Why Do I Still Feel High After I Slept?

One of my favorite Dave Chappelle jokes is about the time he got so high, exercised, took a shower, napped, and woke up still high. To be fair, he was high on mushrooms, but that doesn’t mean folks haven’t gotten equally f**ked up on potent weed and cannabis concentrates.

Why Do You Still Feel High After Sleeping?

You may still feel high after sleeping because THC can remain in your system for hours or even days, depending on factors like dosage, metabolism, and your tolerance. During sleep, your body continues to process THC, but it can take longer for the effects to completely wear off. Additionally, if you consumed a potent strain or high dose, the lingering effects might keep you feeling relaxed or a little spacey after waking up.

When Is This More Likely to Happen?

Here are instances where you’re more likely to still feel high after waking up:

1. High THC Dosage: When you consume a large dose of THC, especially from edibles, the effects can last much longer than with smaller doses. Edibles take longer to process, and their effects can linger well into the next day.
2. Potent Strains: Some cannabis strains, particularly high-THC indicas, are known for their heavy, sedative effects. These can leave you feeling a bit “fuzzy” or drowsy the following day.
3. Edibles: Edibles are often more likely to leave lingering effects because they’re metabolized through the liver, converting THC into a more potent form (11-hydroxy-THC). This process can extend the high, making you feel it even after sleep.
4. Low Tolerance: If you’re new to cannabis or have a lower tolerance, even small amounts of THC can have long-lasting effects. Your body may take longer to break down the cannabinoids, leaving you feeling high the next day.
5. Late Consumption: If you consume cannabis late at night, especially in large quantities, your body may not have enough time to fully metabolize the THC before you sleep. This can cause you to feel residual effects the next day.
6. High CBD to THC Ratio: Some strains that are high in CBD (cannabidiol) combined with THC can lead to a prolonged, mellow high. CBD interacts with THC, sometimes extending the overall experience.
7. Consuming Cannabis Before Bed: Consuming cannabis just before bedtime may leave you with a “hangover” effect upon waking, particularly if you didn’t get a full night’s rest or if the strain was highly sedating.
8. Slow Metabolism: If you have a slower metabolism, your body might take longer to process and eliminate THC. This can cause you to feel the effects of cannabis longer than someone with a faster metabolism.

What to Do If You Wake Up Still High

1. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water or herbal tea to help flush the THC out of your system. Staying hydrated can also help reduce dry mouth and fatigue.
2. Eat Something Light: Having a snack, especially something with protein or healthy fats, can help stabilize your blood sugar and improve your energy levels, counteracting the sluggishness that can come with lingering effects. Heavy meals may slow digestion and delay your body ridding itself of THC’s effects.
3. Move Around: A bit of light exercise, like stretching or walking, can help boost your circulation and get your mind and body back to a more alert state.
4. Fresh Air: Step outside and get some fresh air. The change in environment and a breath of fresh air can help clear your head and make you feel more awake.
5. Caffeine: If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, a small amount of caffeine can help stimulate your central nervous system and give you a boost of energy to shake off the high.
6. Peppermint or Citrus Scents: The strong scents of peppermint or citrus can be energizing and help sharpen your focus. You can use essential oils or simply cut some fresh fruit to invigorate your senses.
7. Take a Cold Shower: A cold shower can help wake you up by shocking your system, which may help you feel more alert and reduce the effects of being high.

Tips for Avoiding Getting Too High

If you’ve experienced sleeping and waking high and hated it, use these tips to avoid a recurrence:

• Dose Carefully: To avoid lingering effects, start with a low dose of cannabis, especially if you’re consuming edibles or concentrates. This can help prevent a strong high that lasts longer than you’d like.
• Be Cautious with Edibles: Edibles take longer to digest and can produce a stronger, more lasting high. If you want to avoid feeling high after sleep, consider consuming edibles earlier in the day, or opt for smaller doses. Start with a low amount and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more, as the delayed onset can lead to overconsumption and prolonged effects.
• Avoid Consuming Late at Night: If you’re consuming cannabis before bed, try to do it at least a few hours before you sleep to give your body time to metabolize the THC before you drift off. This reduces the chances of waking up feeling high.
• Choose Strains Wisely: Go for strains with a more balanced THC-to-CBD ratio or those with a milder, relaxing effect rather than a sedative or heavy high. Sativa strains tend to be less likely to leave you feeling groggy compared to potent indicas.
• Monitor Your Tolerance: As your tolerance to cannabis increases, the duration of its effects may shorten. If you’re feeling consistently high after sleeping, it might be worth considering a tolerance break to reset how your body responds.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food before and after consuming cannabis. Staying hydrated helps your body process cannabinoids more efficiently, while a balanced meal can help mitigate extreme effects.
• Choose Daytime-Friendly Consumption Methods: If you’re concerned about the aftereffects, try methods that deliver more immediate effects, like vaping or smoking. These tend to wear off faster than edibles, which can be long-lasting.

What Should I Do If My High Won’t Come Down?

Well, firstly, don’t panic because that’ll likely make things worse. Instead, try to stay calm and remind yourself that the high will eventually wear off. Drink water, eat something light, and focus on breathing deeply to relax your body. If you’re feeling particularly uncomfortable, try to rest in a quiet space and distract yourself with calming activities like listening to music or watching something lighthearted. Going to work or doing anything else you had planned is probably off the table until the high passes.

If you still feel high hours after waking up, try consuming something with CBD to counteract the effects of THC. CBD can help balance out the high and reduce anxiety or discomfort. Find a comfortable, quiet spot to relax until the effects subside. Most importantly, remind yourself that the feeling will eventually pass, and stay hydrated throughout the process.

However, you should seek medical attention if you’re experiencing extreme anxiety, nausea, confusion, or chest pain that won’t subside. You should also seek medical attention if have severe or prolonged symptoms, like persistent vomiting or disorientation. In a nutshell, if you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to dial 911.