Struggling to sleep? Here’s how medical cannabis can help
As the UK’s leading medical cannabis clinic, Mamedica is committed to providing a personalised service to patients who are looking to access medical cannabis to help relieve symptoms from long-term psychiatric conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression and more. In this blog, we discuss how cannabis-based prescription medicines can help those who are struggling to sleep this winter.
Why is medical cannabis beneficial to those with sleep disorders?
Recent research from Direct Line Life Insurance reveals that the UK is a nation suffering from sleep deprivation. Shockingly, 7.5 million people sleep for less than five hours per night. During winter, our body clocks and circadian rhythms are further disrupted, affecting our sleep patterns.
This issue has been flagged by medical professionals as a serious risk to our physical and mental health. Consequently, millions of adults are seeking solutions to combat the debilitating insomnia that they are experiencing.
These stats are backed up by research conducted by Mamedica. We found that approximately 51% of the population struggles to sleep at night. However, many individuals are hesitant to use prescription medication due to concerns about feeling drowsy or experiencing other side effects the following day. As a result, more and more people are seeking alternative remedies such as CBD or medical cannabis to enhance the quality of their sleep.
How can medical cannabis help improve sleep quality?
The cannabinoids and other organic compounds in medical cannabis have shown promise in easing insomnia, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, and prolonging sleepduration. But how does it interact with our bodies exactly?
Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes, including sleep. By targeting specific receptors, medical cannabis can promote relaxation, alleviate anxiety, and induce a state of calmness conducive to a good night’s sleep.
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, 39% of patients who used medical cannabis were able to reduce or stop taking their prescription medication for sleep. Furthermore, 71% of patients reported experiencing an improvement in their sleep or related condition.
Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
In November 2018, the UK government rescheduled cannabis-based medicinal products, moving them from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This change recognised that cannabis-based medicinal products have therapeutic benefits and can be prescribed by specialist doctors. While medical cannabis is legal in the UK, it can only be prescribed for a chronic condition where two previous medications or treatments have failed.
Medical cannabis has been available to access from our London-based clinic since 2022. We offer a range of prescription options in the form of cannabis flower, oil, cartridges, and capsules in various combinations of THC, CBD, and balanced profiles.
How can Mamedica help me?
“Good sleep is the foundation for a healthy life, and for those who struggle with sleep, medical cannabis can be a natural and effective solution to help them rest and recharge.”
~ Jon Robson, CEO & founder of Mamedica
As the UK’s fastest-growing medical cannabis clinic, we welcome patients from all backgrounds seeking treatment for their chronic conditions. Our experienced team of specialist doctors create customised treatment plans that suit your needs, always ensuring your treatment is safe and effective.
To get started, complete our eligibility form here. If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis and what conditions it can manage, check out our blog for more information.