Is CBD a Suitable Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

In recent times, CBD has experienced a surge in popularity. You might have noticed its presence in a variety of products such as lotions, oils, creams, and specialty coffee beverages. Some individuals have even begun exploring the use of CBD as a natural remedy for sleep apnea. But is it an effective way to improve the quality of your nightly sleep? This blog post explores some important facts that you should keep in mind.

An Introduction to CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound that is extracted from the cannabis sativa plant, which is commonly referred to as hemp or marijuana. It is important to note that CBD is not the substance that causes the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. That effect is due to a different compound (THC).

Research indicates that CBD may have a number of health benefits. For example, some people have successfully used it to:

• Alleviate pain
• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Relieve symptoms related to cancer
• Decrease acne outbreaks
• Enhance heart health
• And more

Evaluating CBD as a Treatment for Sleep Apnea

While CBD is beneficial for a number of purposes, there is limited research to support its effectiveness as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In fact, most of the evidence that supports its use as an OSA treatment is purely anecdotal.

However, CBD might be useful for a different sleep problem: insomnia. Many people report that it helps them fall asleep more quickly and get a greater amount of sleep throughout the night.

Should You Use CBD for Sleep Apnea?

If you decide to try CBD to help with your sleep apnea, it is unlikely to harm you. However, there are some key points that you should keep in mind:

• CBD is not a replacement for established sleep apnea treatment methods. Even if you choose to use CBD, you should continue using your oral sleep appliance or CPAP machine.
• CBD may have side effects. Some individuals experience changes in appetite and weight, fatigue, and diarrhea when using CBD.
• CBD could interact with your medications. You should consult with your pharmacist or another qualified professional to ensure it is safe for you to take CBD supplements.
• CBD might have an adverse impact on the liver. Large doses of this compound could cause liver toxicity, so you should keep an eye on your dosage. The Food Standards Agency recommends that adults take a maximum of 10mg CBD each day.

CBD is a fascinating chemical compound with many potential applications. However, you should exercise extreme caution when considering it as a possible means to treat sleep apnea.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a dentist who specializes in providing oral appliance therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea. With over a decade of experience, he has successfully helped numerous individuals find lasting relief from their sleep disorder. Working alongside Dr. Yitta Garden, he and our team are proud to support the health and wellness of our patients. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact any of our locations or call our Boca Raton office at 561-353-5252.