Does Vaping Affect Sleep?

One of the lesser known side effects of vaping is struggling to fall and stay asleep. Vaping is often regarded as worse than smoking when it comes to sleep (despite being better for you in all other respects). This doesn't mean you should go back to smoking though! read on for the practical steps you can take to combat this issue and sleep easier.

Why does vaping affect sleep quality?

Vaping affects sleep quality for three primary reasons;

  • Nicotine is a stimulant: This means immediately after vaping you will feel a temporary increase in energy and concentration. Due to this, vaping right before sleeping may keep you awake later than you planned due to the extra energy you feel.

  • Nicotine withdrawal overnight: Long-term vapers may begin to feel the effects of nicotine withdrawal just four hours after last vaping. Going through nicotine withdrawal while asleep can be enough to wake you up mid REM cycle, disrupting your sleep and making it difficult to fall asleep again.

  • Nicotine absorption speed: Nicotine is absorbed more slowly when vaped, meaning it takes longer for the effects to fully wear off. Additionally, with vaping you may find you vape more than you used to smoke due to both the lower levels of nicotine absorption and because it is a lot easier to vape inside.

  • Nicotine causes sleep disturbances: Vapers have reported experiencing sleep disturbances such as night terrors, and sleep paralysis more frequently when vaping. These issues are thought to be mainly caused by the physical and mental effects of nicotine withdrawal.

How can I sleep better after vaping?

There are several practical steps you can take to help you sleep better after vaping:

  • Stop vaping at least 3 hours before sleeping. Vaping before bed keeps your brain on high alert so ensure you stop well before you intend to sleep.

  • Reduce the nicotine concentration of your e-liquids. Vaping with lesser amounts of nicotine does not stimulate the brain as much.

  • Hydrate. Vaping can dehydrate you, drying your airways and causing snoring which in turn can wake you during the night. To keep dryness and inflammation of the airways to a minimum, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.

  • Don't nap. When cutting down on nicotine/quitting vaping, you may feel extra tired during the day, avoid the urge to nap as this can make falling asleep at night harder.
frequently asked questions

There is no evidence that vaping can cause you to develop sleep aponea, but sleep aponea patients are recommended to avoid smoking or vaping because it can worsen their condition. Sleep aponea is affected by vaping because vaping contributes to the inflammation of the airways.

No, a majority of vapers find vaping actually worsens their sleep quality, especially when first switching.

Yes, reducing the nicotine content of your e-liquid should help you sleep better, as less nicotine stimulates you less. This is especially the case with zero nicotine e-liquids.

Yes, issues sleeping is a common side effect of quitting vaping. This is because nicotine withdrawal typically causes sleep disturbances.

Yes, vaping disrupts sleep in 3 ways: it can cause issues falling asleep, staying asleep, and can cause nightmares.

Some vapers have reported lucid dreaming (very vivid dreams they can control) as well as sleep paralysis (being unable to move upon waking up, and sometimes accompanied by visual and auditory hallucinations) and nightmares. Don't panic, sleep paralysis is a temporary phenomenon which happens in the intersection between sleep and wakefulness.

CBD is attributed as being good for relaxation and sleep, but if combined with nicotine (a stimulant) may be less effective at relaxing you. CBD e-liquids should be nicotine-free for this reason.

Unfortunately, yes vaping can cause some negative effects like nightmares and sleep terrors. This is caused by nicotine.