Can Cannabis Help You Sleep? Here’s the Science | Jen Walsh | TED

Summary

The video script discusses the complex relationship between cannabis and sleep, particularly in treating insomnia. It highlights the historical use of cannabis and the recent scientific understanding of its chemical compounds, such as THC and CBD. The speaker, a sleep physiologist, explains the potential benefits of cannabinoids for various health conditions, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety. A study conducted by the Center for Sleep Science at the University of Western Australia in collaboration with Zyller Therapeutics is mentioned, which investigated the effects of a cannabinoid medication on chronic insomnia in 24 participants. The study found that while laboratory results were inconclusive, participants reported improved sleep and restfulness when using a smartwatch to measure sleep at home. However, the script emphasizes the need for more research due to the limited scope and sample size of the study. It also cautions against the use of cannabis for sleep due to legal restrictions, potential health risks, and the variability in individual responses to cannabinoids. The speaker concludes by stressing the importance of further evidence and scientific understanding before recommending cannabis as a treatment for sleep disorders.

Takeaways

• 🌿 **Cannabis History**: Cannabis has been used for over 5,000 years for various purposes including clothing, building materials, religious ceremonies, and health benefits.
• 🧪 **Chemical Complexity**: The cannabis plant contains hundreds of chemical compounds, including cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, which have different effects on the human body.
• 🚫 **Legal Status**: Despite its long history of use, cannabis was illegal in most countries until the late 1990s, which has limited scientific research until recently.
• 💊 **Medicinal Uses**: There is solid evidence that cannabinoids can treat conditions like epilepsy, nausea from cancer treatments, chronic pain, and improve appetite in HIV/AIDS patients.
• 💤 **Sleep and Cannabis**: Some studies suggest that cannabis may help with sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
• 📈 **Study Findings**: A study involving 24 participants found that cannaboid medication led to an average of 33 minutes more sleep per night and less wakefulness, along with reported improvements in sleep quality.
• 🚬 **Health Risks**: Smoking cannabis, like smoking cigarettes, can have negative long-term health consequences, and there are safer ways to consume it.
• 🌍 **Global Legality**: Cannabis remains illegal in most countries, so its use as a sleep aid is not universally accessible or recommended without proper regulation and medical supervision.
• 🧘‍♂️ **Alternative Treatments**: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a well-established treatment, though it can be time-consuming and difficult to access.
• 🧪 **Variable Responses**: People's responses to cannabinoids can vary widely, which complicates the use of cannabis as a one-size-fits-all treatment for insomnia.
• 🔬 **Need for More Research**: The current evidence base is limited, and more extensive, diverse studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using cannabinoids for insomnia.

Q & A

How long has cannabis been used by humans?

Cannabis has been used by humans for at least 5,000 years for various purposes including making clothes, building materials, religious ceremonies, and for its health benefits.

What are the two most well-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant?

The two most well-known cannabinoids are Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known for its intoxicating properties, and Cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-intoxicating.

What is the primary reason for the intoxicating effect of cannabis?

The primary reason for the intoxicating effect of cannabis is the presence of THC, which is what people tend to seek out when using cannabis for recreational purposes.

What are endocannabinoids and where are they produced?

Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are produced by our own bodies. They are produced in our brain and throughout our body and are thought to be responsible for the 'high' or relaxed feeling people experience after activities like running or post-exercise.

What is the current legal status of cannabis worldwide?

As of the time of the transcript, cannabis remains illegal in most countries around the world, although it has been legalized for medicinal use in some countries in the past 20 years.

What are some of the conditions that cannabinoids have shown evidence in helping treat?

Cannabinoids have shown evidence in helping treat rare types of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with some cancer treatments, some forms of chronic or long-term pain, muscle stiffness associated with multiple sclerosis, and improving appetite in patients with HIV/AIDS.

What is the most prevalent sleep disorder?

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder, affecting a third of the population, and for 15% of people, it is a chronic problem lasting longer than three months.

What is the standard treatment for insomnia?

The standard treatment for insomnia is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which is typically done under the guidance of a specialist sleep psychologist.

What was the focus of the study conducted by the Center for Sleep Science at the University of Western Australia?

The study focused on investigating the effects of a cannabinoid medication containing THC, CBD, and CBN on chronic insomnia in a group of 24 participants.

What were the findings of the study regarding the use of cannabinoid medication for insomnia?

The study found that participants who took the cannabinoid medication slept on average 33 minutes longer each night and were awake 10 minutes less. They also reported feeling better and more rested upon waking.

Why is it not straightforward to recommend cannabis for treating insomnia based on the study's results?

It is not straightforward because the study was limited to one combination of cannabinoids and a small group of participants who were extensively screened. More research is needed with larger, more diverse groups and different formulations and combinations of cannabinoids to confirm its benefit and safety.

What are some of the potential risks associated with using cannabis or cannabinoids?

Potential risks include negative long-term health consequences associated with smoking, variability in individual responses to the medication, and the possibility of consuming too much, which can have negative effects on physical and mental health.