Long-Term Cannabis Use Impairs Memory by Affecting Sleep. Research reveals that prolonged marijuana consumption can indirectly harm memory by disrupting sleep quality. New findings from The University of Texas at Dallas show that sleep disruption caused by cannabis use plays a key role in memory loss. The study shows that cannabis-related memory issues are mainly due to poor sleep rather than brain damage.
Researchers found that adults with Cannabis Use Disorder experienced significant sleep disruption, And Slow-wave sleep, critical for spatial memory and hippocampal function, was notably reduced. This decline in sleep quality weakened the brain’s ability to retain information, causing cognitive impairment from cannabis.
Interestingly, the research found that spatial memory deficits exceeded verbal memory problems in severity. Long-term marijuana use affected the ability to navigate and remember locations, highlighting how cannabis alters specific sleep phases. Dr. Francesca Filbey emphasized that adolescents and young adults face higher risks. Since the brain matures until 25, early cannabis use may also raise dependence, tolerance, and sleep issues.
These findings suggest that relying on cannabis for sleep may backfire. Users risk impaired memory retention, cognitive decline, and disrupted sleep cycles. As cannabis legalization effects expand across the U.S., understanding these risks becomes vital. The UT Dallas cannabis study provides critical insight for public awareness and healthier sleep habits.
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Long-term cannabis use impairs memory by affecting sleep, causing cognitive impairment and spatial memory deficits, a study shows.
