Many people use marijuana, commonly known as weed or dope, to relax or relieve pain. However, some people use marijuana to enhance their mood or performance, including creatives, intellectuals, and athletes.

This group of people often prefers to use marijuana in the evening after completing their daily activities, which they refer to as an evening tweak.

While these people may find that evening tweaks help them think more creatively or perform better, they may be unaware of the effects of falling asleep immediately after using marijuana.

In this article, we’ll discuss the possible effects of sleeping after an evening tweak.

The Components of Marijuana that May Cause Drowsiness

The marijuana plant contains various compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce therapeutic and psychoactive effects.

One of the primary cannabinoids in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known for its psychoactive effects. THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, producing a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.

Another cannabinoid in marijuana is cannabidiol (CBD), which has non-psychoactive effects and produces a sense of calm and relaxation without impairing cognitive functions.

Finally, the terpenes in marijuana, such as myrcene and linalool, provide therapeutic effects and contribute to the aroma and flavor of the plant. Some terpenes, especially myrcene, have sedative effects and may cause drowsiness.

The Relationship between Marijuana and Sleep

Many people use marijuana to help them sleep, especially those with insomnia or other sleep disorders. Marijuana may help people fall asleep faster, sleep for longer periods, and improve the quality of their sleep.

Marijuana may aid sleep by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which has a calming effect and promotes relaxation.

Marijuana may also reduce the amount of time spent in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep, which is associated with vivid dreams and may disrupt sleep.

However, falling asleep immediately after using marijuana may have negative effects on sleep.

One study found that participants who smoked marijuana before bedtime took longer to fall asleep and had more difficulty staying asleep than those who did not smoke. Additionally, participants who smoked marijuana reported more vivid and disturbing dreams, which may be related to the increased time spent in the REM stage of sleep.

The Effects of Falling Asleep Immediately After an Evening Tweak

If you use marijuana in the evening and fall asleep soon afterward, you may experience several effects, including:.

Delayed Sleep Onset

If you fall asleep immediately after using marijuana, you may find that it takes longer than usual to fall asleep. This effect may be due to the psychoactive effects of THC, which can cause increased heart rate, anxiety, and paranoid thoughts.

Additionally, the sedative effects of myrcene and other terpenes may not be enough to counteract the stimulating effects of THC.

Shortened Sleep Duration

Even if you manage to fall asleep quickly after using marijuana, you may experience a shortened sleep duration. Marijuana may reduce the amount of time spent in the deep, restorative stages of sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep.

Slow-wave sleep is essential for physical and mental recovery and is associated with memory consolidation and learning.

Impaired Cognitive Function

Falling asleep immediately after using marijuana may impair cognitive function the next day. THC can remain in the body for several hours to several days, and its effects may linger even after the high wears off.

Impaired cognitive functions may include decreased attention, concentration, memory, and decision-making. These effects may hamper your productivity and creativity the next day.

Vivid and Disturbing Dreams

If you fall asleep immediately after an evening tweak, you may experience more vivid and disturbing dreams than usual. As previously mentioned, marijuana may increase the time spent in the REM stage of sleep, which is associated with intense dreams.

These dreams may affect your mood and emotions the next day, causing you to feel anxious, stressed, or depressed.

Dry Mouth and Throat

Another possible effect of using marijuana before bed is a dry mouth and throat. This effect is common with smoking or vaping marijuana but may also occur with edibles or tinctures.

Dry mouth and throat may cause discomfort and disrupt sleep, especially if you have to wake up frequently to drink water.

Tips for Using Marijuana in the Evening Safely

If you want to use marijuana in the evening and fall asleep afterward, there are some tips to help you minimize the negative effects:.

Use Low THC and High CBD Strains

If you prefer to use marijuana for its therapeutic effects rather than its psychoactive effects, you may want to choose strains with low THC and high CBD content.

These strains may provide relaxation and pain relief without impairing cognitive functions or causing drowsiness.

Avoid Using Marijuana Too Close to Bedtime

If possible, try to use marijuana at least one to two hours before bedtime. This time frame allows the effects of marijuana to wear off slightly, reducing the risk of impaired cognitive functions, vivid dreams, and drowsiness.

Choose a Comfortable Sleeping Environment

If you plan to fall asleep after using marijuana, ensure that your sleeping environment is comfortable and conducive to sleep. This may include adjusting the temperature, reducing noise, and eliminating light sources.

Avoid Strenuous Activities After Using Marijuana

If you use marijuana in the evening, avoid engaging in strenuous activities that may cause adrenaline and disrupt sleep. These activities may include exercise, video games, or intense conversations.

Hydrate Before Bed

To avoid dry mouth and throat, hydrate yourself before bedtime. You may also keep a glass of water nearby in case you wake up thirsty.

Conclusion

Falling asleep immediately after an evening tweak may have several negative effects on sleep quality, cognitive functions, and emotional well-being.

To minimize these effects, you may want to choose strains with low THC and high CBD, avoid using marijuana too close to bedtime, create a comfortable sleeping environment, avoid strenuous activities, and hydrate before bed. By following these tips, you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without compromising your sleep quality or productivity.