Cannabis and sleep disorders

Dysomnias In fact, dysomnias

These refer to a group of sleep disorders that involve an alteration in the quality or quantity of sleep. It’s important to note that the causes are numerous. First, the origin can be emotional stress. Second, it can be due to a change in the individual’s sleep environment. For example, being in a hospital bed or having a snoring partner. Finally, it can also be due to a decrease in oxygen, perhaps during a stay at high altitude. Furthermore, the cause can also be the consumption of alcohol or medication. In addition, the causes can be narcolepsy. So, what are the symptoms of this category? We’ll list the main ones. Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

You fall asleep easily when you’re not trying to sleep. You wake up frequently during the night.

You wake up early in the morning.

• You have breathing problems during your sleep (at high altitude).
• You experience a decrease in sleep duration (due to drug, alcohol, or medication use).
• You exhibit excessive daytime sleepiness (as in narcolepsy).
• Parasomnias

In fact, parasomnias

are, according to Dr. Lyonel and Dr. Jacqueline, “(…) sleep disorders associated with nighttime awakenings, but without significant sleep disruption or altered alertness during the day.” From this perspective, it’s worth noting that, unlike the previous type, the causes here are not very precise. Nevertheless, we present the main symptoms associated with this category of disorder. Sleepwalking:

• It is neither sleep nor wakefulness. There are elements of wakefulness, since sleepwalkers can act and perform complex actions, and elements specific to sleep: these individuals have no awareness of what they are doing and generally no recollection of these episodes upon waking,” says Dr. Christophe Petiau, a neurologist at the Sleep Center of the Sainte Barbe Clinic in Strasbourg, in this article.Night terrors: which generally occur during the first few hours of the night, when sleep is deep.Bruxism: teeth grinding during sleep.
• Nocturnal enuresis: urinary incontinence during the night.
• Sleep disorders of psychiatric, neurological, or other medical origin.
• As the title clearly indicates, this category of disorders is very heterogeneous. Therefore, it would be risky for us to specify the potential causes and even their symptoms. A doctor’s opinion seems necessary in this case.

How can cannabis help relieve sleep disorders?

First of all, we want to We strongly advise you to be cautious. The suggestions that follow are in no way intended to replace or serve as a substitute for medical advice. They are simply one possible solution, among many, for sleep disorders. With that clarified, let’s get down to business!

To be precise, we are focusing on the molecules in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. These include, among others, THC and CBD.

Can the THC present in cannabis help with sleep disorders?

Indeed, the THC molecule

THC THC is well known for its significant effects on users. On the one hand, it promotes the release of dopamine, which plays a role in the feelings of euphoria and well-being. On the other hand, THC can lead to drowsiness (the urge to sleep). Furthermore, it (the molecule) can induce a feeling of fatigue. These three properties, combined, very often lead the user to a peaceful and deep sleep.

Regarding research or studies that support the idea that THC helps with sleep disorders, it must be said that they are few and far between. Nevertheless, a 2017 literature review* entitled “Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature” can serve as an illustration. Indeed, researchers found that CBD and THC were the two cannabinoids most frequently cited as sleep aids. Similarly, Dr. David Carley conducted a study** on THC and sleep apnea in human subjects. Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by frequent interruptions of breathing during sleep. He tested the effects of different doses of THC on 17 patients. He discovered an average reduction in symptoms of 32%. However, two points need clarification. First, taking large quantities of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or using it for extended periods can cause health problems and even lead to addiction. Second, its consumption is subject to specific regulations in each country. Therefore, we recommend that you consult your country’s regulations before doing anything. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises. Can CBD, found in cannabis, help with sleep disorders?

As mentioned above,

CBD

Like THC, cannabidiol (CBD) also interacts with the human endocannabinoid system. This molecule acts primarily on CB1 receptors in the nervous system, which, as with THC, promotes drowsiness.

CBD is also known for its ability to relax, soothe, and calm users. This helps the body fall asleep naturally, gently, and for an extended period.This molecule offers more advantages than THC. First, you can have or consume it without necessarily using cannabis, for those who wish. Second, its consumption is perfectly legal in many countries (for example, France). Finally, you don’t risk experiencing the side effects associated with THC mentioned above, particularly addiction and health problems. Furthermore, this molecule can be consumed in various forms, according to your preference: oil, drinks, food, etc. Furthermore, you can browse a catalog of CBD-rich products ideal for sleep disorders on CBD.fr.

Regarding research and studies related to taking CBD for sleep, we can mention a few. One study was published in the journal *Permanente* in 2019. Seventy-two adults suffering from anxiety and sleep disorders underwent anxiety and sleep assessments at the beginning of the study and during a one-month follow-up. Each participant received 25 mg of CBD in capsule form. Those who primarily experienced sleep problems took the dose in the evening, while participants whose predominant complaint was anxiety took CBD in the morning.

After the first month, anxiety scores decreased significantly in 79% of participants. Sleep scores improved in 66% of participants, indicating fewer sleep disturbances. Indeed, this case study could be encouraging for people who want to know if regular CBD use might also work for them.

Along the same lines, a survey*** (Consumer Reports) on CBD yielded results consistent with the previous one. In fact, it stated that 10% of respondents reported using cannabidiol as a sleep aid. In other words, according to them, CBD helps them sleep better. Furthermore, a study published in the journal *Medicines* involved 490 people suffering from insomnia. Data for this study was collected from June 2016 to May 2018. The aim was for participants to rate their insomnia symptoms on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most severe. Initially, symptoms were rated at an average of 6.6. Cannabis flower, consumed using various methods including vaping, pipes, and joints, was used as the treatment. The CBD potency averaged 5.7% and was limited to 30%. At the end of the treatment, participants rated their symptoms at an average of 2.2, a decrease of 4.5.

In addition, Dominic Day, a Saracen and former Welsh international rugby player, also tried CBD to improve his sleep. However, in his case, it was pain following an injury that was targeted. He stated, “I saw an article online about how CBD could relieve pain, and I thought I’d give it a try.” “Within a few days, I noticed I was sleeping better. I woke up feeling refreshed, and my recovery after training seemed faster.” Cannabis and Sleep Disorders: Some Uncertainties! Undoubtedly, the examples, research, and studies above support the idea that cannabis can help with sleep disorders. However, to conclude this article without addressing some unanswered questions would be biased. Indeed, certain aspects still require in-depth research to obtain precise scientific data that each consumer can use independently and safely.

First, let’s talk about dosage. Saying that the CBD and THC present in cannabis can help with sleep disorders is good. But being able to specify the exact dosage, depending on the user profile, is even better. As we all know, every body is unique. From this perspective, a dose of CBD + THC in person A will not necessarily have the same effect as in person B. Bodies and their functions are distinct. This aspect of the research requires further investigation.

Furthermore, is it only CBD and THC that can help with sleep disorders? It’s worth remembering that the cannabis plant contains around a hundred molecules, including terpenes and other components. Would CBD and THC molecules, used in isolation, always produce the same results? It’s difficult to answer this question definitively. In most cases, the product used (cannabis flowers, for example) contains both CBD and THC, as well as other components. Therefore, further research is crucial to pinpoint which specific components of the cannabis plant help with sleep disorders.

However, we choose to look on the bright side. While most research and studies suggest that cannabis can help with sleep disorders, This is not a coincidence. It would certainly be the case. All that is currently lacking is further research to reassure the skeptics.

Referenceshttps://www.doctissimo.fr/html/sante/encyclopedie/sa_844_troubles_du_sommeil.htm#