Phytocannabinoid derivatives are among the several compounds found in the cannabis plant. The phytocannabinoid chemicals Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (
THC) and
cannabidiol are mostly responsible for the
drug's behavioral effects. Chronic cannabis administration has been shown to disrupt circadian rhythms and reduce the duration of the deepest phase (stage N3) of nonrapid eye movement sleep.
Cannabidiol is thought to be responsible for the disruption of the circadian rhythm, whereas
THC is thought to be accountable for the changes in sleep architecture. The quality of one's sleep has a significant impact on cannabis abstinence or relapse. As a result, the diminished sleep-promoting efficiency of cannabis in chronic users, as well as the resulting sleep difficulties once cannabis use is stopped, may sabotage attempts to quit and raise the risk of relapse. In individuals with
obstructive sleep apnea who do not complain about the treatment process known as
continuous positive airway pressure,
cannabinoids are one of the treatments being considered. In this regard, preclinical investigations have demonstrated that combining the agent
oleamide and
THC aids in the stabilization of respiration in all stages of sleep as well as the maintenance of autonomic stability during sleep. The synthetic
THC dronabinol was found to lower the
apnea-hypopnea index in a clinical investigation and is regarded safe for the short-term treatment of
obstructive sleep apnea. Patients experiencing nightmares who had been diagnosed with
posttraumatic stress disorder were given the synthetic
endocannabinoid receptor agonist
nabilone. When compared with a placebo, the chemical proved helpful in reducing the frequency of nightmares. It is worth noting that a single study that looked at the effects of
cannabidiol on
REM behavior disorder found that symptoms improved. Based on the available findings,
cannabinoids can be used as an alternate treatment for various
sleep disorders. However, additional research is needed to corroborate the conclusions of these investigations.