Does Cannabis Help Sleep Apnea?

Cannabis has long been hailed for its numerous health benefits, which range from lowering blood pressure to alleviating symptoms of anxiety¹. Many people even turn to cannabis as a natural sleep aid. Yet in addition to potentially helping you fall or stay asleep, does cannabis treat sleep apnea or other sleep disorders?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing will periodically stop while you sleep². Signs of sleep apnea include snoring or gasping for air while you sleep.² While more severe cases of sleep apnea may require the use of a continuous positive air pressure machine, or a CPAP machine, it can also be managed with lifestyle changes.

One possible lifestyle change: incorporating cannabis into your bedtime routine. Still, does cannabis help sleep apnea, and if so, why? Here’s everything there is to know about the connection between cannabis and sleep apnea.

Cannabis and Sleep

For people who struggle to sleep and don’t want to use prescription sleep aids³, natural sleep aids are often a more attractive alternative and tend to have fewer side effects. In previous years, sleep supplements like melatonin⁴ and chamomile tea⁵ were go-to methods, but as cannabis continues to be legalized across the country, there’s been more interest in it as a sleep aid.

Up to 14 percent of American adults⁶ reported using CBD products (or cannabidiol, an active ingredient in cannabis) in 2019, according to a government poll. While the reasons for use vary, numerous studies back up the purported benefits of cannabis for sleep.

A 2022 study⁷ of 38 Canadian patients with sleep disorders, for example, found that cannabis use helped 39 percent reduce or completely discontinue a prescription medication for sleep, while 71 percent self-reported improved sleep. Still, the jury is out on the potential downsides of using cannabis for sleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine⁸, their 2023 survey⁹ discovered that nearly half, or 49 percent of Americans actually lost sleep due to cannabis, though this was attributed to staying up late past their usual bedtimes.

Learn More: Cannabis and Sleep and What is The Endocannabinoid System?

Cannabis and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea requires effective treatment as part of overall management; this is to help avoid sleep apnea leading to other conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, according to the Minnesota Department of Health¹⁰. Using cannabis for sleep apnea is a relatively new area of health being studied, with the Minnesota Department of Health referring to it as “experimental.”

Although clinical trials for cannabis and sleep apnea are still underway, recent studies¹¹ have found some forms of cannabis, like the synthetic THC dronabinol, are potentially effective as a short-term treatment¹² for sleep apnea (THC is a compound of cannabis). Still, researchers caution more studies are needed to fully confirm these benefits.

For now, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends turning to traditional sleep apnea treatments before trying cannabis.¹⁰ This is because of the limited evidence on the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of using cannabis for sleep apnea.

What Form of Cannabis is Best for Sleep Apnea? 

According to the studies above, THC — particularly dronabinol — is slowly shaping up to be the most promising form of cannabis for sleep apnea.^{11, 12} Yet, since this area of sleep is still being studied, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional before using cannabis.

Should You Use Cannabis and a CPAP Machine?

This is another gray area that doesn’t have enough data behind it for a concrete answer. For now, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has taken a firm stance¹³ against using cannabis or medical marijuana to treat sleep apnea — including using cannabis with a CPAP machine.

Is Cannabis Safe?

Like any other compound, cannabis comes with both potential benefits and drawbacks regarding its safety. Although cannabis use is legal in many states, it still comes with a few precautions that you should be aware of if you plan on trying cannabis.

Side Effects of Cannabis

Cannabis, especially when smoked, can harm lung tissues¹⁴. There are also potential mental health impacts, like increased paranoia with heavy use¹⁵.

It’s also worth noting that cannabis research is ongoing, so how much you take, the type you take, and preexisting conditions could influence side effects.

Who Should Avoid Cannabis?

According to Health Canada¹⁶, the following groups of people should avoid cannabis use:

• People under 25 years old – They say it may impact brain structure during these developmental years.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding – It may be harmful to the mom and baby.
• Men who are trying to have a baby with their partner – Health Canada reports that cannabis use can negatively impact sperm count and mobility.
• People with certain mental health disorders or a family history of them – These include psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
• People with liver, kidney, heart or lung disease – They say that regular cannabis use may negatively impact your organs.
• Anyone taking other medications – Cannabis may interact with other medications.

In general, if you have a diagnosed health condition or you take prescription medication, it’s best to speak to a healthcare provider about the potential impacts of cannabis use, as it may interfere with other treatments.

Synthetic Cannabis vs. Non-Synthetic Cannabis

There are two types of cannabis: synthetic cannabis, which is essentially a man-made substance, and non-synthetic cannabis, which is natural and obtained from cannabis plants. According to resarch, synthetic cannabinoids are considered stronger than natural ones¹⁷, increasing the risk of more severe effects and medical emergencies.

Tips for Better Sleep with Sleep Apnea 

If you’re on the fence about trying cannabis for sleep apnea because of the lack of data or potential side effects, there are numerous steps you can take to get better sleep if you’ve been diagnosed with the condition. Here are a few that you can practice:

• Sleeping on your side or stomach to help open¹⁸ your airways
• Maintaining a cool, dark, and comfortable sleep environment
• Getting regular physical activity¹⁹ and exercise
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking

Sometimes, you may need more support than lifestyle changes to help manage sleep apnea. Some people require the use of a breathing device like a CPAP machine to keep their airway open while sleeping. A healthcare professional can help you develop an effective treatment plan for sleep apnea, and if you’re curious about using cannabis, that’s something you can discuss.