Study Reveals Cannabinoid Products May Decrease Sleep Duration in Insomnia Patients

In a recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research on July 10, 2025, researchers from Macquarie University and the University of Sydney investigated the effects of cannabinoid products on sleep duration in adults diagnosed with insomnia. The study, led by Dr. Camilla Hoyos, Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University, and Dr. Anastasia Suraev, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, involved a pilot group of 20 participants who were subjected to both a placebo and an oral dose of a medical-grade cannabis oil containing 10 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 200 mg of cannabidiol (CBD).

The primary aim was to explore how these cannabinoid products influence sleep, particularly the total sleep time and time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a critical phase associated with dreaming. Participants, all of whom had a clinical diagnosis of insomnia, reported difficulties in falling and/or maintaining sleep, which significantly affected their daily functioning. The average age of the participants was 46, and after undergoing an overnight diagnostic sleep study, they were monitored under controlled conditions in a sleep laboratory.

Surprisingly, the results indicated that the cannabinoid treatment led to a decrease in total sleep time by approximately 24.5 minutes and significantly reduced REM sleep duration by an average of 33.9 minutes. Notably, while participants experienced a measurable decline in sleep quality, their subjective perceptions of sleep did not reflect this objective data, as many reported no change in their overall sleep quality. The next day, participants demonstrated no significant differences in cognitive alertness or performance on driving simulations, despite feeling slightly sleepier after the treatment.

Dr. Hoyos emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of such findings, stating, “If a single dose produces these changes, what are the cumulative effects on a person’s sleep after weeks, months, or years of nightly use?” This question remains unanswered, highlighting the need for further research to assess the long-term effects of cannabinoid products on sleep.

The study's findings contribute to a growing body of literature indicating a discrepancy between public perception of cannabis as a sleep aid and the scientific evidence available. A review conducted by Dr. Hoyos and Dr. Suraev, published in the journal Current Psychiatry Reports, examined 21 studies analyzing cannabinoids for various sleep disorders, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. They concluded that while cannabinoid use for sleep disturbances is prevalent, the research supporting its efficacy remains insufficient.

Given the increasing interest in cannabinoid therapies, both researchers advocate for enhanced funding and the design of comprehensive clinical trials that can explore larger sample sizes and longer treatment durations. The goal is to provide healthcare professionals and patients with clearer guidelines regarding the use of medical cannabis for sleep disorders.

As researchers continue to unravel the complexities of cannabinoid effects on sleep, the medical community remains cautious, advocating for a balanced approach in utilizing these products for insomnia treatment. The importance of robust scientific inquiry cannot be overstated, as it will illuminate the potential benefits and risks associated with the long-term use of cannabinoid-based therapies for sleep disturbances.