How to Fall Asleep High Safely
A step-by-step guide to relaxing and falling asleep while high using sleep sounds, rain audio, meditation, and sleep-quality tactics. Includes
Overview
how to fall asleep high is a common question for people who use cannabis and want to turn a heightened state into restful sleep. This guide gives practical, safety-focused steps you can follow tonight: preparing your bedroom, setting up rain and ambient audio, using breathing and guided meditation, and troubleshooting wakefulness or anxiety.
What you will learn: how to create a low-stimulation environment, pick and configure sleep sounds (rain audio), run short meditations and progressive muscle relaxation, and run quick checks to confirm the approach is working.
Why it matters:
people who are high can feel either drowsy or anxious; targeted habits turn that state into restorative sleep rather than restless hours.
Prerequisites: you should be legally using cannabis in your location, be in a safe environment (not driving), have a device for playing audio, and not be operating heavy machinery. Time estimate: initial setup 10-20 minutes; the full routine 20-45 minutes depending on meditation length.
Step 1:
Create a safe, sleep-ready environment
Action: Make your sleeping area low-stimulation and physically comfortable.
Why: Reducing sensory input and physical discomfort helps brain activity slow and lets the effects of cannabis favor sleep rather than alertness.
How to do it:
- Dim or turn off lights; use a warm night lamp or blackout curtains.
- Set room temperature to 60-68 F (15-20 C) if possible.
- Put phone on Do Not Disturb; place it face down or in another room.
- Have water beside the bed and dispose of any open containers.
- Move pets or turn off noisy devices that could wake you.
Expected outcome: A calm, steady environment that reduces startle responses and supports drowsiness.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Room still feels bright. Fix: Use an eye mask or tape a towel over a light source temporarily.
- Problem: Noise from outside. Fix: Add a rain audio or white noise track at low volume (see Step 2).
- Problem: Too hot or cold. Fix: add/remove layers, adjust thermostat, use fan for white noise.
⏱️ ~10 minutes
Step 2:
how to fall asleep high - set sleep sounds and rain audio
Action: Choose and configure sleep audio that matches your preference and sensitivity.
Why: Steady, non-intrusive sounds like rain, pink noise, or low-level ambient tracks reduce reactivity and promote deeper sleep cycles when paired with relaxation.
How to do it:
- Pick a reliable app or source: Calm, Insight Timer, Spotify playlists (search “rain sleep”), YouTube long-form rain recordings, or local files.
- Set volume low to medium - loud enough to mask spikes, quiet enough not to demand attention.
- If you have sensitive ears, use stereo but avoid sudden panning or sharp transitions.
- For local files on desktop, loop a rain file using a simple player or command.
Example commands (desktop):
# macOS or Linux with ffplay (install ffmpeg)
ffplay -nodisp -loop 0 rain.mp3
# VLC command-line loop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
cvlc --loop rain.mp3
Expected outcome: Continuous, calming background sound that masks interruptions and anchors attention.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Tracks have sudden spikes or ads. Fix: use paid versions or local files, enable ad-free playlists, and preview long-form tracks first.
- Problem: Volume wakes you. Fix: lower volume, use a timer to fade after you fall asleep, or use an app with sleep fade.
- Problem: Rain audio makes you more alert. Fix: try pink noise, heartbeat sounds, or soft binaural ambient pads (avoid binaural beats if you have seizures).
⏱️ ~10 minutes
Step 3:
Use breathing and progressive muscle relaxation
Action: Follow a short breathing routine and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) to lower physiological arousal.
Why: Cannabis can alter heart rate and create restlessness; intentional breathing and PMR shift the nervous system toward parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) mode.
How to do it:
- Breathing - 4-6-8 pattern: inhale 4 seconds, hold 2 seconds, exhale 8 seconds. Repeat 6-8 times.
- Body scan PMR: from toes to head, tense a muscle group for 5 seconds, then release for 10 seconds, noticing the release.
- Keep your jaw, hands, shoulders, and belly as the focus areas if you feel tight.
Expected outcome: Slower breathing, reduced muscle tension, and a heavier, more grounded body sensation that encourages sleep.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Mind jumps around. Fix: reduce breath count and focus on physical sensations rather than thoughts; label the thought “thinking” and return to breath.
- Problem: Lightheaded from breathing. Fix: use slower counts (inhale 3, exhale 6) and avoid hyperventilation.
- Problem: Muscle cramps during PMR. Fix: reduce tension level and focus on long, slow stretching instead.
⏱️ ~15 minutes
Step 4:
Guided sleep meditation and visualization
Action: Use a recorded guided sleep meditation or a short visualization script tailored to relaxation.
Why: Guided narratives shift attention away from racing thoughts and into calm imagery, which supports transition into sleep while high.
How to do it:
- Choose a guided sleep track (Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer, YouTube “sleep meditation 20 min”).
- If you prefer DIY, use this 6-line visualization script: imagine a warm, safe room; notice weight in limbs; visualize a slow rain on a tin roof; count breaths as clouds passing; allow the scene to dim and drift.
- Set the audio to fade after 20-30 minutes or stop when you feel asleep.
Expected outcome: Reduced mental chatter, a calming mental image, and gentle drift into sleep.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Voice is distracting. Fix: try a different narrator or a non-verbal ambient track with soft tones.
- Problem: Meditation triggers anxiety. Fix: switch to shorter sessions (5-7 minutes) and combine with breathing exercises first.
- Problem: Guided track has abrupt silence. Fix: choose long-form tracks labeled “sleep” or enable a slow fade.
⏱️ ~10-25 minutes
Step 5:
Adjust position, supports, and micro-actions for comfort
Action: Find and lock in a comfortable sleeping position and small physical adjustments that help stay asleep.
Why: Even small physical discomforts can trigger wakefulness, especially when high increases sensitivity to sensations.
How to do it:
- Test positions: side with pillow between knees, back with a small pillow under knees, or stomach with thin pillow. Keep the position you prefer.
- Use supportive pillows for neck and lower back; consider an eye mask and light blanket for pressure comfort.
- Take one small sip of water if dry mouth is an issue. Avoid screens and bright lights.
- If repetitive thoughts persist, have a short “worry pad” next to the bed: write one sentence and close the pad.
Expected outcome: Reduced need to adjust in bed, less sensory irritation, and steady sleep posture that supports deeper rest.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Dry mouth wakes you. Fix: keep water nearby but sip only a little to avoid bathroom trips.
- Problem: Need to urinate shortly after. Fix: empty bladder before starting the routine.
- Problem: Temperature changes. Fix: add or remove a layer; a fan can create steady white noise too.
⏱️ ~5-10 minutes
Step 6:
Manage anxiety or wakefulness safely
Action: Have brief strategies to respond if you remain awake or feel anxious while high.
Why: Panic or rumination can escalate and disrupt sleep; structured short actions prevent escalation and keep you safe.
How to do it:
- If you cannot sleep after 20-30 minutes, get out of bed and do a low-stimulation activity (sit in dim light, sip herbal tea, return to breathing).
- Use grounding techniques: 5-4-3-2-1 sensory check (name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, etc.).
- If cannabis anxiety is frequent, consider speaking with a healthcare provider about adjusting timing or strain, or trying CBD-first strategies. Do not mix with alcohol or sedatives without medical advice.
Expected outcome: Reduced panic, clearer thinking, and increased probability of returning to bed sleepy rather than frustrated.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Getting up leads to full alertness. Fix: stay in dim lighting and avoid screens; keep activity calm and short.
- Problem: Persistent racing thoughts. Fix: do a 5-minute brain dump on paper and return to bed.
- Problem: Frequent night wakings. Fix: track the pattern and discuss with a clinician—sleep apnea or medication interactions may be factors.
⏱️ ~10 minutes per intervention
Testing and Validation
Use this checklist to validate the routine worked tonight:
- Did you fall asleep within 30-45 minutes of starting the routine?
- Did you remain asleep for at least one continuous 90-minute sleep cycle?
- Did your perceived anxiety or racing thoughts decrease during the breathing and meditation steps?
- Did the audio remain steady and not wake you?
If you answer yes to most items, the approach is effective. Keep a simple sleep log for 7 nights recording start time, wake times, perceived sleep quality (1-5), and any medications or cannabis timing. Patterns across a week validate whether adjustments are needed.
Common Mistakes
- Using screens or bright lights right before bed - this raises alertness and confuses circadian cues. Avoid screens for 30-60 minutes before sleep.
- Playing audio that has ads or abrupt transitions - these spikes can wake or trigger alertness. Use long-form, ad-free audio or local loops.
- Overdosing or mixing substances to force sleep - combining alcohol, sedatives, or high THC without medical advice increases health risks. Use harm-reduction: lower doses and consistent timing.
- Ignoring repeated poor outcomes - if sleep remains poor for multiple nights, consult a healthcare provider to check interactions, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
FAQ
Is It Safe to Fall Asleep High?
For many people in legal settings, it is safe if done responsibly: use a known dose, avoid mixing with alcohol or other sedatives, and be in a safe environment. If you have heart conditions, respiratory issues, or mental health concerns, consult a clinician.
Will Sleep Sounds or Rain Audio Interfere with Dreams?
No, gentle continuous sounds usually do not prevent dreaming and often help deepen initial sleep stages. If you notice fragmented dreams, try lowering volume or switching to pink noise.
What If I Get Anxious When High and Cannot Calm Down?
Stop any stimulating activity, move to a dim, safe space, and use grounding and breathing exercises. If anxiety is frequent, consider using lower THC, higher CBD options, or ask a healthcare provider about alternatives.
How Long Should I Wait Between Using Cannabis and Bedtime?
Timing varies by product. As a rule, allow enough time for the initial peak to settle; many people aim for 30-90 minutes before bedtime. Track how long it takes you personally and adjust.
Consult a professional for dosing advice.
Can I Use Binaural Beats or is That Risky?
Binaural beats can aid relaxation for some people but may be unsuitable for those with seizure disorders or sensitivity to sound patterns. Use caution and consult a medical professional if you have a history of seizures.
Next Steps
Repeat the routine for at least 5-7 nights to identify what elements consistently help. Keep a simple log of timing, audio choices, meditation length, and how you felt in the morning. If sleep quality does not improve after two weeks or you experience severe anxiety, daytime sleepiness, or other concerning symptoms, schedule a visit with a sleep specialist or your healthcare provider to review medications, substance interactions, and possible underlying sleep disorders.
Further Reading
Recommended
Fall asleep faster with our premium sleep sounds — Rain, meditation, and bedtime stories on the App Store.
