Can Cannabis Ease Sleep Disturbances in Dementia?

PostedMarch 9, 2026

UpdatedMarch 9, 2026

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Sleep disturbances are common among people with dementia, often causing night-time wandering, confusion, and fatigue during the day. Families and carers sometimes wonder whether medical cannabis might help improve sleep when other treatments have not worked.

According to NHS guidance and NICE NG144, cannabis-based medicinal products can be prescribed for a few conditions such as severe epilepsy, multiple sclerosis-related spasticity, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. However, they are not approved for dementia or its sleep-related symptoms.

What Research Says About Cannabis and Sleep

A small number of studies have examined cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, for sleep problems in dementia. Findings summarised in the BMJ and PubMed show that while some participants reported temporary improvements in sleep duration or restlessness, results were inconsistent and often similar to placebo.

Importantly, many studies found increased risks of confusion, drowsiness, and imbalance, particularly in older adults. These side effects can increase the likelihood of falls and night-time disorientation.

The UK Regulatory Position

Current UK policy does not include dementia or sleep disturbance as qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. Both NICE and Alzheimer’s Society UK state that there is insufficient evidence to support its use for these symptoms. Any prescribing would need to occur within a clinical trial or as an exceptional, specialist-led decision.

Clinical Bottom Line

Cannabis-based medicines are not approved for sleep disturbance in dementia.

NICE and NHS guidance do not support routine prescribing for this purpose.

Evidence from research is weak, with no consistent improvement in sleep quality.

Risks such as confusion, sedation, and falls are common in older adults.

Use should be limited to clinical trials or supervised specialist settings.

About AlleviMed

If you are considering whether medical cannabis might be suitable, services such as AlleviMed (launching soon) can provide eligibility consultations. These sessions help patients and families understand whether cannabis-based treatment could be legally and clinically appropriate under UK medical regulations.

Takeaway

At present, cannabis is not recommended to treat sleep disturbances in dementia. NICE, NHS, and Alzheimer’s Society UK emphasise that there is no strong evidence of benefit, and potential side effects can outweigh any small improvements. Non-drug approaches such as routine management, light therapy, and supportive care remain the safest and most effective options.

Julia Sutton, MSc

Author

Julia Sutton is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and experience providing psychological assessment and therapy to adolescents and adults. Skilled in CBT, client-centered therapy, and evidence-based interventions, she has worked with conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and conversion disorder. She also has experience in child psychology, conducting psycho-educational evaluations and developing tailored treatment plans to improve learning and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Reviewer

Dr. Clarissa Morton is a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and experience across hospital, community, and industrial pharmacy. She has worked in emergency, outpatient, and inpatient pharmacy settings, providing patient counseling, dispensing medications, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Alongside her pharmacy expertise, she has worked as a Support Plan & Risk Assessment (SPRA) officer and in medical coding, applying knowledge of medical terminology, EMIS, and SystmOne software to deliver accurate, compliant healthcare documentation. Her skills span medication safety, regulatory standards, healthcare data management, and statistical reporting.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewers's privacy.