Dados do Trabalho

Título

CANNABIS USE AND INSOMNIA SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN – A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Introdução

Women are commonly subjected to insomnia and sleep complaints, directly interfering in their daily activities and reducing quality of life. A significant share of the population routinely uses cannabis, either in a recreational way or in a self-medication pattern. Current literature is controverse regarding the effects of cannabis use on sleep. Some studies attest it has sleep-inducing effects, while others show a reduced sleep quality. Evaluating the actual effects of cannabis use on sleep is important from a public health perspective, especially among women whose social and behavioral background might be a predisposing factor for use.

Objetivo

To evaluate the effects and association of cannabis use and insomnia symptoms among women of reproductive age.

Métodos

The initial sample comprised 2,055 women of reproductive age, from 18 to 40 years, who filled up an online questionnaire about sociodemographic data, drug use, and insomnia symptoms. Drug use was evaluated using an adaptation of ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test). Insomnia symptoms were evaluated using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and individuals were categorized according to symptoms severity (no, mild, moderate and severe). Exclusion criteria included self-reported use of alcohol (4 or more times/week), tobacco or any abuse drug other than cannabis. Cannabis use was categorized in five groups, according to the self-reported use pattern in the last 3 months (no use, once/twice, monthly, weekly or daily/almost daily). The effects of cannabis use were evaluated on ISI score (Kruskall-Wallis test) and on insomnia symptoms categories (χ² tests). Analyses were performed using Jamovi and significance level was established as p<0.05.

Resultados

A total of 1,758 women were included in this study. Among those, 1,578 (89.7%) reported no use of cannabis, 119 (6.7%) used it once/twice; 30 (1.7%) monthly; 20 (1.1%) weekly and 11 (0.6%) daily or almost daily. Insomnia symptoms were considered as mild in 659 participants (37.5%), moderate in 266 (15.1%) and severe in 32 (1.8%). No significant association between cannabis use and insomnia severity were observed (χ²=17.3; p=0.13). The average ISI score was of 8.8±5.7 and no statistically significant differences were observed among groups (p=0.51).

Conclusões

Insomnia symptoms among women of reproductive age was not associated with cannabis use.

Palavras-chave

Cannabis sativa, Sleep, Insomnia, Marijuana.