Long-Term Cannabis Use Linked to Poorer Sleep Quality

Adults who use cannabis for sleep may experience more fragmented rest than they realize, according to new research.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Sleep Disorders

Gouache-painted illustration of a single pillow and a simple wearable ring, representing sleep quality research in a restrained, painterly style. — A 2026 study indicates that long-term cannabis use is associated with fragmented sleep and decreased rest efficiency in American adults. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is now a good time to reconsider using cannabis products as a regular sleep aid?

A study published in October 2026 indicates that long-term cannabis use is linked to poorer sleep quality and fragmented rest. These findings are particularly relevant for the over 23 million American adults who currently use cannabis products as a sleep aid.

Why it matters

While many people believe cannabis aids rest, this research shows that long-term consumption may objectively degrade sleep efficiency. The study highlights a disconnect between how users perceive their sleep quality and the actual data recorded by tracking devices.

In a 35-year cohort study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers followed participants from 1985 to 2022. The data showed that recent cannabis users have 3.23 times the odds of spending an unusually long time awake after falling asleep compared to those who do not use the substance.

The players

JAMA Network Open

A peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes original research on a wide range of clinical topics and public health issues.

The details

Researchers quantified cannabis impact by calculating cumulative years of use and tracking recent 30-day consumption patterns. Participants wore wrist-mounted devices for seven days to measure sleep cycles, fragmentation, and total sleep time. The analysis revealed that for every additional year of cannabis use, the odds of lower sleep percentage increased by 10%, while the likelihood of fragmented sleep rose by 4%.

1985: Study participants began the research study.
2022: The study's final follow-up exam occurred.
October 2026: The study findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

Health Landscape

This research provides a necessary counterpoint to the growing reliance on cannabis as a self-managed sleep intervention. It aligns with ongoing efforts by the National Institutes of Health Sleep Research Program to categorize how various external substances affect human sleep architecture.

If you rely on cannabis to help you fall asleep, it may be worth discussing your sleep quality with a physician to see if your subjective experience matches your actual rest. Consider tracking your sleep patterns objectively to better understand whether your current habits are providing the recovery you need.

The takeaway

Objective data suggests that cannabis use may impair sleep quality over the long term, even if it feels effective in the moment. Keep a sleep log or use a tracker to monitor how you feel versus how you actually sleep, and consult your doctor if you have persistent concerns about your rest.