Inside Aesthetics Ep 96 The Role of CBD (Medical Cannabis) in Treating Sleep Disorders | Dr Dev Banerjee
Episode 96 hosts Dr Dev Banerjee (Sleep Physician from Erina, Australia)
Dev joins us for his second episode on the podcast where we discuss one of the newest treatments for sleep disorders - CBD or more commonly known as 'medical cannabis'.
We explore the rationale for using CBD, it's pharmacology, how it acts on the body and what sleep problems it's most helpful with. We also confront the stigma that surrounds the use of cannabis in medicine and discuss how it can be used legally in Australia under expert medical supervision.
00:00 Introduction 01:03 Meet Dr Dev Banerjee 03:19 Recap of Previous Sleep Episode and Focus on Medical Cannabis 05:16 Rising Demand for Alternatives to Traditional Sleeping Medications 09:44 Understanding CBD and THC and How They Differ 11:56 Why Anxiety and Hyperarousal Drive Insomnia 14:01 Limits of Benzodiazepines and Sedative Medications 16:30 How Cannabinoid Therapy Works on the Nervous System 26:58 Matching Treatment to the Cause of Insomnia 31:33 Role of Specialists in Assessing Sleep Disorders 37:20 Prevalence of Insomnia and Mental Health Links 41:23 Impact of Stress, Employment and Financial Pressure on Sleep 42:39 COVID Era Anxiety and Ongoing Sleep Disturbance 43:31 Differences Between Sedatives and Cannabinoid Therapy 45:28 Safety Profile and Risk Compared With Other Medications 47:10 Dosing Strategy and Finding the Right Balance 48:05 Patient Feedback and Measuring Treatment Success 50:04 Long Term Use and Managing Expectations 51:43 Driving Safety and Legal Considerations With THC 54:11 Stigma Around Medical Cannabis and Public Perception 57:32 Pathways for Doctors to Prescribe Cannabinoid Therapy 01:01:50 Side Effects, Tolerance and Safety Monitoring 01:04:28 Future Access to CBD and Potential Over the Counter Availability 01:08:53 Role of Research and Regulation in Expanding Use 01:13:06 Final Advice for Patients Considering Treatment 01:15:30 Clinic Contact Information and Closing Remarks