How Does Valerian Root Work for Sleep?

Reader Contribution by Chelsea Clark
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by Adobestock/Maryna

Known for its sedative qualities, learn about valerian root health benefits and how valerian root works for sleep and decreases nervousness and restlessness.

Have trouble falling and staying asleep? Suffer from insomnia or another sleep disorder? No one enjoys lying awake at night trying, to no avail, to drift into sleep. While over-the-counter sleep medications or prescription drugs might be tempting to combat a sleepless night, they don’t always work and can put you at risk for several negative side effects, such as cognitive impairment.[1] These can be especially dangerous for youth. Instead, look to all-natural herbal solutions, such as valerian root, for sleep disorder and insomnia treatment.

What Is Valerian Root?

Valerian is an herb that has yellowish-brown roots, dark green leaves, and white and pink flowers. The root of this plant has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Primarily, valerian is known for it’s sedative qualities, which can help to increase sleepiness, as well as to decrease nervousness and restlessness. In many European countries, valerian root extract is a commonly used, approved over-the-counter medicine for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and disturbed sleep.[2]

Valerian has a variety of active compounds that give it these sedative qualities. These include valerenic acid, amino acids, and more. Although the mechanism is not entirely known, researchers do know that valerian root extracts increase the activity of GABA, one of the body’s main neurotransmitters that reduces excitability of the nervous system. By doing so, valerian has a calming effect in the body.[2]

  • Updated on Aug 7, 2022
  • Originally Published on Mar 12, 2015
Tagged with: Chelsea Clark, Herbal Remedies, Reader Contributions, sleep, valerian root, Washington
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