How does Marijuana disrupt your sleep?

Marijuana, specifically THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), disrupts the architecture of sleep and particularly blocks REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is the phase associated with dreaming. Users of THC might notice that they do not remember many of their dreams, and when they stop using THC, they may experience intense and vivid dreams due to a REM rebound effect. This effect occurs because REM sleep is suppressed during THC use, and the brain compensates by increasing REM sleep when THC is no longer present. Additionally, while THC can speed up the onset of sleep, it does so in a manner that is not ideal for natural sleep patterns, leading to less restorative sleep 1 2 3.