Cannabinoids Insomnia & Sleep Apnea Research with CBD THC in the Human Circadian Cycle
How did you sleep last night?
A recent report from the Sleep Foundation Organization discovered that between ‘30% and 48% adults (20+) suffer from insomnia.’ Considering the impact insomnia and sleep apnea have on the circadian sleep cycle has inspired new research on the potential use of medical cannabis as an alternative treatment for sleep disorders.
· 30-40% of adults suffer from insomnia
· Almost 50% of adults report sleepiness during the day
· Over 35% of adults in the U.S. sleep less than 7 hours per night
Note: studies suggest that women have a lifetime risk of insomnia that is 40% higher than men.
Can Cannabis Have Therapeutic Potential for Insomnia & Sleep Apnea Treatments?
Legalization of medical cannabis has allowed for more in-depth scientific inquiries into the many uses of the cannabis sativa plant, hemp, more specifically, cannabinoids, CBD and THC. While much remains to be learned, the ‘Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature’ shines light on what may be the future.
Recent findings:
Preliminary research into cannabis and insomnia suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may decrease sleep latency but could impair sleep quality long-term. Novel studies investigating cannabinoids and obstructive sleep apnea suggest that synthetic cannabinoids such as nabilone and dronabinol may have short-term benefit for sleep apnea due to their modulatory effects on serotonin-mediated apneas. CBD may hold promise for REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness, while nabilone may reduce nightmares associated with PTSD and may improve sleep among patients with chronic pain. Research on cannabis and sleep is in its infancy and has yielded mixed results. Additional controlled and longitudinal research is critical to advance our understanding of research and clinical implications. Babson KA, Sottile J, Morabito D. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017 Apr;19(4):23. doi: 10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9. PMID: 28349316.
Keywords: Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Insomnia; Sleep; Sleep apnea; THC; CBD
What are the Circadian Rhythms?
Our bodies, like that of most living things on earth, follow a 24-hour cycle that include natural mental, physical, and behavioral changes. Plants, animals and microbes also have circadian rhythms.
What happens when circadian rhythms are upset?
Lack of sleep can have a negative impact on our minds, bodies, and moods. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, some of the most cited grievances include the following:
· Cognitive and behavioral changes
· Diminished focus
· Lack of vigilance
· Inability to maintain attention
· Loss of some motor skills
· Loss of memory
What are Sleep Disorders?
Problems beginning or staying asleep.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Did you know that a person can stop breathing for up to 20 seconds while trying to sleep? This is what defines sleep apnea. During sleep apnea, our bodies experience moments of ‘complete or partial upper airway blockage during sleep.’ The diaphragm and chest muscles work harder as the pressure increases to open the airway.
What is Sleep Paralysis?
Imagine not being able to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. Sleep paralysis has several suggested causes; sleep deprivation, irregular sleep patterns, family history, and other causes.
What is Sleep Hygiene?
Over the course of human history, many cultures have developed practices to help with sound sleep.
5-Steps to Better Sleep Hygiene
Avoid caffeine before bed
Exercise during the day (talk a walk)
Meditate or practice calming exercise before bed (relax)
Reduce noise and light levels, this includes the ‘blue light’ given off by mobile phones and smart devices (turn off)
Establish consistent wake-up and bedtime routines
Medical Cannabis Doctors Near You
Before starting a medical cannabis treatment, speak with your medical doctor. If you have questions, OMNI Medical Services has over a decade of experience working with cannabis, CBD, and THC. Call toll-free 1-800-470-008 today or request a callback to talk with a friendly medical cannabis doctor near you.
Order physician recommended CBD products online.