Sleep Apnea And Medical Marijuana

President Biden has joined the millions who suffer from sleep apnea and is seeking relief with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAC) machine. It is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. As the leader of the free world, it is not surprising Biden has a bit of trouble sleeping.

One cause of sleep apnea is excess weight and obesity, which is associated with the soft tissue of the mouth and throat. While asleep, throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed, allowing soft tissue to potential block the airway. Other causes include anxiety, being male, age, family history, a narrowed airway, a deviated septum and more. Snoring loudly or feel tired even after a full night’s sleep key symptoms.

Medical marijuana may help with sleeping issues, but can it help with sleep apnea?

Medical marijuana and synthetic marijuana extracts should not be used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

The reason for the warning is there is little scientific evidence medical marijuana can help. The obstruction of the airway can be dangerous and life threatening, so medical professionals always, for good reason, land on the side of caution. While there have been a couple of small studies, more data needs to be accumulated to ensure it is safe and will help toward the illness.

While alcohol can aggravate sleep apnea, there doesn’t seems to be the same issue with cannabis.  You would be advised to not smoke before bed and to definitely not use it as a sleep apnea treatment.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

“Until we have further evidence on the efficacy of medical cannabis for the treatment of sleep apnea, and until its safety profile is established, patients should discuss proven treatment options with a licensed medical provider at an accredited sleep facility,” said Kannan Ramar MD, professor of medicine in the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

RELATED: Study: Cannabinoids (THC/CBD) Beat Opioids In Managing Chronic Pain

Sleep is tough and roughly 40% of people have a sleep issue at some point. President are no exception. Ronald Reagan, JFK, and Bill Clinton napped daily; Reagan even made a schedule for his naps and took them at the same time each day. While there are pros and cons to napping, research indicates that a properly executed nap increases alertness, performance, and memory. All great benefits to have if you’re the leader of the free world. Hopefully this new treatment will help Biden get a sound sleep and avoid seeing or hearing the White House’s ghosts.