Is CBD Hemp Oil Safe for Elderly Sleep?

Is CBD Hemp Oil Safe for Elderly Sleep?Is CBD Hemp Oil Safe for Elderly Sleep?
Read Time: Last Update: Mar 05Publish Update: Sep 13
  9. FAQ

The elusive search for good sleep plagues many people, especially older adults. Finding a pharmaceutical medication to help with sleep can be challenging because more conventional sleep medications can have serious side effects 1 such as confusion, memory problems, and increased risk of falls.   Various conditions contribute to sleep disturbance 2 for older adults, including dementia, depression, medications, pain, frequent urination, and inactivity.  A simple, safer solution could be CBD with hemp oil. 

Key takeaways

  • CBD oil is safe and effective for older adults, but dosing can vary, so check with a healthcare professional before starting.
  • CBD oil has been found to be effective in managing pain, and  calming anxiety which can both help with insomnia.
  • Consider possible medication interactions before starting CBD oil.

Is CBD Oil Safe for Seniors?

Understandably, some people would be sceptical about CBD since it comes from the cannabis plant. But CBD doesn't contain the ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that produces a high. CBD is available as an oil, but CBD is also sold as an extract and infused in numerous food, drink, and beauty products.  Safety concerns revolve around the lack of FDA oversight on CBD products and product mislabeling.3 But CBD oil is considered safe when patients are educated about its use and any anticipated adverse effects.
CBD Hemp Oil for Sleep in Elderly

Benefits of CBD Oil in Older Adults

The benefits of CBD oil for older adults continue to be studied and reviewed with renewed interest in its use as an alternative to riskier pharmaceuticals. Some of the benefits of CBD oil:
  • Pain Relief: A review of CBD use for pain 4 showed relief from chronic pain. There is growing evidence  5 suggesting that cannabinoids are beneficial for a range of medical conditions,  including pain. 
  • Anxiety: Anxiety is a common mental health problem for older adults affecting up to 20% of the aging population. 6  One study 7, although using younger adults, found that anxiety decreases with CBD use.
  • Insomnia: Sleep disturbance is often linked to chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and symptoms of dementia. When those conditions are treated, sleep usually improves. 
One cannot overlook the significant benefits of CBD oil without considering the risks associated with opioids and other medications, which can have multiple side effects.

What to Look For in CBD Hemp Oil Supplement for Sleep

Choosing the best CBD hemp oil supplement can be overwhelming. Oils placed under the tongue provide absorption directly into the bloodstream avoiding the digestive system, which can cause any drug to lose potency. A Forbes review 8 recommends using these criteria on what to look for in CBD oil:

  • Made from plants grown in the U.S.
  • Have a certificate of analysis (COA)
  • Are third-party tested by ISO 17025-compliant laboratories
  • Are made with all-natural ingredients

      Other considerations include additional ingredients found in CBD oil. Understanding what these are can help you decide on the best product for your needs. These can include: 

      • Cannabinol (CBN) can help treat glaucoma and chronic muscle pain.
      • Cannabigerol (CBG) can treat neurological disorders. 
      • Melatonin can help with jet lag and anxiety.
      • L-theanine is an amino acid that can induce relaxation. 
      • Chamomile. Chamomile is an herbal flower that has long been used to treat anxiety and insomnia. 
      • Lemon Balm is another botanical that may have antioxidant characteristics. 
      • Valerian root is used to treat fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety.
      • 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) can help with the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.
      • Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that can treat sleep and help with anxiety

      What are the side effects of CBD for the elderly?

      There are documented side effects from CBD. 9 Dosing can be tricky due to individual tolerance and reliance on product strength information. Some reported side effects:
      • Increased sleepiness
      • Decreased appetite
      • Increase liver function tests
      • Hypotension
      • Dry mouth
      • Lightheadedness
      Monitoring side effects and adjusting dosage can often moderate or eliminate these effects.

      Dosage - How Many Drops of CBD Oil Should Elderly Take?

      CBD oil has the advantage of being able to calculate the dose that is best for you. You can start with a small dose and go up from there. But calculating CBD oil dosage can be confusing and should depend on what conditions you are treating.  Without FDA approval, there is little guidance on how much CBD a person should consume.We do know that based on clinical trials on CBD and sleep have mostly involved doses between 25 mg and 1,500 mg of CBD per day. 10  According to CNET 11  25 to 75 milligrams per day is recommended for anxiety and sleep disorders. Consult with your healthcare provider and err on the side of starting with a low dose.

      Tips for Managing CBD Oil for the Elderly (Refer to mixing with other medication that relevant for elderly)

      Managing CBD oil for older adults requires careful consideration and attention to their specific needs and health conditions. Here are some tips for managing CBD oil for the elderly:
      • Consult a Healthcare Professional before introducing CBD oil or any new supplement to an elderly person's regimen.
      • Start with Low Doses and gradually increase it over time. This allows the elderly person's body to adjust and helps identify the optimal dosage that provides the desired effects without causing adverse reactions.
      • Choose High-Quality products from reputable manufacturers that have been third-party tested for quality, potency, and purity. Older adults can be more sensitive to impurities.
      • Monitor for side effects by attending to how the elderly individual responds to CBD oil. Monitor for any changes in mood, sleep, pain levels, or other symptoms. Keeping a journal can help track the effects and make adjustments as needed.
      • Be aware of potential drug interactions that could affect efficacy or cause unwanted side effects. 
      • Determine specific health goals for which CBD is being used. Whether it's pain relief, improved sleep, or anxiety reduction, tailor the CBD regimen to address these goals.
      • Incorporate CBD into a routine. Consistency is key to experiencing the potential benefits of CBD over time.
      • Be patient.  The effects of CBD can vary from person to person and might take time to become noticeable. Encourage the elderly person to be patient and give the CBD regimen a chance to work.
      • Stay informed by keeping up-to-date with the latest research and information about CBD. Regulations and understanding of CBD are evolving, so staying informed can help you make well-informed decisions.
      Possible drug contraindications include the following:
      • Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs: CBD could potentially enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications 12
      • Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs): CBD Interactions with specific antiepileptic drugs can occur. 
      • Benzodiazepines: CBD might interact with medications used for anxiety, potentially amplifying their effects.
      • Immunosuppressants: CBD could potentially affect the metabolism of medications that suppress the immune system. 
      • Heart Medications: Interactions with medications for heart conditions 13 occur due to CBD's potential impact on blood pressure and heart rate. 
      CBD oil has been found to be a effective and safe supplement as an alternative to traditional pharmecetuicals for older adults who want to improve their sleep. The key is to start with a low dose and adjust as needed for efficacy. It is also crucial to monitor for any side effects and other medication interactions.
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      9. FAQ
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      Conclusion

      CBD can offer numerous benefits to older adults, particularly in improving sleep quality, alleviating pain, easing anxiety, and addressing chronic sleep conditions like insomnia. However, it's essential to prioritize consultation with a healthcare professional before integrating any new supplement into your routine, especially if you're already on chronic medication.

      Despite the proven benefits of CBD, some individuals may still seek an alternative approach. Tahiro propaietry Sleep Well Formula is a natural solution designed to promote restful sleep without the use of CBDand with less than 1mg of melatonin.

      Experience the tranquility of natural supplements and embrace a night of deep, revitalizing sleep with Tahiro's Sleep Well Formula. Its powerful bled of California poppy, Valerian root, magnesium, GABA, and Griffonia seed, this formula offers a natural approach to addressing sleep disturbances.

      FAQ

      • CBD has been shown to help seniors sleep by reducing pain and anxiety. The advantage of CBD is its low side effect profile versus traditional sleep medications, which can increase fall risk in the elderly.

      • Both CBD and hemp oil can be taken daily for sleep, assuming optimal individual dosing has been achieved. 

      • Hemp seed oil itself is not typically associated with sleep-enhancing effects like CBD might be. Hemp oil contains no CBD content but has nutritional content that can support overall well-being, indirectly contributing to better sleep. So, a CBD hemp oil combination has more benefits than one alone.

      • Remember that starting low and going slow is the best approach to dosing. In general, research shows 300-mg oral doses of CBD can be taken safely daily for up to six months, but dosing will be very individual depending on age, weight, and tolerance.

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      References

      1. Brewster, G., Reigel, B., Gherman, P.R. (2018) Insomnia in the Older Adult. PubMed.
      2. Sleep Disorders in Older Adults. MedlinePlus.
      3. Brooke, P., St. Marie, B., Milavetz, G., Herr, K. (2021). Cannabidiol (CBD) Use by Older Adults for Acute and Chronic Pain. PubMed.
      4. Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R.F., Dsehpande, S., Nisio, D. M., Duffy, St. Hernandez, A.V., Keurentjes, C.J., Lang, S., Misso, K., Ryder, S., Schmidlkofer, S., Westwood, M., Kleifnen, J. Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. (2015). PubMed.
      5. Bruni, N., Della Pepa, C., Oliaro-Bosso, S., Pessione, E., Gastaldi, D., Dosio, F. (2018). Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment. PubMed.
      6. Anxiety and Older Adults: Overcoming Worry and Fear. American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.
      7. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. PubMed.
      8. Silva, L., Hall, A. (2023). Best CBD Oil for Sleep of 2023, According to Research. Forbes Health.
      9. Calderon, B., Sayre, T.J. (2020). Cannabidiol Use in Older Adults. U.S. Parmacist.
      10. Ferguson, S. (2023). CBD for Insomnia: Benefits, Side Effects, and Treatment. Healthline.
      11. Leamy, T. (2022). How Much CBD Should You Take? Here’s How to Find Your Perfect Dose. CNET.
      12. Fernandez-Ruiz, J., Sagredo, O., Pazos, R.M., Garcia, C., Pertwee, R., Mechoulam, R., Orgado, J.M. (2012). Cannabidiol for Neurodegenerative Dsorders: Important New Clinical Applications for This Phytocannabinoid? PubMed.
      13. Bernstein, S. (2021). CBD Oil and Heart Failure. WebMD.
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