Though the research is fresh, it has been suggested that cannabinoids may treat the struggle that comes with sleep apnea. A study published in the medical journal Sleep this year confirms that a synthetic cannabinoid can lessen the sometimes dangerous symptoms of sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
For the unfamiliar, sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that is suffered by 22 million Americans. Those who experience sleep apnea understand the symptoms such as intermittent breathing after falling asleep. The airways become narrow as the throat muscle relaxes, making it difficult for people to breathe. Sleep apnea can cause an array of problems, ranging from high blood pressure, diabetes, and headaches.
Cannabinoids and Sleep Apnea Study
New research on cannabinoids medication shows it could soon be a treatment option for patients. Scientists from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University took 73 sleep apnea patients to start the first round of the study. They started by testing the severity of the patient’s Obstructive Sleep Apnea, meaning that they only dealt with muscular sleep apnea. Conditions ranged from moderate to severe, meaning that the throat closes completely.
After the first round of the study, researchers administered placebo pills to the patients which held a low dose of cannabinoids and a high dose of cannabinoid medication to three separate groups. The results showed jaw-dropping facts, which were that those administered cannabinoids experienced less fatigue and fewer symptoms than those in the placebo group.
Although this research is still fresh, it is a step in the right direction towards treating sleep apnea. It is hopeful that additional testing will back-up the initial study, proving medical cannabis can successfully treat the symptoms.
For more information about how Medical Cannabis can treat sleep apnea,
consult with a specialist at Mary and Main.
