Sleep Architecture
The pattern and structure of sleep stages across a night, including NREM (non-rapid eye movement) and REM sleep cycles.
In Depth
Cannabinoids significantly alter sleep architecture. THC reduces REM sleep (the stage associated with dreaming and memory consolidation) and increases slow-wave sleep (deep NREM sleep). This REM suppression may explain why cannabis users report fewer dreams and why cannabis is used for PTSD nightmares. CBD has more complex effects — low doses may be alerting while high doses are sedating. Chronic cannabis use is associated with sleep disturbances upon cessation (rebound insomnia and REM rebound).
Related Terms
Further Reading
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.