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Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature
Mixed
0 citations
SampleNarrative Review
DurationLiterature review up to 2014…
Blindingn.a.
DesignNarrative Review
Key finding
CBD shows therapeutic potential for insomnia, THC might shorten sleep latency but impair sleep quality in the long term; synthetic cannabinoids might help short-term in sleep apnea; overall result: mixed findings with need for further controlled research.
Summary
Narrative overview on cannabis and sleep (literature up to 2014, detailed from 2014). Preliminary evidence: CBD shows therapeutic potential in insomnia; THC might shorten sleep latency but impair sleep quality in the long term. Synthetic cannabinoids (nabilone, dronabinol) show short-term benefit in obstructive sleep apnea. CBD promising in REM sleep behaviour disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness; nabilone reduces PTSD-associated nightmares and improves sleep in chronic pain patients. Research overall at an early stage with mixed results.
SummaryNarrative overview of the literature on cannabis, cannabinoids and sleep up to 2017: CBD shows potential in insomnia and REM sleep behaviour disorder, THC can shorten sleep onset latency but impair sleep quality in the long term, and synthetic cannabinoids (nabilone, dronabinol) show short-term benefit in obstructive sleep apnea as well as nightmare reduction in PTSD.
Quality profile
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Blinding
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Effect size
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Citations / year
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Abstract
Purpose Of Review: The current review aims to summarize the state of research on cannabis and sleep up to 2014 and to review in detail the literature on cannabis and specific sleep disorders from 2014 to the time of publication.
Recent Findings: Preliminary research into cannabis and insomnia suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may decrease sleep latency but could impair sleep quality long-term. Novel studies investigating cannabinoids and obstructive sleep apnea suggest that synthetic cannabinoids such as nabilone and dronabinol may have short-term benefit for sleep apnea due to their modulatory effects on serotonin-mediated apneas. CBD may hold promise for REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness, while nabilone may reduce nightmares associated with PTSD and may improve sleep among patients with chronic pain. Research on cannabis and sleep is in its infancy and has yielded mixed results. Additional controlled and longitudinal research is critical to advance our understanding of research and clinical implications.
The impediment to action advances action.