Cannabis and Cigarette Use Associated with Disrupted Rest-Activity Rhythms

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence has found that cannabis and cigarette use, with or without co-use, are associated with disrupted rest-activity rhythms (RAR) in US adults. The study, conducted by researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that cigarette use, with or without cannabis co-use, was associated with a decrease in Interdaily Stability (IS) scores, while decreased relative amplitude (RA) scores were associated with respondents who used cigarettes, with or without cannabis use. Additionally, all exposure categories, including co-use, were associated with decreased Intradaily Variability (IV) scores.

Key Takeaways:

  • 71% of participants reported no use of cannabis or cigarettes, while 15.7% consumed only cigarettes, 6.3% consumed only cannabis, and 6.7% endorsed dual consumption.
  • Cigarette use, with or without cannabis co-use, was associated with a decrease in Interdaily Stability (IS) scores.
  • Decreased relative amplitude (RA) scores were associated with respondents who used cigarettes, with or without cannabis use.
  • All exposure categories, including co-use, were associated with decreased Intradaily Variability (IV) scores.
  • The effects of co-use largely reflected the influence of cigarettes on RAR.

Statistics:

  • 5129 participants with valid RAR, as well as cigarette and cannabis use information, were included in the analysis.
  • 71% of participants reported no use of cannabis or cigarettes.
  • 15.7% of participants consumed only cigarettes.
  • 6.3% of participants consumed only cannabis.
  • 6.7% of participants endorsed dual consumption.
  • The study found significant associations between cigarette and cannabis use and disrupted RAR.

Sources:

  • Rest-activity rhythms in individuals who separately or concomitantly use cannabis and cigarettes. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2025;276:112907.
  • Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) News Release, October 21, 2025.