Do you struggle to catch some Zs when you’re on the road? It could be jet lag messing with your internal clock or the uncomfortable hotel bed you can never get used to. Whatever it is, getting quality slumber while traveling can be tough. But don’t worry, as CBD, a natural sleep remedy, is waiting for tired travelers like you.
Understanding Sleep Problems in Travelers
It’s not all bliss when you’re on a trip. After a day of exploring new places and making memories, you may find yourself tossing and turning instead of drifting off into dreamland. Sounds way too familiar? Well, you are among the many who face such issues, and finding a natural remedy can make all the difference, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.
Why is sleep so elusive when you’re away from home anyway? Jet lag, or that groggy and confused feeling due to your body being out of sync with the new time zone, is the most common reason. Being in an unfamiliar environment could also keep you up. We’re talking about altitude changes, temperature and humidity changes, noise levels, and even the hotel bed not feeling the same (no matter how nice).
What is CBD?
If you’ve been seeking natural remedies for your travel-induced sleep problems, you’ve probably come across Cannabidiol, or CBD, in your research. It is a fascinating substance found in the cannabis plant, particularly hemp for large quantities. Unlike its also incredibly famous cousin THC, CBD won’t alter your mental state. That’s right – it’s non-psychoactive, so you can benefit from its variety of health-boosting properties without getting high. It is for this reason, along with its potency, that people all over the world use CBD for various health concerns, such as to ease stress, pain, and, yes, even sleep problems.
What makes CBD really interesting is how it works. The compound interacts with a cell-signaling network in our body called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short, which helps regulate things like mood, appetite, and sleep. A truly holistic approach to wellness, tapping into this system allows CBD to help keep these functions in balance.
How CBD May Help With Sleep
But how does CBD actually work when it comes to addressing your sleep problems when traveling? Here’s a straightforward look at its various mechanisms that help users achieve a restful slumber.
Interaction with the ECS
As mentioned, CBD interacts with the ECS, enhancing the effects of certain chemicals our body produces. This includes the “bliss molecule” anandamide, known for its ability to lessen anxiety and promote relaxation and happiness.
Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Stress and anxiety are two factors that prevent restful sleep, especially when traveling. Thankfully, CBD has been well-studied for its potential to calm the mind, and it has been found to do this in several different ways.
First, CBD helps lower anxiety levels by improving the transmission of serotonin, enhancing the effects of this ‘feel-good’ hormone. Next, it inhibits the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a decreased cortisol level and normalized abnormal stress response. Let’s not forget the compound’s interaction with GABA and adenosine receptors, which both lower anxiety levels and produce a more relaxed body.
Addressing Physical Discomfort
Long flights and car rides, as well as having to carry or push around luggage, may cause physical discomfort that can end up disrupting your sleep. Fortunately, CBD can soothe pain and aches with its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, allowing you to drift off and enjoy a comfortable sleep.
Regulating Sleep-Wake Cycles
By now, we’ve already established the many ways CBD can help users doze off, but do you know that it’s also a wake-promoting herb? Sounds quite contradictory, but when used in low doses, it indeed can help you stay awake. This is beneficial when trying to align your internal clock with your destination before even crossing time zones, allowing you to adapt faster and enjoy better-quality sleep earlier.
Practical Considerations for Tired Travelers Using CBD
When thinking of using CBD to improve sleep for travelers, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, make sure to start with a modest dose and observe how your body reacts. This is crucial as everyone’s different, so what works for others might not work for you. Also only get your CBD from a reputable source like Dutch Natural Healing. Quality matters, and that is a guarantee with this trusted producer of organic, Europe-made CBD products that have been third-party lab tested.
Knowing the CBD laws in your destination is just as critical. While the compound is legal in many places, there are still some countries where it’s not allowed or where there may be different requirements. So do your research beforehand to avoid any inconveniences and unexpected surprises.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of CBD
Before starting your travel plans with CBD, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional first. This will help you get started with the right dosage and prevent any issues if you’re taking other medications or have health conditions that may not go well with CBD.
In addition, as tolerated and beneficial as it is, CBD is not without side effects. Some people may experience drowsiness, dry mouth, and/or changes in appetite. To minimize or avoid these adverse effects, keep the dosage low and only gradually increase if necessary.
Travel with CBD for Better Sleep
Is CBD the remedy we seek for the sleep problems we face when traveling? The answer to this question may differ depending on who you ask, but you won’t know unless you try. Many people swear by its gift of giving a good night’s sleep, even when they’re far from home. Just make sure to start low, go slow, and confirm the laws before traveling with your choice of CBD product. With a bit of research and some trial and error, you might just find that CBD is the sleep solution you’ve been looking for.
