TED Health Can cannabis help you sleep? Here's the science | Jen Walsh
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Oct 14, 2025 
Sleep physiologist Jen Walsh, who leads groundbreaking research on cannabis and sleep, discusses her world-first study into medicinal cannabinoids for insomnia. She shares the complexities surrounding cannabis as a sleep aid, noting its historical use and recent legal advancements that facilitate research. Jen reveals that participants in her study experienced increased sleep time and reduced wakefulness using cannabinoids. However, she emphasizes the need for caution, individual variability, and more research before regular use can be recommended.
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Cannabis Chemistry And Our Own Endocannabinoids
- Cannabis contains hundreds of compounds, notably THC and CBD, which produce different effects on the body and mind.
- Our bodies also make endocannabinoids that interact with the same system and influence mood and post-exercise relaxation.
Growing Evidence For Medical Uses
- Recent legalization opened rigorous research showing cannabinoids treat several medical conditions like rare epilepsy and chemotherapy nausea.
- Evidence supports benefits for chronic pain, MS-related stiffness, and appetite in HIV/AIDS patients.
Insomnia Is Widespread And Drives Cannabis Use
- Up to 47% of medicinal cannabis users report using it to improve sleep, and insomnia affects roughly a third of people.
- Insomnia includes difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, and has major daily and long-term health impacts.