Does valerian root help with sleep?

The evidence on valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) for sleep is inconsistent. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says clinical trials give mixed results, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends against using it for chronic insomnia in adults. Valerian has a long history of traditional use as an evening herb, but it is not a proven sleep aid.

NCCIH says valerian is generally safe for short-term use by most adults, at 300 to 600 mg daily for up to 6 weeks, but its long-term safety is unknown. Products vary a lot from brand to brand, so a result from one study may not carry over to the bottle on your shelf.

Valerian should not be taken with alcohol or sedatives. Little is known about its safety during pregnancy or while nursing, and rare liver injury has been reported, usually when valerian was combined with other herbs.

Because valerian can add to the effects of other drowsiness-causing substances, talk to your doctor before trying it if you take any medication, have a medical condition, or are pregnant or nursing.

Source: NCCIH - Valerian

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Noddie Night is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This page is general information, not medical advice.