Cannabis use for Sleep Disturbance Among Older Patients in a Geriatrics Clinic

Cannabis use is growing among older adults to manage medical concerns including poor sleep. In this study, we characterized how patients seen at a geriatrics clinic use cannabis to address sleep disturbance. Specifically, we conducted an anonymous survey of 568 adults, including 83 who reported cannabis use within the past 3 years, to inquire about such use. We compared cannabis use characteristics between those using it for sleep disturbance versus all other conditions. We considered a p-value <.10 to be statistically significant. Among the cannabis users in our sample, 29% reported using cannabis for sleep disturbance (N = 24). They were more likely than other users to be female (p = .07), consume cannabis more frequently (p = .01), use products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (vs. cannabidiol [CBD]-only; p < .01), and use cannabis to target more symptoms (p < .01). As cannabis use continues to grow in older populations, it is essential to delineate better how cannabis may be used safely and effectively to improve older adults' sleep health.

Use of Cannabis for Sleep: Patterns of Use Among a Sample of Patients in a Geriatrics Clinic

Cannabis may be useful for treatment of sleep problems in older adults. Little is known about use patterns of cannabis for sleep. We conducted a clinic-based anonymous survey in a geriatrics clinic in La Jolla, CA. Among n=568 surveys, 10% reported recent use (within past 6 months). Among recent users, 30% reported using cannabis for sleep, most finding it helpful. Compared to cannabis users for other conditions, cannabis users for sleep were more likely to use THC containing products (62.5% vs. 32.1%), use cannabis on a daily or weekly basis (76.2% vs. 43.2%), use vape pens (29.2% vs. 6.9%), and to obtain cannabis via a delivery service (33.3% vs. 14.0%) (all p’s<0.05). Only 40% reported their doctor knew about their cannabis use. Our findings suggest sleep is a common reason for using cannabis. Future research should assess how use patterns can result in effective treatment for sleep in older adults. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Sleep, Circadian Rhythms and Aging Interest Group.

Cannabis: An Emerging Treatment for Common Symptoms in Older Adults

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Use of cannabis is increasing in a variety of populations in the United States; however, few investigations about how and for what reasons cannabis is used in older populations exist.

DESIGN

Anonymous survey.

SETTING

Geriatrics clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 568 adults 65 years and older.

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

MEASUREMENTS

Survey assessing characteristics of cannabis use.

RESULTS

Approximately 15% (N = 83) of survey responders reported using cannabis within the past 3 years. Half (53%) reported using cannabis regularly on a daily or weekly basis, and reported using cannabidiol-only products (46%). The majority (78%) used cannabis for medical purposes only, with the most common targeted conditions/symptoms being pain/arthritis (73%), sleep disturbance (29%), anxiety (24%), and depression (17%). Just over three-quarters reported cannabis "somewhat" or "extremely" helpful in managing one of these conditions, with few adverse effects. Just over half obtained cannabis via a dispensary, and lotions (35%), tinctures (35%), and smoking (30%) were the most common administration forms. Most indicated family members (94%) knew about their cannabis use, about half reported their friends knew, and 41% reported their healthcare provider knowing. Sixty-one percent used cannabis for the first time as older adults (aged ≥61 years), and these users overall engaged in less risky use patterns (e.g., more likely to use for medical purposes, less likely to consume via smoking).

CONCLUSION

Most older adults in the sample initiated cannabis use after the age of 60 years and used it primarily for medical purposes to treat pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and/or depression. Cannabis use by older adults is likely to increase due to medical need, favorable legalization, and attitudes.