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Have Studies Compared Cannabis to Sleep Medications in Dementia? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

As researchers explore whether cannabinoids could help manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, sleep disturbance is one of the most frequently studied areas. However, despite increasing public interest, no high-quality studies show that cannabis-based products perform better than standard sleep medications such as melatonin, benzodiazepines, or antidepressant-based sedatives. 

According to NHS and NICE guidance, cannabis-based medical products are not recommended for treating sleep problems in people with dementia (NHS Guidance; NICE NG97; NICE NG144). 

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What The Research Shows 

2023 Randomised Controlled Trial 

A 2023 double-blind crossover trial involving 21 participants with dementia tested a THC/CBD formulation for agitation, sleep, and quality of life. Results showed no significant improvement in sleep quality or duration compared with placebo, although mild calming effects were noted. Standard sedative prescriptions were not reduced during the study (PubMed Trial, 2023). 

2024 Swiss Feasibility Study 

A 2024 Swiss feasibility study explored oral THC/CBD oil for severe dementia symptoms. While caregivers reported that some patients appeared calmer and fell asleep faster, these findings were not statistically significant, and the authors concluded that larger randomised trials are needed (Swiss Study, 2024). 

2024–2025 Systematic Reviews 

Systematic reviews published in 2024 and 2025 confirmed that cannabinoids may have modest sedative properties, but they are not superior to existing sleep aids. A 2024 review of cannabinoids for neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia found inconsistent sleep outcomes, with no clear advantage over standard pharmacological or behavioural interventions (Meta-Analysis, 2024). 

Another 2025 review on cannabinoids and sleep quality in older adults found that while some participants reported feeling “more relaxed,” objective sleep metrics, such as total sleep time and sleep efficiency, did not improve compared with placebo or low-dose benzodiazepines (Sleep and Cannabinoids Review, 2025). 

Broader Cognitive Research 

Beyond dementia-specific studies, WHO reports that cannabinoids can alter sleep–wake cycles and sometimes cause next-day sedation or confusion, especially in older adults (WHO: Cannabis and Cannabinoids). 

The Clinical Bottom Line 

  • No trials show cannabis is more effective than standard sleep medicines in dementia. 
  • Some studies note mild calming or relaxation, but results are inconsistent. 
  • Cannabinoids can cause drowsiness and confusion, which may worsen dementia symptoms. 
  • NICE, NHS, and WHO do not recommend cannabis for insomnia or sleep disturbance in dementia. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

Educational organisations such as AlleviMed explain that while cannabis research includes sleep-related studies, these remain experimental. In the UK, cannabis-based medicines are licensed only for a few conditions, and dementia-related sleep issues are not among them. 

Takeaway 

Although some small studies suggest cannabinoids may help with relaxation, no evidence shows they outperform standard sleep medications for people with dementia. According to NICE and NHS guidance, cannabis-based medicines should not be used for sleep disturbance outside regulated clinical research. 

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. 

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