0130 Cannabis Use, Sleep, and Sleepiness: An Online Survey

• Published in: Sleep (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2019-04, Vol.42 (Supplement_1), p.A53-A54
• Main Authors: Bowles, Nicole P, Herzig, Maya X, Bhide, Meera, Shea, Steven A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cannabidiol; Marijuana; Sleep deprivation
• ISSN: 0161-8105; 1550-9109
• DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz067.129

Introduction Cannabis sativa is commonly used for sleep. Research suggests that acute and heavy cannabis usage have opposing effects on sleep. Recent legalization increased access to cannabis, and provides an opportunity to determine how varying cannabinoid concentrations or duration of use affects sleep and sleepiness. Methods A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted (via REDCap). Eligible volunteers (≥18 years old, US resident, and used cannabis within 24-hours for sleep) described prior 24-hour cannabis use and cannabis use history. Validated sleep scales assessed sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] and St Mary’s Hospital Questionnaire [SMHQ]) and daytime sleepiness (Karolinska sleepiness scale [KSS])). Results Of 571 participants (age 35±14 [SD] years; 65% female) 67% reported using cannabis for insomnia with the remaining reporting sleep disturbances related to pain (16%), anxiety (11%) or pain and anxiety (6%). 259 (45%) reported knowledge of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations. Multiple regression analyses in these 259 participants suggest that sleepiness is negatively associated with age and with THC percentages in cannabis products used within the prior 24-hours, and positively associated with SMHQ score; but not associated with time of day, other medication use, or cannabis use dependency. Increased THC percentage and decreased time between consumption and bed were indicators of improved sleep quality. Percentage of CBD or ratios of THC:CBD run in separate models for prior night’s sleep quality and sleepiness did not reach significance. Conclusion These findings support previous indications that THC can improve sleep in people using cannabis for that purpose, and suggest that increased THC results in decreased sleepiness the following day. The study limitations include no objective measure of sleep and no placebo condition. The significance of time of cannabis use in relation to sleep highlights the need to study the pharmacokinetics of smoked versus eaten cannabis products and their subsequent effects on sleep. Support (If Any) Ford Foundation, UL1GM118964, UL1TR000128, Division of Consumer and Business Services of the State of Oregon (ORS 656.630).