Ready for this heatwave? Here’s how medical cannabis can help you sleep better – and yes, it’s legal in the UK
The Met Office forecast that Britons can expect warm and sunny weather reaching 30 degrees. However, the result of this jeopardises our sleep and irritability at night. According to a sleep survey conducted by Philips in 2019, 62% of people struggle to sleep during warmer weather. With medical professionals highlighting this can pose serious risks to our physical and mental health, millions of Brits across the country are searching for solutions for debilitating insomnia they are suffering. New research from Mamedica – the UK’s leading medical cannabis clinic – has revealed that although half the nation (51%) say they find it hard to sleep at night, they do not want to use prescription medication to treat this for fears of feeling groggy or other side effects the next day.
As a result, a growing number of people are turning to holistic remedies, CBD or medical cannabis, to improve their quality of sleep.
This comes as a growing body of research has highlighted the benefits of medical cannabis for sleep. According to a recent study published by the National Institutes of Health, 39% of patients were able to reduce or discontinue their prescription medication indicated for sleep after using medical cannabis. Additionally, 71% of patients reported a subjective improvement in their sleep or related condition. The unique properties of medical cannabis have shown promise in easing insomnia, reducing sleep latency, and prolonging sleep duration. But how does it interact with our bodies exactly? The cannabinoids present in medical cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes, including sleep. By targeting specific receptors, medical cannabis can promote relaxation, alleviate anxiety, and induce a state of calmness conducive to a good night’s sleep.
How can it help in the heat?
Temperature regulation: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various bodily functions, including body temperature. By potentially promoting homeostasis, CBD may help the body better regulate its temperature, contributing to a more restful sleep environment.
Anxiety and stress reduction: High temperatures and uncomfortable sleep conditions can induce anxiety and stress, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep. CBD has been shown to have potential anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and stress-reducing effects. By interacting with receptors in the brain involved in mood regulation, CBD may help alleviate anxiety and stress, promoting a calmer state of mind conducive to better sleep.
Discomfort relief: Hot weather can cause discomfort due to sweating, heat-related skin irritations, or general feelings of restlessness. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may provide relief from the discomfort associated with hot weather. By reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin, CBD may contribute to a more comfortable sleep experience.
Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
In 2018, the United Kingdom took a significant step in the field of medicine by legalising medical cannabis. This decision marked a significant shift in the country’s approach to cannabis as a therapeutic option. The move came after a series of high-profile cases, including that of young epilepsy patients, whose conditions were reportedly improved with the use of cannabis-based medications. Patients in the UK can now access medical cannabis – most often through private clinics – if they have tried two previous medications for their condition which have proved to be ineffective.
Jon Robson, CEO and founder of Mamedica says:
“CBD and medical cannabis have been shown to have immense benefits in supporting sleep quality, even in challenging environments such as hot weather. The therapeutic properties of CBD and specific cannabinoids found in medical cannabis can address various factors that disrupt sleep during the heat.
“Medical cannabis, with its diverse range of cannabinoids like THC and CBN, may offer additional benefits. THC has been reported to have sedative properties, potentially aiding individuals in achieving deeper and more restorative sleep. CBN, a minor cannabinoid that forms as THC ages, has shown potential as a sleep-promoting compound, offering relaxation and sedation that can support uninterrupted sleep.
“Our service offers unrestricted access to the widest range of cannabis-based prescription medicines available in the UK, and our healthcare model has been designed to deliver the fastest speed of service, from initial consultation to the patient receiving their prescription.”
About Mamedica
Mamedica is a private clinic with a linked pharmacy which specialises in cannabis-based prescriptions (from oil to cannabis flower), for patients who have not found satisfactory results for their conditions with their existing medications across pain, psychiatry, neurology, palliative care and cancer.
Following a secure, private video consultation the medicines can be delivered directly to the patient’s door via next-day delivery service. All of the medicines prescribed by Mamedica are produced and manufactured according to the pharmaceutical-grade EU-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), the most stringent in the world. Patients can be assured that their medicines are not contaminated with pesticides or other adulterants.
Founded by Jon Robson, and launched in 2022, Mamedica aims to deliver a quality of service which is currently lacking in the medical cannabis sector. Mamedica puts patient safety, security, and satisfaction at the forefront of every activity, using only the most high-calibre consultants and support staff as part of their team.
