RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Challenging the Endocannabinoid System in Sleep Restricted Healthy Volunteers to Modulate Physiological Arousal (CANISLEEP) Study

This study aims to understand how different cannabis-based products, like THC and CBD, affect healthy people who are feeling stressed because they haven't had enough sleep. Our bodies have a natural system, called the endocannabinoid system, which helps manage both stress and sleep. Researchers believe that compounds found in cannabis might interact with this system. Participants will have their sleep restricted to four hours on one occasion, which is known to safely increase feelings of stress. The study will then look at how various cannabis oils affect their physical and mental stress responses. It seeks to gather important information about how these products might influence our bodies when we're sleep-deprived and anxious.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

02 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Healthy Volunteer

What is this study about?

This study, called CANISLEEP, is looking into how cannabis-based products might affect people who are experiencing stress due to a lack of sleep. In our busy modern lives, not getting enough sleep is becoming more and more common. We know that stress can lead to poor sleep, and in turn, not getting enough sleep can make us feel even more stressed, even if we are otherwise healthy.

Our bodies have a natural control system called the endocannabinoid system (often shortened to ECS). This system plays a role in how we respond to stress and also how we sleep. Compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD, are known to interact with this ECS. The researchers want to see if these cannabis oils can help balance the body's stress response when someone is sleep-deprived.

To safely study this, participants will have a short night's sleep (just 4 hours) on one occasion. This is a common and safe way for researchers to create a temporary feeling of heightened stress from poor sleep. The study will then observe how different cannabis oils (THC, CBD, a combination of THC and CBD, or a placebo which contains no active ingredients) affect how participants feel, both physically and mentally, in response to this temporary sleep loss.

Key takeaways

Examining cannabis effects on stress in sleep-deprived healthy adults.
Compares THC, CBD, THC+CBD, and placebo.
Participants will temporarily restrict sleep to 4 hours.
Aims to understand the body's natural stress and sleep system (ECS).
Participation lasts 2-9 days, with various assessments.
Your contribution helps future understanding of cannabis and stress.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy adults between 18 and 60 years old who are currently feeling more anxious than average. You would need to be willing to follow short-term rules like restricting your sleep to 4 hours on one day, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs during your time on the study.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently receiving treatment for a mental health condition, or if you have used any kind of cannabis product (including CBD oils) in the last three months. You also wouldn't be able to join if you have a history of certain serious mental health conditions, like psychosis, or if you've used cannabis regularly for a long time. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently trying to get pregnant are also not eligible.

Finally, for safety reasons, you wouldn't be able to take part if you have certain sleep problems (like sleep apnoea or severe insomnia, or if you work night shifts), or if you drink a lot of caffeine. At each visit, checks like drug and alcohol tests, and pregnancy tests for women, will be done to ensure everyone's safety.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between the ages of 18 and 60?
Do you currently feel more anxious than average?
Are you willing to limit your sleep to 4 hours on one day for the study?
Have you avoided all cannabis products (including CBD) in the last 3 months?
Are you currently not receiving treatment for any mental health condition?
Are you able and willing to use effective contraception if you are a woman who could become pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be involved for a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 9 days. Before starting, you will be asked to sign a consent form, give details for your GP, and provide an emergency contact. You will also need to agree to use effective contraception for the entire study period if you are a woman who could become pregnant.

On one occasion during the study, you will be asked to restrict your sleep to only 4 hours. Before and during your experimental visits, you'll need to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which will be checked with urine drug and alcohol breath tests. If you are female, a pregnancy test will also be done. During these visits, you will be given one of the cannabis oils or a placebo, and researchers will take various measurements to see how your body and mind respond. You will also need a working phone to respond to text messages during the study.

Potential risks and benefits

While this study does not offer direct health benefits to participants, your contribution will help researchers better understand how cannabis-based products interact with our bodies, especially when we're sleep-deprived and stressed. This knowledge could lead to new ways of helping people in the future. As with any study involving medication, there are potential risks and side effects, and these will be fully explained to you before you agree to take part. You will also have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

The Centre for Mental Health Research and Innovation
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to see how different cannabis oils affect healthy people who are temporarily stressed from a lack of sleep.

Will I be given real cannabis?

You might receive THC, CBD, a combination of both, or a placebo (a dummy treatment with no active ingredients).

What kind of commitment is involved?

You will be involved for 2 to 9 days, which includes one night where your sleep is limited to 4 hours, and required visits for assessments.

Are there any side effects?

Potential risks and side effects will be fully explained to you before you decide to join the study.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any point, without consequence.

How to find out more

Catherine I V Bird, MSc

catherine.bird@kcl.ac.uk +44(0)2032281590 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.