Cannabis and sleep disorders

Better understanding sleep disorders

In fact, according to Science et Avenir, a sleep disorder is a dysfunction of the sleep cycle. In other words, a disruption of your sleep habits. That said, is there only one type or several? To answer this question, we consulted two qualified professionals: Dr. Jacqueline Rossant-Lumbrossot (general practitioner) and Dr. Lyonel Rossant (pediatrician), via Doctissimo. They distinguish three main categories: dyssomnias, parasomnias, and finally, sleep disorders of psychiatric, neurological, or other medical origin.

Dysomnias

In fact, dyssomnia refers to a range of sleep disorders characterized by 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, such as being in a hospital bed or having a snoring partner. Finally, it can also be caused by a decrease in oxygen levels, perhaps during a stay at high altitude. Furthermore, the cause can also be alcohol or medication use. In addition, narcolepsy can also be a contributing factor.

That being said, what are the symptoms in 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 have a decrease in sleep duration (in case of drug, alcohol or medication use).
• You experience excessive daytime sleepiness (a case of 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 should be added 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 acts, and elements specific to sleep: people have no awareness of what they are doing and generally no memory of these episodes upon waking,” says Dr. Christophe Petiau, a neurologist attached to the Sleep Center of the Sainte Barbe clinic in Strasbourg, in this article.
• Night terrors: which usually occur during the first 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 origin or related to other diseases

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?

From the outset, we want to strongly caution you. 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 problems. With that out of the way, let's get down to business!

To be precise, we target the cannabis molecules that interact with the individual's endocannabinoid system. These include, among others, THC and CBD.

Can the THC present in cannabis help with sleep disorders?

Indeed, the 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 producing feelings of euphoria and well-being. On the other hand, THC can lead to drowsiness (a desire to sleep). Furthermore, it can also induce a feeling of fatigue. These three properties, combined, very often lead the user into a deep and restful sleep.

Regarding research or studies supporting the idea that THC helps with sleep disorders, it must be said that they are few and far between. In fact, they are rare. Nevertheless, a 2017 literature review* entitled "Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature" can serve as an illustration here. Indeed, the 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 things need to be clarified. 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 the CBD found in cannabis help with sleep disorders?

As mentioned above, CBD, like THC, also interacts with the human endocannabinoid system. This molecule acts primarily on CB1 receptors in the nervous system, which, as with THC, promotes drowsiness.

Cannabidiol (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 the previous one. First, you can possess or consume it without necessarily touching cannabis, for those who wish to do so. 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.

Moreover, you can browse a catalogue of rich products CBD- ideal for sleep disorders on CBD.fr.

Regarding research and studies related to using CBD for sleep, we can mention a few. One study was published in the Journal Permanente in 2019. Seventy-two adults with 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. Those whose primary complaint was sleep problems took the dose in the evening, while those whose main 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, pipe smoking, and joints, constituted the treatment used. The CBD potency averaged 5.7% and was limited to 30%. At the end of the study, participants rated their symptoms at an average of 2.2, a decrease of 4.5.

Furthermore, 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."