Late sunsets and warm temperatures can make falling asleep a bit harder – can cannabis can help? When the summer heat rises, so does the difficulty of getting a good night’s sleep. Hot, sticky nights can interfere with your body’s ability to cool down, a process necessary for falling and staying asleep. Fortunately, for many people, cannabis offers a natural way to relax and sleep more soundly—even during a heatwave. Can cannabis help sleep on hot summer nights?

Cannabis has long been known for its sedative and relaxing properties, and research suggests it may be especially helpful for people struggling with insomnia, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns. Certain cannabinoids—particularly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBN (cannabinol)—have shown potential in helping users fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep.

Warm weather interferes with the body’s natural sleep cycle. Your core temperature needs to drop slightly to trigger sleep, but when it’s hot, this cooling process is delayed. As a result, you may toss and turn or wake up frequently throughout the night. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, THC was found to help individuals fall asleep more quickly and reduce the frequency of nighttime awakenings. For those tossing and turning on hot nights, this could offer much-needed relief.

Cannabis can also help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock is sensitive to external factors like light and temperature. When high summer temperatures throw your body off balance, cannabis may help reset that rhythm, especially when consumed about an hour before bedtime. Many users also report that cannabis helps reduce anxiety and restlessness—two major obstacles to sleep that are often amplified in uncomfortable heat. Strains high in myrcene, a naturally sedating terpene found in some cannabis varieties, are particularly effective. Indica-dominant strains, known for their full-body calming effects, are often recommended for nighttime use. Moreover, cannabis may improve REM sleep, the phase associated with dreaming and deep rest. A 2008 review published in Sleep suggests that cannabis can reduce REM sleep, potentially minimizing vivid dreams or nightmares that interrupt rest, while increasing time spent in restorative non-REM sleep. Of course, as with any sleep aid, moderation is key. High doses of THC can sometimes cause grogginess the next day. It’s best to start with a small amount and work with a healthcare provider or dispensary expert to find the right strain and dosage. On hot summer nights when sleep feels impossible, cannabis offers a soothing, natural option to help you cool down, unwind, and drift into peaceful slumber.

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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