From Gen Z to Boomers, cannabis helps the young and old sleep better — here’s what science says.
New research from University of Michigan (U-M) is adding nuance — and a dose of caution — to an increasingly popular trend: using marijuana to help you sleep. But what is interesting is cannabis helps the young and old sleep. Yes, whether you’re a 20-something struggling with late-night screen time or a 60-plus professional battling early-morning wake-ups, they are turning toward the green plant to help with a sound snooze.
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According to the U-M’s psychiatry department, initial results suggest that cannabis may help people fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality in the early part of the night. But the benefit doesn’t necessarily carry through the whole night. The research points to more awakenings and fragmented sleep in the latter part of the night for some users. Yes, cannabis appears to help some people sleep, at least initially, but the story is far from straightforward. The U-M team emphasize the evidence is still in its infancy; usage has raced ahead of science.
For Gen Z or Millennials juggling business and baby-boom-aged parents, sleep is often elusive. Older adults, meanwhile, may contend with chronic pain, insomnia or medication-side-effects. That’s why the notion of a plant-based sleep aid is appealing across the age spectrum.
The U-M research suggests those with chronic pain, anxiety or certain sleep disorders may experience more noticeable benefit. But for otherwise healthy sleepers, the upside may be limited, and in some cases, temporary.
But like most sleep aids, what works at first may wear off. Routine cannabis use for sleep may lead to diminished benefit over time, and insomnia can return — sometimes when use is stopped abruptly.
The mode of use matters too: inhaling cannabis may bring faster onset of sleepiness, while edibles act more slowly but last longer.
Generational take-away: what each age group should know:
- Younger adults (20s-40s): If you’re using cannabis to deal with irregular sleep patterns, late-night tech use or social jet-lag, it may help you get to sleep — but it’s not guaranteed to fix sleep quality or cycles long term.
- Middle-aged adults (40s-60s): Those dealing with stress, pain or changing sleep rhythms might see a benefit — but must watch for dependence and tolerance.
- Older adults (65+): If sleep disruptions stem from pain, sleep-apnoea or medications, cannabis might help but should be used under medical supervision. Long-term effects and interactions (e.g., with heart- or blood-pressure meds) are less well studied.
Across all ages: better sleep hygiene (consistent bedtimes, reduced screen time, calming routines) remains foundational.
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The U-M researchers urge caution: consult your doctor before using cannabis as a sleep aid. The sleep-inducing effect may not last, side-effects are still being mapped, and the optimal dosage/administration method is unclear. medicine.umich.edu
For those who use cannabis for sleep, experts suggest treating it as a bridge, helping you establish better sleep patterns, rather than a permanent substitute for good habits.
As one U-M sleep psychologist put it: “The research is still in its infancy, the availability of marijuana has really out-paced the science.”
whether you’re young or old, cannabis can help you sleep. But it’s no silver bullet. The short-term benefits may exist, but they are often offset by fragmented sleep later at night, possible next-day fatigue, and diminished return over time. In real terms: if you lean on it nightly, you may trade off one sleep problem for another.
The best approach? Use it cautiously, pair it with solid sleep hygiene, and keep an eye on how your sleep — and overall daily alertness — really responds.
