Connect with others who understand.

sign up log in
Resources
About MyNarcolepsyTeam
Powered By

CBD and Narcolepsy

Posted on November 27, 2021
View reactions
Medically reviewed by
Allen J. Blaivas, D.O.
Article written by
Aminah Wali, Ph.D.

Some people with narcolepsy prefer to explore natural alternatives to standard treatments to help manage their condition. One such substance is cannabidiol (CBD), a molecule derived from the marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa. The use of CBD has increased in popularity in recent years, and it may help improve certain symptoms and overall quality of life for those living with narcolepsy. As one MyNarcolepsyTeam member reported, “I am taking CBD, and I believe it is helping the most.”

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol is part of a larger family of molecules called cannabinoids that can act on the central nervous system’s endocannabinoid system. There are different varieties of cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant — among them, the phytocannabinoid CBD as well as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Cannabis has been widely used as medicine to treat a variety of conditions including chronic pain and epilepsy. The use of cannabis is often associated with intoxication or “feeling high” — symptoms that are caused by THC. Unlike THC, however, CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause a “high” feeling. For this reason, CBD is an attractive option for those who are interested in the potential medicinal properties of medical cannabis — such as relief from pain, anxiety, and insomnia — without marijuana’s psychoactive properties.

Can CBD Improve Symptoms of Narcolepsy?

Researchers are exploring CBD’s potential to treat many different conditions, including narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized in part by excessive daytime sleepiness. This condition may cause people to fall asleep during inappropriate times, potentially leading to dangerous situations.

Some research suggests that CBD can help manage narcolepsy by promoting wakefulness. Experiments performed in rats showed that CBD may have an impact on the sleep-wake cycle by affecting the neurons in the brain, providing early evidence that CBD may be effective against narcolepsy.

At the same time, CBD may also help combat nighttime insomnia and other sleep disturbances that are common in people with narcolepsy, helping to promote better sleep.

Feelings of anxiety are also common in people with narcolepsy. Some research findings suggest that CBD may offer calming effects that can help decrease anxiety and other mood-related issues. MyNarcolepsyTeam members have found CBD to help manage their moods as well. “I have been using CBD (3000 mg solution) for ... about 4 to 6 months,” said one member. “My mood swings (narcolepsy side effect) have decreased substantially.”

Common Forms of CBD

CBD can be purchased in different forms. CBD products are commonly taken by mouth or used on the skin for topical application.

CBD Oil

CBD is most commonly found as an oil extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD oil may be taken directly by mouth, or it can be added to food before it’s ingested. The oil may contain small amounts of THC or no THC at all.

CBD-Infused Products

CBD may be infused into food products such as gummy candies, which allow the compound to be easily ingested.

There are also many CBD-infused lotions and other body care products on the market that allow for CBD application directly on the skin.

CBD Medications

In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a CBD-containing drug, to treat seizures caused by epilepsy. There are several other CBD products sold as supplements, but none has been approved by the FDA.

Should You Try CBD?

Although many people have had success with CBD, the safety and efficacy of CBD are still not well understood. The use of CBD may come with side effects such as dry mouth, fatigue, and reduced appetite.

There is conflicting evidence regarding the exact effect CBD has on sleep and sleep disorders, potentially due to differences in the dosage of CBD and how it’s administered. Additional research and data obtained through clinical trials are necessary to determine if CBD can be an effective treatment for narcolepsy.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyNarcolepsyTeam is the social network for people with narcolepsy. On MyNarcolepsyTeam, more than 8,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with narcolepsy.

Have you tried CBD for narcolepsy? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on MyNarcolepsyTeam.

Posted on November 27, 2021
View reactions
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.
Allen J. Blaivas, D.O. is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Learn more about him here.
Aminah Wali, Ph.D. received her doctorate in genetics and molecular biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Learn more about her here.

Related articles

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been extensively studied in the field of psychology and ps...

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Narcolepsy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been extensively studied in the field of psychology and ps...
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder characterized by four primary symptoms: excessive day...

Can Supplements or Alternative Therapies Help Manage Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder characterized by four primary symptoms: excessive day...
Between 10 percent and 25 percent of adults in the U.S. report excessive daytime sleepiness.Narco...

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in Narcolepsy: Getting the Most Out of Treatment

Between 10 percent and 25 percent of adults in the U.S. report excessive daytime sleepiness.Narco...
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that can cause significant problems in daily life. People diagnose...

Essential Oils for Narcolepsy: Can They Work?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that can cause significant problems in daily life. People diagnose...
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by symptoms including excessive sleepiness, sleep a...

Treatments for Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by symptoms including excessive sleepiness, sleep a...

Recent articles

Although narcolepsy and schizophrenia are two different kinds of conditions, they can look alike ...

Narcolepsy and Schizophrenia: What’s the Connection?

Although narcolepsy and schizophrenia are two different kinds of conditions, they can look alike ...
Do you often feel fatigued during the day, even after getting enough sleep? You may be wondering ...

Narcolepsy vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: What’s the Difference?

Do you often feel fatigued during the day, even after getting enough sleep? You may be wondering ...
Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder that can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden loss of m...

Is Narcolepsy Linked to Vitamin Deficiency?

Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder that can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden loss of m...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved a second COVID-19 booster shot of t...

What People With Narcolepsy Should Know About Getting a Second COVID-19 Booster Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved a second COVID-19 booster shot of t...
Apart from experiencing the major symptoms of narcolepsy — excessive daytime sleepiness, involunt...

Feelings of Detachment: Dissociative Symptoms in Narcolepsy

Apart from experiencing the major symptoms of narcolepsy — excessive daytime sleepiness, involunt...
Narcolepsy is rare, affecting fewer than 1 in every 100,000 children. Childhood narcolepsy is a l...

How To Identify and Manage Narcolepsy Symptoms in Children

Narcolepsy is rare, affecting fewer than 1 in every 100,000 children. Childhood narcolepsy is a l...
MyNarcolepsyTeam My narcolepsy Team

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more:

sign up for free

close