How cannabis use affects sleep in women of childbearing age
Official title: The role of stress physiology and reproductive hormones in the relationship between cannabis use and sleep in women of childbearing age
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10985302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using recreational cannabis affects sleep in women who can have children, especially how it changes during different times of their menstrual cycle, to help clear up any confusion about whether cannabis really helps with sleep.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $443,263 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA061291-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of childbearing age who use cannabis recreationally and have regular menstrual cycles.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or those with irregular menstrual cycles may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of recreational cannabis use on sleep patterns in women of childbearing age. It employs advanced biomedical technologies to measure brain and body activity during sleep, focusing on how these effects may vary throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle. The study will involve 100 participants and will analyze the relationship between cannabis use, sleep behavior, and physiological responses, particularly in relation to reproductive hormones. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to clarify the effects of cannabis on sleep and address misconceptions about its use as a sleep aid.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into the effects of cannabis on sleep, leading to better-informed health decisions for women.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on cannabis and sleep in women, similar studies on cannabis effects have shown promising results, indicating a need for further exploration in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spaeth, Andrea Marie — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Spaeth, Andrea Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.