In recent years, marijuana has become more accepted into the medical community as an aid for certain health problems, including mental health disorders and muscle-related issues. In some cases, people use it as a way to manage symptoms surrounding bad sleep habits–but is it the best medicine for sleep apnea?
Marijuana, in some cases, may help manage the symptoms of sleep apnea. Some individuals have said that its sedative effects have helped them wind down and stay asleep through the night. However, no scientific studies support a connection with marijuana’s efficacy as an approach to sleep apnea.
If you’re exploring alternative solutions to deal with your sleep apnea, like using a nose mask for sleep apnea or applying castor oil for sleep apnea, you can get our book, Sleep Apnea Solution, for ideas!
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at current evidence surrounding marijuana as an approach to sleep apnea.
Marijuana and Sleep Apnea
The research around how marijuana can help patients with sleep apnea is still ongoing. Marijuana comes in different strains–with some posing stimulative effects–while others have a more sedative impact. The former is believed to potentially bring positive results to those suffering from sleep-related ailments.
The findings of a study titled, Pharmacotherapy of Apnea by Cannabimimetic Enhancement, the PACE Clinical Trial: Effects of Dronabinol in Obstructive Sleep Apnea found that a synthetic version of dronabinol–a molecule found in cannabis plants–is safe for use in instances of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The results support the therapeutic potential of marijuana (cannabinoids) in patients with OSA.
Dronabinol was associated with a lower overall apnea-hypopnea index (AHI–the scale that measures sleep apnea), better self-reported sleepiness, and greater overall satisfaction with the treatment method. That said, the study recognizes that larger-scale clinical trials are still necessary for more accurate approaches to cannabinoid therapy for sleep apnea.
Another investigation showed that combining the agent oleamide (a fatty amide derived from oleic acid) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC–the main active ingredient of cannabis) helps stabilize respiration in all sleep stages. Patients experiencing nightmares who were previously diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also responded well to synthetic cannabis medicine, with responses saying that they experienced a reduced frequency of nightmares.
The paper also supports the claim that synthetic dronabinol can be recommended as a short-term approach for sleep apnea. It concludes that additional research is necessary for more definitive answers.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s Position Statement
In 2018, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine published a position statement stating that medical cannabis and/or its synthetic extracts should not be used as an approach for sleep apnea due to “unreliable delivery methods and insufficient evidence of effectiveness, tolerability, and safety.”
It goes on to say that OSA should be excluded from the list of chronic medical conditions for state medical cannabis programs, encouraging patients with OSA to instead discuss their options with licensed medical providers at accredited sleep facilities.
Alternatives to Marijuana for Sleep Apnea
Marijuana poses several benefits for different kinds of patients, including those dealing with sleep apnea. However, because the extent of its effects has not been thoroughly studied, it’s best to find alternative methods to manage the symptoms of the sleep disorder.
Our Sleep Apnea Solution book provides you with various resources that you can try to enhance natural sleep. This resource gives you access to breathing exercises, diet recommendations, circadian rhythm upgrades, and other methods to approach your sleep apnea naturally. You can also check out our guide for sleep apnea supplements that you can take to help overcome your nighttime issues!
