Research Finds Cannabis Helpful In Treating Sleep Apnoea

  • Posted in Sleep Apnoea
  •  By Loran Simon

lungsSleep apnoea is a dangerous medical condition if not treated immediately. Obstructive sleep apnoea can cause daytime sleepiness, impaired vigilance, cognitive performance, depression, disturbed sleep, and hypertension. Recent research from the University of Illinois Department of Medicine has found cannabis to be a helpful treatment for sleep apnoea. The study found that even minimal amounts of THC – one of the prime compounds of cannabis – greatly decreased the negative effects of sleep apnoea, without any noticeable adverse effects. The investigators concluded that dronabinol treatment is safe and well-tolerated in OSA patients at doses of 2.5-10 mg daily and significantly reduces Apnoea Hypopnea Index (AHI) in the short-term. These findings should be confirmed in a larger study in order to identify sub-populations with OSA that may benefit from cannabimimetic pharmacologic therapy.

So how can cannabis affect sleep apnoea?

According to the World Health Organization website, cannabis is a psychoactive preparation of the plant Cannabis sativa. The major psychoactive consituent in cannabis is ∆-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Compounds which are structurally similar to THC are referred to as cannabinoids.

Cannabis is a generic term used to denote the several psychoactive preparations of the plant Cannabis sativa. The major psychoactive constituent in cannabis is ∆-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The respiratory effects of cannabis include an increase in lung capacity due to “lung stretching”. This may be due to the fact that the way people smoke marijuana such as taking and holding deep breaths with smoke are responsible for its lung stretching effects. Some studies even show that even short-term exposure to marijuana is associated with bronchodilation. However, more studies are actually needed to establish the true effects of cannabis on the respiratory system.

To know more about these effects, please read this article:

http://www.theweedblog.com/research-finds-cannabis-helpful-in-treating-sleep-apnoea/

Image courtesy of  renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Somnowell Inventor - Visiting Professor Simon Ash FDS MSc MOrth BDS

Prof. Ash is the inventor of the highly successful SOMNOWELL Chrome device for snoring and sleep apnoea.

The Somnowell Chrome is made to exacting standards in the Somnowell laboratory under the supervision of Visiting Professor Simon Ash. Prof. Ash and his master technicians create each Somnowell Chrome device using their wealth of experience and expertise.

Prof. Ash works at the forefront of his profession. He is a Consultant and Specialist Orthodontist with over 30 years clinical experience, with a special interest in sleep related breathing disorders, TMJD, and bruxism. He currently works in Harley Street London and two private hospitals in London as part of a multi-disciplinary team managing snoring and sleep apnoea, and is Visiting Professor of Orthodontics at the BPP University.

The Somnowell mandibular advancement appliance is also recommended by:

  • Sleep Centres
  • ENT Surgeons, Sleep Physicians, Respiratory, Physicians
  • Orthodontists, Dentists
  • General Medical Practitioners
Recommended By:
Recommended By