Treating Insomnia with Medicinal Cannabis

According to the Canadian Sleep Society “One-third of the adult population reports insomnia symptoms, and for about one third of them (10% of the population), it is a persistent problem that impairs daytime functioning. Insomnia is more common among women, older adults, shift workers, and people with medical or psychological disorders.”

Insomnia is difficult to cope with but it is especially debilitating when one also struggles with anxiety. Those who have anxiety already suffer from physical and mental distress, so sleep is especially imperative to give the body a chance to recover from the extra stresses anxiety brings. It is very important that anxiety sufferers find ways to manage their insomnia!Many insomniacs try prescription sleeping pills, but many come with side effects like: headaches, depression, dizziness, daytime drowsiness, unusual dreams, aggression and anxiety. Also sleeping pills are meant for short term use and unfortunately for most people insomnia is not a short term disorder.

For patients looking for relief without pharmaceuticals, it appears that medicinal Cannabis may be a more natural alternative to conventional sleep medications and without the horrendous side effects. Although very few studies have been done recently a US study published in 1973 where test subjects given THC in 10, 20 and 30 mg doses once a week for a total of six weeks. The results of the study showed each dose of THC reduced the time it took the subjects to fall asleep and the most effective dose seemed to be 20 mg of THC which was found to reduce the time the subject took to fall asleep by more than an hour. And once the subject fell asleep, the sleep was not interrupted significantly through the night.

Article Sources
Canadian Sleep Society
Calm Clinic
Springer Link