Can Valerian improve our quality of sleep?

If you are having trouble falling asleep and enjoying the many important benefits of a restful night sleep, know that you are not alone!  Your healthcare provider is available to discuss your concerns, and can connect you with Inspired Health Group's Sleep Care Coordinator, Deborah Haidon, if needed. Reach out via your patient portal or give us a call for more information.

“Valerian is a traditional herbal sleep remedy that has been studied with a variety of methodologic designs using multiple dosages and preparations. Research has focused on subjective evaluations of sleep patterns, particularly sleep latency, and study populations have primarily consisted of self-described poor sleepers. Valerian improves subjective experiences of sleep when taken nightly over one- to two-week periods, and it appears to be a safe sedative/hypnotic choice in patients with mild to moderate insomnia. The evidence for single-dose effect is contradictory. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety, but the data supporting this indication are limited. Although the adverse effect profile and tolerability of this herb are excellent, long-term safety studies are lacking.”

SUSAN HADLEY, M.D., Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, Connecticut JUDITH J. PETRY, M.D., Vermont Healing Tools Project, Brattleboro, Vermont

You can read the full article from American Family Physician Journal HERE!: