.
Timeline
The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study began monitoring participants in 1985-1986.
The year-35 examination of study participants was conducted between 2020 and 2022.
Researchers carried out the specific study analyses from January 15 to July 15, 2026.
Health Landscape
This study follows the established longitudinal research arc of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. It complicates standard clinical understanding by identifying a gap between subjective patient reports of rest and objective sleep architecture data.
If you are a regular cannabis user, you may want to discuss your sleep habits with a physician, as subjective feelings of being well-rested may not accurately reflect your sleep quality. Consider focusing on sleep hygiene practices if you find yourself struggling with persistent nighttime wakefulness.
The takeaway
Objective sleep monitors may detect disruptions that remain unnoticed by the individual, despite how refreshed they feel upon waking. If sleep issues persist, it is worth consulting your physician about non-pharmacological strategies to improve your sleep efficiency.
Further reading
For more information on the complexities of sleep architecture, visit our Sleep Disorders section.
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Do you believe using cannabis products helps you get higher quality sleep?
