Understanding Insomnia and the Role of Medical Cannabis

Dr Andrew Bradford has a career spanning three decades in Rehabilitation Medicine and Primary Care, working closely with patients facing complex neurological challenges, from chronic pain and spasticity to epilepsy and insomnia. His journey began at Dundee University in 1994 and along the way, he’s witnessed how deeply insomnia can affect patients quality of life.

His career has included exploring the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis, particularly in treating symptoms that conventional medicine sometimes fails to manage effectively.

In this article, he shares insights into the underlying causes of insomnia, why it’s so prevalent in neurological conditions, and how emerging treatment approaches – like medical cannabis, may offer hope to those struggling with sleep.

Insomnia is more than just a few restless nights. It’s a chronic condition that can affect your physical health, mental wellbeing, and quality of life.

If you’re struggling with poor sleep, you are far from alone. Millions of people experience sleep disorders, and insomnia is one of the most common.

In this post, I’ll explain what insomnia is, how it’s diagnosed, and outline effective treatment options, including medical cannabis, which has shown promise for many patients.

This is part of my continuing work at Lyphe Clinic, where we focus on holistic approaches to complex conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and sleep disorders.

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that may be either acute or chronic. It often stems from disrupted routines, such as night shifts or frequent travel, but can also emerge from more complex medical or psychological causes.

A person is typically diagnosed with insomnia if they experience trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at least three nights a week for more than three months.

These disruptions can lead to:

• Fatigue and daytime sleepiness
• Mood swings and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Reduced memory and cognitive function

In people with insomnia, the brain remains unusually active at night. This interferes with the deep sleep stages critical for physical recovery and emotional regulation.

Sufferes have problems falling asleep, staying asleep and waking up too early feeling unrefreshed.

How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis often starts with a visit to a GP. Many patients are asked to maintain a sleep diary or they may use wearable devices that track sleep patterns. Tools such as questionnaires and actigraphy (motion-based sleep tracking) can provide insights.

It’s also vital to rule out other conditions that may mimic or contribute to insomnia:

• Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
• Sleep apnoea
• Breathing difficulties such as asthma
• Mental health issues including depression and anxiety
• Chronic pain issues
• Narcolepsy or parasomnias (abnormal nighttime movements)

In complex cases, patients may be referred to a sleep specialist for overnight monitoring, either at home or in a sleep clinic.

Treatment and Management Options for Insomnia

The foundation of insomnia treatment is early education and lifestyle modification.

Here are some evidence-based strategies for Insomnia:

1. Sleep Hygiene: Creating the right sleep environment is crucial:

• Comfortable bedding and mattress
• Minimal exposure to noise, light, and screens at night
• Reducing stimulants (like caffeine) in the afternoon and evening
• Daily exposure to natural light, which helps regulate melatonin

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): CBT-I is the gold-standard treatment. It helps retrain the brain to follow natural sleep cues and dismantles harmful sleep-related habits.

CBT-I may include:

• Sleep restriction therapy: Limiting time in bed to enhance sleep efficiency
• Stimulus control: Re-associating the bed with restful sleep
• Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, or guided imagery

3. Medications which Typically Treat Insomnia: For some, medications may be necessary—short-term or alongside therapy:

• Z-drugs like zopiclone (less risk of dependence than benzodiazepines)
• Melatonin, especially for older adults
• Sedating antihistamines or certain antidepressants like mirtazapine
• Orexin receptor antagonists that reduce wake-promoting signals

4. Medical Cannabis as an Alternative Insomnia Treatment

At Lyphe Clinic, we’ve seen success using prescribed medical cannabis in carefully selected patients.

Cannabinoids may help regulate sleep cycles, reduce anxiety, and improve overall sleep quality in chronic cases.

Final Thoughts on Insomnia Causes and Treatments

Living with insomnia is exhausting, but help is available. With tailored support, whether through CBT-I, lifestyle changes, or innovative options like medical cannabis, you can find lasting relief.

If you’re dealing with sleepless nights, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Book a consultation with one of our specialists at Lyphe Clinic to explore your treatment options.

Watch Dr. Andrew Bradford’s Insomnia video below

If you found this article useful, you can read more on alternative stress relief 

If you or someone you know are affected by chronic insomnia and need urgent help, please follow this link to the NHS Every Mind Matters Urgent Support