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Valerian Root Improves Sleep patterns
Valerian root has been
traditionally used as a relaxant to help soothe the nervous system and ease
tension.
Recent research studies have demonstrated that valerian root may be
particularly helpful to people who suffer with insomnia and other sleep
disorders.
In Switzerland, researchers surveyed 128 people who were each given 9
separate samples to test (3 containing placebo, 3 containing 400 mg aqueous
extract of valerian root and 3 containing a proprietary over-the-counter
valerian preparation.
The subjects stated that the valerian extract produced a significant
improvement in their quality of sleep as well as in the ease in getting to
sleep. The best scores came from those people who had considered themselves poor
or irregular sleepers prior to the study. The study confirmed that valerian root
extract is considered by users to be an effective aid to sleep which improves
the quality of sleep and the regularity of sleep patterns.
Valerian
Herbal remedies have been used safely for centuries for insomnia. In modern
herbal medicine, the leading herb for insomnia is valerian. Valerian root makes
getting to sleep easier and increases deep sleep and dreaming.
Valerian does not cause a morning hangover, a side effect common to
prescription sleep drugs in some people. A double-blind trial found that
valerian extract (600 mg 30 minutes before bedtime for 28 days) is comparable in
efficacy to oxazepam (Serax®), a commonly prescribed drug for insomnia.
In a separate double-blind trial, the same amount of valerian extract was
found to improve subjective assessments of sleep quality and certain aspects of
brain function during sleep as well. A concentrated (4-5:1) valerian root
supplement in the amount of 300-600 mg can be taken 30 minutes before bedtime.
Alternately, 2 to 3 grams of the dried root in a capsule or 5 ml tincture can be
taken 30 minutes before bedtime.
A combination of valerian and lemon balm has been tested for improving sleep.
A small preliminary trial compared the effect of valerian root extract (320 mg
at bedtime) and an extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) with that of the
sleeping drug triazolam (Halcion®).
The effectiveness of the herbal combination was similar to that of Halcion,
but only the Halcion group felt hung over and had trouble concentrating the next
day. A double-blind trial found that a combination of valerian and lemon balm,
taken over a two-week period, was effective in improving quality of sleep.
Another double-blind trial found a combination of 360 mg valerian and 240 mg
lemon balm taken before bed improved reported sleep quality in one-third of the
participants.
You can read more about
Valerian Root here and look at our products containing
Valerian root here
More on sleep research
(1) Leathwood P.D.; Chauffard
F.; Heck E.; Munoz-Box R. Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana
officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Nestle Res. Lab., 1814 La
Tour-de-Peilz SWITZERLAND PHARMACOL. BIOCHEM. BEHAV. (USA) , 1982, 17/1 (65-70)
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