As youngsters, we only need to prepare our bed and turn off the lights to fall asleep. However, as we grow older, our sleep patterns change, making sleeping a challenge for us.
Older people struggle to fall asleep and often wake up in the middle of the night or earlier in the morning. Persistent difficulty to fall or remain asleep is defined as insomnia.
Although insomnia is a disorder in and of itself, it is actually induced by several other medical conditions. These can include anxiety disorders, PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), chronic pain, bipolar disorder, and other health issues. While sleeping pills can help people sleep well, alternative treatments are becoming increasingly popular.
By now, you would have already heard about CBD. Although CBD is widely used for treating chronic illnesses, it may also be naturally beneficial to treat insomnia.
Studies suggest that CBD helps decrease sleep problems and the conditions that might cause them. As a result, CBD for insomnia is gaining popularity among the elderly.
So is CBD for seniors effective? Or is it just another trend? Read on to find out!
What Causes Insomnia?
Not sleeping well can have adverse effects on health. However, it is noticed that several health factors also contribute to insomnia. This is, if you experience specific physical or mental health issues, you are more likely to suffer from insomnia.
Older people have one or more chronic illnesses, which becomes the reason for their troubled sleep. Here’s what causes insomnia in seniors.
- Mental health issues like anxiety, PTSD, depression, or OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- Intake of medications for depression or blood pressure
- Stress
- Muscle fatigue or joint pain
- Restless leg syndrome
- Sleep Apnea
- Indigestion
- Health conditions like heart issues, lung diseases, or Alzheimer’s.
CBD for Insomnia
CBD or Cannabidiol is a chemical found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, also called hemp or marijuana. You might freak out hearing ‘marijuana,’ but guess what?
CBD doesn’t get you high. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the potential psychoactive compound in Cannabinoid that gives the “high effect.”
CBD products typically contain no more than 0.3% THC. So as long as it’s pure CBD, you’re on the safe side.
The use of CBD for the elderly is on the rise as it promotes sleep. You’re probably wondering how it works to influence sleep quality? Let’s find out.
Our body’s endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining various body functions. Known as the “master regulator,” the endocannabinoid system regulates everything from sleep to immunity to behavior.
This super system has a network of cannabinoid receptors (B1 and B2) in our nervous system and brain. CBD interacts with these receptors, improving the quality of sleep.
What does Research Say About CBD for Insomnia?
According to a 2019 research study, 72 adults with anxiety and insomnia symptoms showed significant improvement in their sleep cycle after the first month of CBD intake.
One of the most significant causes of sleep disruption in older individuals is chronic pain. Research shows that CBD can soothe pain. Thus, improving the sleep cycle.
Another paper published in Springer Science + Business Media New York states that CBD seems promising for people suffering from REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep Behaviour disorder. Therefore, treating the underlying causes of insomnia.
Multiple anxiety disorders also disrupt the sleep patterns in seniors. Evidence claims it to be helpful for specific anxiety disorders. In a state of reduced anxiety, it becomes easier to sleep.
Additionally, a sleep psychologist suggests taking CBD for a good night’s sleep. Hence, CBD for seniors probably seems to work. It increases sleep quality and alleviates the symptoms of diseases that cause insomnia in the first place.
Forms of CBD
You might have heard that this over-the-counter compound is available as oils, but that’s not the case. If you hit the store today, you will find a sea of CBD products. CBD is available in the form of:
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Creams, gels, and lotions
- Transdermal patches
- Gel Capsules
- Gummies
- Sublingual sprays
CBD concentrations and benefits will vary from one product to another, so you can choose what is suitable for you. Besides, buying from a reputable brand is equally important. Certain brands out there do not keep your safety standards in mind.
This was the reason the FDA warned 15 companies for illegally selling particular CBD products.
Additionally, you should be more observant and keen while selecting a CBD product as an older person. The goal is to put you at ease and improve your sleep without causing harm.
CBD for Seniors
The market is flooded with CBD products; thus, you can have difficulty choosing the right product. As an elderly, if you plan to buy a CBD product for a night of better sleep, you might need a little help.
Here are a few products from reputable CBD brands that you can consider buying if it’s your first time using CBD for elderly.
A CBD Gummy for Sweet Dreams
If you have a sweet tooth and you enjoy flavored gummies time and again, these Premium Joy Organic CBD Gummies are a great option for you.
With 0.0% THC, this premium product is available in strawberry and lemonade flavors. Sunflower oil, Organic Cane sugar, and Phytocannabinoid rich-hemp extract are its main ingredients.
Chew on a gummy before going to bed for ultimate relaxation and tranquility.
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CBD Oil for Deep Slumber
Nuleaf Full Spectrum CBD oil is 100% organic and non-GMO. While you might think you can only massage it onto your skin, guess what? You can add it to your night drink and sip on it while reaping the benefits of CBD all along!
If you drink tea, coffee, milk, or any other beverage before going to bed, you can add 2-3 drops of CBD oil in it, and you are good to go!
CBD Softgel for a Magically Restful Sleep
If you do not want to complicate things, you can simply consume a softgel with water before sleeping. The Prima Sleep Tight Softgels are non-GMO and gluten-free. So if you are gluten sensitive or suffer from blood pressure, this product is the right option for you.
Although these aren’t ideal for pregnant or nursing women, they can work for the elderly.
Wrap Up
Just because you’ve grown older doesn’t mean you do not deserve quality sleep. In fact, as an older person, you require more sleep to get your body to function correctly.
CBD for seniors is becoming increasingly popular, and for the right reasons. So why not join the crowd?
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