Cannabidiol is everywhere lately—skincare, foods and beverages, and even in pet treats. What initially seemed like a trend among younger generations has turned out to be a very promising natural approach to alleviating many common ailments for people of all ages.
Though many of us experience trouble sleeping, common anxiety, and everyday aches and pains, we also seem to accept it as a part of life. These challenges often become more difficult to manage as we get older and the burden can add up. Nobody wants to take handfuls of medications every morning just to feel better—not to mention the damage this does to your body.
CBD has become wildly popular in the health and wellness industry for its potential benefits and is beginning to gain traction in the scientific community as research begins to offer more insight into CBD’s potential.
While we need more research to understand the full range of potential benefits of CBD for seniors, anecdotal evidence suggests CBD offers a safe, effective, and natural approach to soothing everyday aches and pains, easing mild anxiety, and getting a restful night’s sleep.
Below we explain everything you need to know about potential CBD benefits for seniors, including a quick guide to CBD basics and how how CBD works within your body.
What Is CBD and How Does it Work?
CBD is one of more than 100 naturally occurring compounds, or cannabinoids, found in hemp plants. When compared to prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, for example, CBD has been known to be a promising natural alternative for several day-to-day ailments, including everyday aches and pains, common anxiety, and sleeping troubles.
CBD interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system, which is a system of receptors that plays a key role in the regulation of processes and functions, including sleep, pain, mood, and memory.
It’s comprised of two receptor types: the endocannabinoid type I and type II (CB1 and CB2) receptors which can be found throughout your body, including the nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord, your gastrointestinal tract, your skeletal muscles, your vascular system, and your skin.
Potential CBD Benefits for Seniors
The interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the body gives rise to several potential CBD benefits for seniors.
Soothing Everyday Aches and Pains
Unfortunately, old age and aches and pains often go hand in hand. An estimated 60-75% of people over the age of 65 report at least some persistent pain. Instead of taking painkillers every day, some seniors are ditching their OTC painkillers and welcoming CBD into their daily routine. While CBD does not directly alleviate pain, it can work with the endocannabinoid system to regulate the feelings of pain and reduce the inflammatory response.
Easing Mild Anxiety
Even mild anxiety can take a toll on our bodies and seems to creep up at the most inconvenient times. Luckily, there’s plenty we can do to calm our minds, like yoga and meditation, journaling, talking with friends and family, or even taking CBD.
While anecdotal evidence demonstrates CBD’s potential in easing common anxiety, the exact mechanism is still up for debate. One potential mechanism for the potential anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety, benefits of CBD is believed to be through CBD’s ability to activate the brain receptor for serotonin, 5-HT1A, which is linked to anxiety and depression.
Another potential mechanism is that CBD increases the level of a particular endocannabinoid called anandamide, or the “bliss chemical”. Anandamide signaling is associated with a positive mood and a sense of calm.
Getting a Restful Night’s Sleep
Sleep is just as vital for our health as a well-balanced diet and regular exercise—but 46% of people 65 and older have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep during the night on a regular basis. As we age, our bodies make less of the chemicals and hormones that help us sleep well. Seniors may also develop sensitivity to things like noise and temperature, making it even more difficult to get a restful night’s sleep.
In addition to CBD’s interaction with endocannabinoid receptors, the potential sleep benefits of CBD may be linked to the body’s cortisol levels. Cortisol is a steroid hormone responsible for regulating a wide range of important processes throughout the body, including sleep-wake cycles.
In one study, researchers discovered that cortisol levels decreased significantly when subjects took large doses of CBD, suggesting that CBD may act as a sedative through its impact on the release of cortisol.
What Our Customers Have to Say
We can explain the science of potential CBD benefits for seniors all day, but you probably want to hear about CBD in action. Here’s what Kate and Matty have to say about their CBD experience:
Discover Your Path to Feeling Better With Feals
At Feals, we’re dedicated to providing you with a better way to feel better. Our products are formulated with only the purest ingredients and without the use of fillers or unnecessary fluff. From sourcing to packaging, we act intentionally to ensure quality and sustainability. Our products are rigorously internally and third-party tested to ensure we deliver the highest quality products possible.
If you still have questions about CBD, how it works, the potential CBD benefits for seniors, or are just looking for a CBD and wellness consult, our CX team would be more than happy to help you.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
