Written by
Jay Summer, Staff Writer
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Abhinav Singh, Sleep Physician
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Our dedicated team rigorously evaluates every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date and free of bias.
Sleep loss is a worldwide problem. Health experts suspect that insufficient sleep prompts or exacerbates many serious health issues, which is why getting optimal sleep should be a top priority. If you are one of the many people who doesn’t sleep enough or has trouble sleeping, you might wonder if natural sleep aids can help you. We explore valerian root, a popular natural sleep aid, covering its effects on the body, potential side effects, and recommended dosage.
Valerian root, often referred to as valerian, is the root of the valerian plant, officially called the Valeriana officinalis. This herb is native to Asia and Europe but can also be found in North America. Valerian root has a distinct scent that many people find unpleasant.
Valerian root’s medical usage dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. Early on, people treated migraine, tiredness, stomach cramps, and insomnia with valerian. Currently, people primarily take valerian to treat insomnia, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, depression, and headaches.
When used as a dietary supplement, valerian root is generally dried, then made into a tea, tincture, capsule, or tablet. These forms of valerian root are available without a prescription in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. Valerian root supplements are very popular natural sleep aids, and they are commonly used in European countries such as France, Germany, and Sweden. In a survey conducted in the U.S., more people reported taking valerian root for sleep compared to melatonin.
Valerian root contains multiple chemical compounds that may impact the human brain and body, but researchers haven’t completely pinpointed which compounds affect us. Most likely, multiple components act together to provide effects. Researchers have identified the following active compounds in valerian root:
More research is needed, but valerian root may impact the body in a variety of ways. For example, the iridoids found in valerian root may act as anti-inflammatories and inhibit the expression of specific genes. Studies of mice suggest that valerian root can ease pain in the body through flavonoids, which inhibit the creation of nitric oxide.
When it comes to the brain, researchers have primarily studied how valerenic acid in valerian root affects GABA receptors, a type of neurotransmitter in the brain. The effect on GABA receptors is at least partially how valerian root supplements ease anxiety, though its impact could vary from person to person depending on their sex and age. Valerian root also likely impacts serotonin receptors, which are involved in mood and sleep.
Valerian root has also been found to reduce brain activity in the motor cortex in response to stimulation, as well as change how brain waves in different parts of the brain work together in response to stress and anxiety.
After analyzing 60 research studies published over nearly 40 years, researchers determined that valerian root can likely improve sleep and reduce anxiety in many people. Valerian root supplements have been found to help people fall asleep faster, improve their sleep quality, and spend more time in a deep sleep stage.
However, some studies found that valerian root had no effect or a statistically insignificant effect. To see improvement, people might have to take valerian root regularly, rather than once in a while or as needed.
One thing to keep in mind is that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) advises against the use of natural sleep aids, including valerian root and melatonin, when treating chronic insomnia, due to the lack of evidence for their effectiveness and safety. Chronic insomnia is a sleep disorder in which a person has trouble falling or staying asleep three more nights per week for at least three months. During this time, they also experience daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating.
Valerian root may provide benefits beyond improved sleep and anxiety. Although more research is needed, and many of these studies are in their early stages, researchers have found that valerian root supplementation may also help treat or manage:
Preliminary research also shows that in lab experiments, valerian root extract and the valeric acid found in valerian root may slow the growth of breast cancer cells and may have anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties in general. Another study found similar results when valeric acid was applied to liver cancer cells. However, more research is needed to understand if or how valerian root can be used to treat people with cancer.
Generally, taking valerian root supplements is thought to produce fewer side effects than taking sedative or hypnotic medications for sleep.
Most studies of valerian root for sleep found that participants experienced no adverse effects, or mild side effects at comparable rates to groups taking a placebo. However, other studies have found that valerian root may produce the following side effects in some people:
The effects valerian root has on a person may depend on the dosage taken. For example, one older study found that valerian root reduced anxiety when people took 600 or 1,200 milligrams but increased anxiety at a 1,800-milligram dosage.
In a few rare cases, valerian root — especially when taken in excess — has produced unusual effects:
Many studies have found valerian root to be a safe natural sleep aid. Researchers have found taking valerian root regularly for up to 28 days doesn’t cause problems for most adults.
People taking sedatives or other anti-anxiety or sleep medications should avoid valerian root. There’s a chance these drugs could interact or become too sedating when combined. Also, those who are pregnant or nursing and children under the age of 3 shouldn’t take valerian root because risks haven’t been studied in these groups yet.
Studies of the longer-term safety of valerian root supplementation haven’t been conducted. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine also recommends against using valerian root for chronic insomnia because they’ve determined there isn’t enough research demonstrating its safety or efficacy.
There is no official dosage recommended for people wanting to take valerian root. Most research studies of valerian root’s effect on sleep have people take 300 to 600 milligrams, once per day, on a regular basis.
When taking a supplement, it’s often best to start with a low dose, then gradually increase it over time, if needed. Talk to your doctor before starting valerian root to discuss dosage and if it’s the best sleep aid for you.
Since there are no official guidelines regarding natural sleep aids, consider speaking to your doctor before taking one. Whether you’re interested in valerian root, melatonin, ashwagandha, or cannabis, your doctor can advise on potential risks and side effects, as well as a recommended dosage.
If you experience more than the occasional trouble sleeping and think you might have a sleep disorder, make an appointment with your doctor instead of self-treating with natural sleep aids. A variety of sleep disorders disrupt sleep and cause daytime tiredness. Your doctor will ask questions and, if necessary, order tests to determine what is the root cause of your sleep issues so you can receive proper treatment.
Staff Writer
Jay Summer is a health content writer and editor. She holds a B.S. in psychology and master's degrees in writing and public policy.
Sleep Physician
MD
Dr. Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the entire myriad of sleep disorders.
