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Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can actually disrupt your sleep pattern and cause greater sleep problems to arise.According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States.

In fact, usage among adolescents has been on the rise since 2007. Many states have legalized marijuana usage; but, do you really know what it's doing to your health?

A study conducted by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania suggests marijuana usage could be associated with impaired sleep quality, especially if you've been using the drug since your teenage years.

Prior studies have shown that many use marijuana as a sleep and stress aid to help relax. However, recent research suggests that marijuana can actually disrupt your sleep pattern and cause greater sleep problems.

The researchers used adults ranging from 20-59 years old that responded to a 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In this survey, a history of marijuana usage was assessed (participants' history of the drug, age of their first time using the drug, number of times used in the past month, etc.).

Researchers found that those who had a history of marijuana use also experienced an increased difficulty of falling asleep, struggled to stay asleep, experienced non-restorative sleep, and felt tired throughout the day.

What else do you need to know about marijuana and your quality of sleep?

Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry, Michael Grandner, PhD, further discusses this study, other side effects of marijuana that could be implementing your health and how marijuana could be getting in your way of a good night's sleep.