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 ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION