Sleep is a vital function of the nervous system that contributes to brain and bodily homeostasis, energy levels, cognitive ability, and other key functions of a variety of organisms. Dysfunctional sleep induces neural problems and is a key part of almost all human psychiatric disorders including substance abuse disorders. The hypnotic effects of cannabis have long been known and there is increasing use of phytocannabinoids and other formulations as sleep aids. Thus, it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the neurobiological basis of cannabis drug effects on sleep, as well as the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in sleep physiology. In this review article, we summarize the current state of knowledge concerning sleep-related endogenous cannabinoid function derived from research on humans and rodent models. We also review information on acute and chronic cannabinoid drug effects on sleep in these organisms, and molecular mechanisms that may contribute to these effects. We point out the potential benefits of acute cannabinoids for sleep improvement, but also the potential sleep-disruptive effects of withdrawal following chronic cannabinoid drug use. Prescriptions for future research in this burgeoning field are also provided.

睡眠是神经系统的一项重要功能，有助于大脑和身体的稳态、能量水平、认知能力和多种生物体的其他关键功能。睡眠障碍会引发神经问题，并且是几乎所有人类精神疾病（包括药物滥用疾病）的关键部分。大麻的催眠作用早已为人所知，并且越来越多地使用植物大麻素和其他制剂作为助眠剂。因此，更好地了解大麻药物对睡眠影响的神经生物学基础以及内源性大麻素系统在睡眠生理学中的作用至关重要。在这篇综述文章中，我们总结了来自人类和啮齿动物模型研究的有关睡眠相关内源性大麻素功能的知识现状。我们还回顾了有关大麻素药物对这些生物体睡眠的急性和慢性影响的信息，以及可能导致这些影响的分子机制。我们指出了急性大麻素对改善睡眠的潜在益处，但也指出了长期使用大麻素药物后戒断的潜在睡眠干扰作用。还为这个新兴领域的未来研究提供了建议。