Medical Cannabis Against Insomnia

Medical cannabis has been found to have potential therapeutic benefits for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders. Cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which can interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex biological system that regulates various functions in the body, including sleep.

Some studies suggest that the cannabinoids found in cannabis, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), may help alleviate symptoms of insomnia by interacting with the ECS. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces a feeling of euphoria, while CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.

Research has shown that THC may help improve sleep by reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and increasing the amount of deep sleep, which is the most restorative stage of sleep. THC may also decrease the amount of REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep where we have the most vivid dreams. This can be helpful for people with conditions such as PTSD, who may experience nightmares during REM sleep.

CBD has also been found to have potential benefits for improving sleep. Some studies suggest that CBD may have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help people relax and fall asleep more easily. CBD may also help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common causes of insomnia.

It's worth noting that the effects of cannabis on sleep can vary depending on the individual and the specific strain of cannabis used. Some strains may have higher levels of THC or CBD, which can affect the way the cannabis interacts with the body's ECS. It's also important to note that using cannabis as a sleep aid may have some potential drawbacks, such as daytime drowsiness, impaired cognitive function, and the risk of addiction. It's important to talk to a healthcare professional before using medical cannabis for sleep or any other condition.

What Studies Exist to Support the Use of Cannabis Against Insomnia?

A study in 2008 suggested that consuming cannabis strains containing high levels of THC can decrease the duration of REM sleep, resulting in fewer dreams. This could be beneficial for individuals with PTSD who often experience nightmares. The idea is that less dreaming leads to more time spent in the restorative, restful phase of deep sleep. However, REM sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy cognitive and immune function, and long-term use of high-THC cannabis may have a negative impact on sleep quality.

According to April 2023 Forbes article

The hypothalamus has a significant role in regulating sleep-related functions, such as sleep patterns and body temperature. According to Dr Whitelocke, CBD can assist those with insomnia because it collaborates with the hypothalamus to manage stress. "Insomnia can occur due to an overactive stress response that spills over into our rest time when we aren't attempting to process conscious trauma," he told Forbes. "CBD can suppress this dysregulated stress hormone cycle and stabilize the sleep-wake rhythm by counteracting hormones."

In a study that examined the impact of cannabis on insomnia, researchers discovered that CBD was more effective in reducing symptoms of insomnia than delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is the most abundant active component in the cannabis sativa plant and has an intoxicating psychoactive impact.

Does cannabis for insomnia have side effects?

The side effects of using medical cannabis for pain, palliative, and cancer care can vary depending on the individual, the method of use, the dosage, and the type of cannabis used. 

It can range from Psychotropic effects like euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion to cognitive ones including issues related to memory, attention, and reaction time. Besides, smoking or inhaling cannabis can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and bronchitis. This can be a concern for patients with preexisting lung conditions.

Cannabis can also cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be problematic for patients with cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Key takeaways

• Medical cannabis, specifically the cannabinoids THC and CBD, have potential therapeutic benefits for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).

• THC can improve sleep by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, increasing deep sleep, and decreasing the amount of REM sleep. CBD can have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help people relax and fall asleep more easily and may alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Cannabis strains with high levels of THC can reduce the duration of REM sleep, which can be helpful for those with PTSD who experience nightmares during this stage of sleep. However, long-term use of high-THC cannabis may negatively impact sleep quality.