Can’t sleep? Cannabis oil might do the trick

It’s no secret sleep is important. Good sleep can improve concentration and productivity, encourage weight loss, and can even reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. But Australians aren’t getting nearly enough. In fact, about four in 10 Australians don’t get enough sleep and they feel tired as a result.

The good news is Aussie researchers may have found a solution. Medicinal cannabis oil could soon be used to treat insomnia. That’s the hope of Western Australian company Zelira Therapeutics, whose cannabis oil for insomnia will be available in the second half 0f 2020.

Zelira Therapeutics Managing Director Dr Richard Hopkins said one-third of Australians struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, which in turn affects their quality of life. “Insomnia also puts them at major risk for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and dementia,” he added. “We are excited to be the first in the world to show that medicinal cannabis is a safe and effective way to manage the sleep disorder.”

So how does it work?

The Centre for Sleep Science at the University of Western Australia (UWA) conducted a trial that involved 23 patients diagnosed with chronic insomnia. They were treated for 14 nights with the cannabis oil and 14 nights with a placebo, with a week-long ‘washout’ period in between.

Participants reported improved sleep as well as better quality of life, meaning they felt rested after sleep, were less stressed, less fatigued and had improved overall functioning. The oil caused minor side effects, such as a dry mouth and headache, though these passed quickly for most patients.

Director of the UWA’s Centre for Sleep Science, Professor Peter Eastwood, said the trial provided important data to researchers. “This study represents the most rigorous clinical trial ever undertaken to assess the therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis to treat the symptoms of chronic insomnia,” he said.

Dr Hopkins added while there was a growing acceptance of medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for a range of conditions, more clinical trials were needed to prove its efficacy. “Despite all the reported benefits from patients who are using medicinal cannabis, we know that GPs are still reluctant to prescribe it without firm evidence,” he said.

“Some cannabinoid products on the market have not been properly tested and could potentially put patients at risk. Clinical trials such as ours help guide health professionals and patients to make well-informed health decisions.”