Marijuana is the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and also seeds of the cannabis plant. The dried elements contain compounds that can elevate a person’s mood but can also impair cognitive abilities and decision-making. Marijuana is often a treatment for many medical conditions including glaucoma and depression. Its effects on healthy sleep are not completely known, yet many researchers suggest that the sedative attributes may help people with sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea. 
Relation Between Marijuana and Sleep Apnea
While research is still ongoing, some studies show that some strains of marijuana may contribute to sounder sleep. If considering the use of marijuana to help with sleep apnea, make sure you know the laws where you live regarding the drug. Also, it’s important to select a strain that offers sedative effects. Some strains can be more stimulating and may not help with sleep. Also, be aware of any side effects of marijuana use.
Does Marijuana Help or Deteriorate Your Sleep Quality?
The legal marijuana industry has become more sophisticated. Cultivation has allowed growers to develop varied strains of cannabis for different needs among users. Some strains may cause stimulation, which can reduce sleep. Others offer a more sedative effect which may help with sleep. One study found that a synthetic version of cannabis helps the brain to exert better control of the airway muscles during sleep and can reduce the shallow and temporarily interrupted breathing of sleep apnea.
Marijuana For Sleep Apnea
While CPAP therapy is the most proven effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, moderate marijuana use may be a helpful supportive sleep aid. If you choose to supplement your CPAP treatment with cannabis, be sure you make sure the drug is not a health risk to you. Speak to your doctor and know the side effects. Also, be sure you understand the varied strains available and select one that best fits your needs.
Can Smoking Marijuana Regularly Lead to Sleep Apnea?
There is no evidence that marijuana use will promote sleep apnea. While some strains may stimulate the senses, which may not be beneficial for sleep, there is no link between marijuana and sleep apnea. However, smoking marijuana, much like smoking cigarettes can aggravate the symptoms of sleep apnea. Inhaling smoke can inflame the airway. If smoking marijuana, try to use the drug many hours before scheduled sleep or choose edible versions of cannabis to avoid smoking.
How Does Marijuana Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Many lifestyle choices can help reduce obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. However, marijuana use may or may not be a good option, depending on your health. What to know:
- Speak to your doctor about marijuana use with sleep apnea
- Use marijuana in moderation
- Be careful what strain of marijuana you select
- Be wary of side effects such as grogginess from marijuana use
- Continue CPAP therapy while still using marijuana to ensure compliance
Take A Free Risk Assessment to Find If You Have Sleep Apnea
If you are not sure if you have obstructive sleep apnea you can always take a free risk assessment to see if you need to follow up with additional testing. Home tests are one of the easiest ways to receive a sleep apnea diagnosis.
A sleep practitioner will evaluate your risk assessment to determine if you require a home sleep apnea test. Complete the quick and easy questionnaire to begin a sleep apnea evaluation. Take the free risk assessment.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA) And Medical Cannabis
In some instances, patients already diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea may also be prescribed medical cannabis to treat unrelated medical conditions. Medical cannabis may be prescribed for a variety of medical issues from depression and anxiety to pain and specific medical conditions such as glaucoma or cancer management. Speak to your doctor about balancing your medical cannabis prescription with your CPAP therapy prescription. Make sure both treatments are beneficial to get better sleep and overall health.
Position Statement From AASM: Avoid Using Medical Marijuana to Treat Sleep Apnea – Why?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recommended not prescribing medical marijuana for sleep apnea treatment.
The AASM has concluded that sleep apnea should be excluded from the list of chronic medical conditions for state medical cannabis programs due to unreliable delivery methods and insufficient evidence of treatment effectiveness, tolerability, and safety.
The use of medical marijuana as a remedy for sleep apnea is up to the discretion of the patient and their doctor.
Where Can I Get an At-Home Sleep Test?
You can find at-home sleep tests from Sleep Care Online. Here’s how it works:
- With the Complete Care Package, schedule a 10-minute telehealth visit with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms, upcoming sleep study, test results, and treatment options.
- A multi-night, disposable home sleep apnea test is mailed to your home to be completed at your convenience.
- A physician analyzes the sleep data and provides a prescription if needed.
- Schedule an optional follow-up appointment (additional fee applies).
- We connect you to sleep experts who can offer customized sleep therapy options, assistance in equipment purchase, and initial set-up.
