Nature and Science of Sleep (May 2022)
Is There a Place for Medicinal Cannabis in Treating Patients with Sleep Disorders? What We Know so Far
Abstract
Kathleen J Maddison,1,2 Christopher Kosky,1 Jennifer H Walsh1,2 1West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute, Department of Pulmonary Physiology & Sleep Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; 2Centre for Sleep Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, AustraliaCorrespondence: Jennifer H Walsh, West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute, Department of Pulmonary Physiology & Sleep Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Internal Mailbox 201, QEII Medical Centre, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia, Tel +61 6488 8694, Email [email protected]: The legalization of cannabis for medicinal, and in some countries, recreational, purposes in addition to growth in the cannabis industry has meant that cannabis use and interest in the area has increased rapidly over the past 20 years. Treatment of poor sleep and sleep disorders are two of the most common reasons for the current use of medicinal cannabis. However, evidence for the role of medical cannabis in the treatment of sleep disorders has not been clearly established, thus making it challenging for clinicians to make evidence-based decisions regarding efficacy and safety. This narrative review summarizes the highest quality clinical evidence currently available in relation to the use of medicinal cannabis for the treatment of sleep disorders including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, nightmare disorder and narcolepsy. A summary of the effect of cannabis on sleep quality and architecture is also presented. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of medicinal cannabis as an effective and safe treatment option for any sleep disorder. Nevertheless, emerging evidence is promising and warrants further investigation using standardized cannabinoid products and validated quantitative measurement techniques.Keywords: cannabinoid, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, REM behavior disorder, nightmare disorder
