A study published in PLOS Mental Health reported that insomnia patients taking cannabis-based medical products reported better quality sleep after up to 18 months of treatment. The study provides significant potential value in developing therapeutic treatments for those who suffer from insomnia.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimated that 12% of adult Americans are diagnosed with chronic insomnia. Roughly one out of every three people report difficulty falling or staying asleep. Some pharmaceutical treatments can be costly or potentially addicting. Chronic insomnia negatively affects overall wellness and daily functioning, and it increases the risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other neurological and physical disorders. Treating insomnia can improve one’s overall mental wellness and quality of life.
The researchers analyzed a set of 124 insomnia patients taking medical cannabis products. The team examined patients’ reports of their sleep quality, anxiety/depression, and quality of life changes between one and 18 months of treatment. They also developed a case series by analyzing United Kingdom Medical Cannabis Registry (UKMCR) data from patients diagnosed with primary insomnia.
The participants reported improved sleep quality that lasted over the 18 months of treatment. They also showed significant improvements in anxiety/depression, as well as reporting less pain. Approximately nine percent of the patients experienced adverse effects such as fatigue, insomnia, or dry mouth. None of the side effects were life-threatening.
The 18-month study period indicated an association between treatment for insomnia with cannabis-based medicinal products and sustained improvements in subjective sleep quality and anxiety symptoms. The findings highlight the potential role of medical cannabis therapies to provide long-term efficacy. The study provided valuable data on patient outcomes and signs of potential tolerance over time. Patients should always discuss medical cannabis with their health care providers so that they can develop individualized treatment plans.
Sources: American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Eureka News Alert, PLOS Mental Health
