Medical Cannabis for Insomnia in the UK

Often co-prescribed alongside chronic pain or PTSD

The short answer

A specialist doctor in the UK can consider prescribing medical cannabis for long-term insomnia through a private clinic, most often as part of treating another condition such as chronic pain or PTSD. Clinics generally expect CBT for insomnia, which NICE recommends first, to have been tried. Whether it is suitable for you is the specialist's decision.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and does not constitute medical advice. The evidence base for cannabis-based medicines varies by condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Wording last changed on .

Overview

Chronic insomnia disorder involves persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or non-restorative sleep, occurring at least three nights per week for at least three months, with significant impact on daytime functioning. In the UK, medical cannabis for insomnia is most commonly prescribed where insomnia co-occurs with another condition such as chronic pain or PTSD.

Common Symptoms

  • Difficulty falling asleep most nights
  • Frequent waking during the night
  • Waking too early and being unable to return to sleep
  • Feeling unrefreshed upon waking
  • Daytime fatigue, irritability, or cognitive impairment

Conventional Treatments

Typically tried before medical cannabis is considered

  • CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I)
  • Sleep hygiene interventions
  • Short-term use of zopiclone or zolpidem
  • Melatonin (particularly for delayed sleep phase)
  • Low-dose antidepressants (mirtazapine, amitriptyline)

Eligibility Notes

CBT-I is recommended by NICE as first-line treatment for insomnia and most clinics will expect this to have been tried. If insomnia is secondary to chronic pain, PTSD, or another qualifying condition, the overall clinical picture makes the assessment more straightforward.

How to get a prescriptionFive questions clinics usually ask

This page covers how to get assessed. What the research says about treatment for Insomnia will be added here once it has been reviewed by a qualified professional. Your specialist is the person to ask about treatment.

Find a clinic that treats Insomnia

Browse CQC-registered clinics in our directory with verified reviews and transparent pricing.

Browse Clinics

Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. The evidence base for cannabis-based medicines varies. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your treatment.