# 74 - Sleep & THC

The Matt Walker Podcast

Matt continues his exploration into the intricate link between cannabis and sleep, focusing on THC in this second installment, beginning with a reminder to listeners of the historical insights from doctors like O'Shaughnessy and Clendinning in the 1800s regarding cannabis's sleep-inducing effects. He shifts to how THC affects sleep today, noting that while it initially reduces sleep onset time and early night awakenings, chronic use worsens sleep quality, leading to frequent disruptions, especially in the second half of the night due to lower "sleep pressure."

Matt then dives into THC's impact on REM sleep, crucial for memory and emotional regulation. He details how THC reduces REM sleep quantity and quality, affecting cognitive and emotional stability the next day. He also touches on broader health risks associated with reduced REM sleep, including increased mortality risks, as well as the sleep issues associated with quitting THC. Acknowledging full well that he has “no business telling anyone what to do with their life or how to live their life,” Matt's discussion here today simply provides the scientific data behind the pros and cons involved in the THC-sleep space, laying a solid foundation upon which listeners can make their own choices.

Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

Craving top-notch journalism that dives deep into science, health, and much, much more? Today’s episode is sponsored by The Washington Post—your go-to for stellar reporting and utmost integrity. Here’s a scoop just for our listeners: snag the Washington Post for just $0.50/week for an entire year! Dash over to Matt's Special WaPo Offer to grab this sweet deal, and make The Washington Post your news haven for less than the price of a coffee each week.

The good people at InsideTracker are also one of the sponsors of this week's episode, and they are generously offering a special 25% off any one of their programs for anyone who uses the above link during the time window of this episode.

Another great sponsor of the show is AG1, a comprehensive nutritional drink trusted by thousands worldwide, including Matt! AG1 is registered and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, boasting GMP badges for quality assurance. As a special offer for our listeners, when you try AG1, you'll receive a complimentary one-year supply of both Vitamin D and K2, and with your first subscription, you'll also receive five free AG1 travel packs!

As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt on Instagram.