From the Guidelines
THC gummies are not a recommended first-line treatment for sleep or alcohol cessation due to their potential for dependence, impaired cognition, and legal concerns. For individuals struggling with sleep, more established treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and medications like melatonin 1. Alcohol use disorder is better addressed with medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram under medical supervision, along with counseling 1. If considering THC for these purposes, it's crucial to start with a low dose (2.5-5mg THC) taken 1-2 hours before bedtime and be aware of the varying effects between individuals 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 emphasizes the risks associated with cannabis use, including anxiety, depression, and potential dependence, especially among older adults and those with mental health issues. Therefore, consulting a healthcare provider before using THC for these conditions is essential, particularly for those with mental health issues or taking other medications. Key considerations include:
- Risks of impaired cognition and potential dependence
- Importance of consulting a healthcare provider before use
- Availability of more established treatments for insomnia and alcohol use disorder
- Need for careful consideration of individual health status and potential interactions with other medications.
From the Research
THC Gummies and Sleep
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that THC gummies help with sleep or aid in stopping drinking alcohol 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that alcohol disrupts sleep through multiple mechanisms, such as disrupting electrophysiologic sleep architecture, triggering insomnia, and contributing to abnormalities of circadian rhythms and short sleep duration (SSD) 5.
Alternative Treatments for Insomnia and Alcohol Use Disorder
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment for insomnia, and it has been shown to be effective in reducing insomnia severity across the spectrum of alcohol use disorder 2, 3.
- Medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate have been approved for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, but their effectiveness in improving sleep is not well-established 4, 6.
- Other treatments, such as sleep education and combined behavioral interventions, may also be beneficial in managing insomnia and alcohol use disorder 2, 4.
Risks and Considerations
- Alcohol use disorder and insomnia can have a complex relationship, and treating one condition may impact the other 2, 5.
- Patients who use alcohol to help fall asleep may be at a higher risk of relapse after stopping treatment 2.
- It is essential to consider the potential interactions and risks when treating insomnia and alcohol use disorder simultaneously 2, 4, 6.