/Logo%20G1.svg)
Insomnia severity decreased in a placebo-controlled medicinal cannabis oil trial. SLEEP, Oxford Academic
Of participants reported improved sleep quality in the same medicinal cannabis oil trial. SLEEP, Oxford Academic
Regular sleep problems lasting this long are described as long-term insomnia. NHS
Is the amount of sleep most adults need to feel rested. NHS
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Overview
When sleep problems persist
Most short-lived sleep problems settle with better sleep habits and time. Insomnia is when poor sleep happens regularly and starts to affect daily life. It often has an underlying cause, such as stress, pain or another condition, which is an important part of treatment.
Standard care, in line with NHS and NICE guidance, focuses on good sleep habits and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), with sleeping tablets used sparingly. Where these have not helped enough, a specialist may consider other options.
Our GMC-registered specialists assess each person individually, look for any underlying causes, review current medicines, and keep your GP informed where you wish.
Symptoms
Common sleep symptoms
Sleep disorders such as insomnia and restless legs syndrome affect how you fall asleep, stay asleep and feel during the day. Common features include:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Waking too early
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Restless or uncomfortable legs at night
- Daytime tiredness
- Impact on mood and concentration
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Developing evidence (sleep outcomes)
Research into cannabis and sleep has reported possible improvements in some sleep outcomes, but effects can vary by person, dose and product. Evidence is still developing; CBT for insomnia remains first-line, and evidence for restless legs syndrome is more indirect.
- CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first step.
- Trial evidence for sleep is developing; benefit is not guaranteed.
- Restless legs evidence is more indirect than insomnia.
Conditions
Sleep conditions we can assess
Suitability depends on your diagnosis, medical history, previous treatments and a specialist review. Listing a condition is not a promise that medical cannabis will be prescribed.
Why CannaRelief
What CannaRelief offers
Specialist-led, NICE-aligned assessment from the comfort of home, with your GP kept informed where you wish.
- GMC-registered specialists who take persistent sleep problems seriously
- Online consultations, with no GP referral required
- NICE-aligned clinical standards and ongoing monitoring
- NHS shared-care ready — we keep your GP informed where you wish
- Private, data-protected care built around your needs
- Seen 7 days a week, from the comfort of home
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Is medical cannabis a first-line treatment for insomnia?
No. Good sleep habits, CBT-I and treating any underlying cause are recommended first. A specialist may only consider medical cannabis where insomnia has persisted despite these, and after a full assessment.
Do I need a GP referral to be assessed?
No GP referral is needed. You can complete a short online eligibility check yourself, and we will keep your GP informed where you would like us to.
Is an online assessment as reliable as in person?
Yes. Our structured video assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic standards used in face-to-face appointments, with the added convenience of being seen from home.
Will medical cannabis be prescribed if I am eligible?
Not necessarily. Passing the eligibility check means a specialist can assess you. A prescribing decision is only made after a full clinical consultation, and treatment is not suitable for everyone.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment.