Treating Insomnia with Medical Marijuana
Treating insomnia with medical marijuana. Learn about insomnia, PTSD diagnosis, and how medical marijuana can help.
Studies show medical marijuana can be an effective treatment for insomnia. Insomnia is the inability to promote and maintain quality sleep, despite having the opportunity for sleep to occur. Sleep disorders are one of the most common health problems, affecting over 70 million Americans every year. Sleep is a crucial part of promoting optimal health and well-being. The good news is sleep disorders are treatable. Many have found success in treating insomnia with medical marijuana.
Why is sleep important?
During sleep, the body and brain repair themselves. Quality sleep is imperative for the ability to learn and form memories.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, CDC, more than one-third of Americans do not get enough sleep regularly. Insomnia typically affects women more than men and older people more than younger. Side effects of not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to a person’s mental and physical health. Sleeplessness may increase the risk of various diseases such as:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Increased stress hormone levels
- Impaired immune function
Other, more frequent issues associated with insomnia include:
- Poor concentration
- Lethargy or sleepiness
- A feeling of being mentally and physically unwell
- Mood changes, irritability, and anxiety
- Lack of coordination
- Headaches
What causes insomnia?
Finding the exact cause or causes of insomnia can be complex. However, insomnia is a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. PTSD symptoms also include night terrors and recurring bad dreams, which can cause insomnia. PTSD can occur after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can happen to anyone and is not uncommon.
How to Sleep Better
With the condition affecting millions of people, many are searching for ways to improve their sleep and treat insomnia. A study looked at treating insomnia symptoms with medical cannabis. It showed over two weeks of participants using a nightly sublingual of cannabinoid extract, improvements in insomnia symptoms and sleep quality occurred in individuals with chronic insomnia conditions.
Treating Insomnia with Medical Marijuana
Since maintaining sleep is crucial for overall health and wellness, there are options to consider to promote better sleep. Some treatments include pharmacological options, which often come with impairment and harmful side effects, like dependence. There is growing evidence about the abilities of medical marijuana to help promote sleep naturally and with minimal side effects. Because it is natural and has minimal side effects, it has led many to use it as a tool to treat insomnia. Many states have medical marijuana laws with lists of qualifying conditions. Despite being so common, very few include insomnia on their list. Talking with a mental health professional about a PTSD diagnosis may benefit those experiencing symptoms including insomnia, night terrors, and anxiety.
Get a PTSD Diagnosis
Our medical professionals at Elite Evaluations can provide a PTSD diagnosis. One of our state-licensed mental health professionals can provide an accurate diagnosis that your doctor will accept. We specialize in PTSD diagnosis and are familiar with the benefits of using medical marijuana for PTSD symptoms. Get started by completing this PTSD self questionnaire.
