Note: The information given on this page is not medical advice and should not be relied on in this way. Individuals wanting medical advice on this issue should consult a health professional.
With the fast pace and increased pressures of modern living, it’s no wonder a growing number of people are experiencing insomnia. A recent report commissioned by the Sleep Health Foundation revealed that almost 60% of adults regularly experience at least one sleep symptom (such as trouble falling or staying asleep), and 15% have symptoms which could result in a diagnosis of clinical insomnia.
This affects the brain’s ability to drop into REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is crucial for regenerating brain function and maintaining productivity levels. As insomnia continues to affect a growing number of Australians, there’s a rising demand for effective treatment options.
Treating insomnia symptoms
The following techniques may prove to assist with overcoming or alleviating the symptoms associated with insomnia:
- Stimulus control therapy – removing things from your bedroom which condition your mind to resist sleep (e.g. TVs and laptops), as well as setting clear bedtimes and wake times, avoiding naps, only using your bed for sleep, and consistently moving to another room in the house if you find that you can’t sleep
- Relaxation methods such as progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback and breathing exercises
- Sleep restriction
- Using light therapy to adjust your internal clock
The efficacy of cannabis on insomnia in Australia
More extensive research is now being done around natural treatment options such as medicinal cannabis, and the benefits it may potentially have for promoting a good night’s sleep. Medicinal cannabis is one such avenue a practitioner may recommend depending on your specific condition.
The goal behind prescribing medicinal cannabis to patients experiencing insomnia is to achieve one or more of the following:
- Feel more rested
- Improve sleep quality
- Improve stress and fatigue levels
- Enhance ability to function in social situations
Medicinal cannabis interacts with your endocannabinoid system, which controls the body’s ability to eat, sleep, digest and relax. It’s understood that by introducing cannabinoids from the cannabis plant into your system, this can help regulate your ability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep easier.
The efficacy of treating insomnia symptoms with medicinal cannabis has been a source of research for some time now. These studies are not definitive, and further research is still being conducted.
Book a telehealth appointment online at Balnce
Balnce uses telehealth services to connect doctors with people experiencing insomnia, along with other conditions such as PTSD, chronic pain, epilepsy and migraines. The doctors assess your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment for the symptoms you are experiencing. Balnce’s doctors are experienced in prescribing medicinal cannabis.
During your online telehealth consultation, the doctor will ask you questions about your medical history to gain a clear understanding of your chronic condition. Feel free to ask questions throughout the consultation process – Balnce telehealth services are confidential.
Ready for your consultation? Balnce’s team of GPs are available 24/7 with same day appointments – book online now.