People With Excessive Sleepiness Disorders Use Cannabis at Nearly Double the General Population Rate

Lifetime cannabis use (42% vs 23%, p significant) and current use were both significantly higher among people with central disorders of hypersomnolence (CDH) compared to the Dutch general population. Among current users, 57% used cannabis to improve CDH symptoms, and 79% reported symptom effects — mostly positive (43%), some mixed (29%), and few negative (7%).

Online questionnaire completed by 76 of 88 patients with central disorders of hypersomnolence in the Netherlands. Cannabis use patterns were compared to Dutch general population rates. Symptom motivations and perceived effects were assessed among current and former users.

Central disorders of hypersomnolence (including narcolepsy) have limited treatment options. The fact that patients are already self-medicating with cannabis at high rates — and reporting mostly positive effects — provides a rationale for formal clinical investigation of cannabinoids for these conditions.

The endocannabinoid system is known to play a role in sleep-wake regulation. This study provides real-world evidence that CDH patients are already using cannabis therapeutically and perceiving benefit, strengthening the case for clinical trials of cannabinoids in hypersomnolence.

Small sample (n=76), single country (Netherlands where cannabis is accessible). Self-reported effects with no objective sleep measures. No control for placebo effect. CDH encompasses multiple conditions that may respond differently.