Valerian Root for Sleep Benefits: Ultimate Guide

We all have to sleep. It's the end of the day; we wrap the covers around ourselves, close our eyes, and wait for dreams to come. But despite its importance, sleep doesn't always come as easily as we'd like. While many lifestyle changes can help you prepare for a restful night’s sleep, there is also a growing interest in drug-free sleep aids. These can provide occasional support to help your body get to bed. One of these sleep aids is Valerian Root Extract, a newcomer to Nature Made^®'s Sleep Supplements Collection that traces its origin back thousands of years. Nature Made^® Valerian Root for sleep helps you stay asleep longer and fall asleep faster in as little as three days when taken daily. Read on to learn more about Valerian Root and how it can support your sleep!^†

What is Valerian Root?

While Valerian Root for sleep may be new to you, it's been around quite a while. The use of Valerian for sleep as a traditional herbal remedy, prepared in teas or tinctures, is recorded all the way back in ancient Greece. Valerian Root Extract is extracted from the root of the Valerian plant (ain't that a tautology?), which is found across Asia and Europe. Not only has it been traditionally used, but it's also been clinically studied to promote sleep.[1]^†

Though tea is the most traditional preparation of Valerian Root, a more modern way to support your sleep with Valerian Root Extract is in capsule form. Nature Made® Valerian Root Extract is a clinically studied extract that helps you fall asleep faster◆, stay asleep longer, and support restful sleep.^†

How Valerian Root Supports Sleep

So now that we know what Valerian Root Extract is, what effects does it have to support sleep? Nature Made^® Valerian Root Extract has a unique triple-action benefit, helping you fall asleep faster if taken consecutively for three days, stay asleep longer to help wake up feeling refreshed.^†

Fall Asleep Faster:

Watching the clock tick by as you wait to fall asleep can be frustrating. Thankfully, Valerian Root Extract can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep in as little as three days.^†

Stay Asleep Longer & Sleep Longer:

Not only does Valerian Root Extract help you get to sleep faster, but it also supports your sleep by helping you stay asleep longer and increase the duration of your sleep.[3] How much deep sleep do you need? That varies by age and other factors, but by helping you stay asleep longer, Valerian Root can help you grab those extra Zzs you might need before a big trip.^†

Support Quality Sleep & Wake Refreshed:

Nature Made^® Valerian Root supports sleep quality.‡ The longer we sleep, the more time we spend in deep sleep, where our bodies repair tissue, support muscle and bone, and strengthen our immune systems.[2] By supporting a healthy sleep structure and keeping regular sleep cycles, sleep aids can help you get more time in deep, quality sleep‡ by extending your night's rest to wake up feeling refreshed.^†

Scientific Backing and Consumer Experiences

Nature Made^®’s Valerian Root Extract has been clinically studied to aid sleep. In a clinical trial, Valerian Extract was found to be well tolerated by subjects. In that eight week study, Valerian Extract was shown to support overall sleep quality, sleep latency (the time it takes for sleep to set in), sleep efficiency, and total sleep time. The study also observed an improved feeling of being refreshed after waking up.[3]^†

Comparing Valerian Root with Other Sleep Aids

Of course, Valerian Root for sleep isn't the only drug-free sleep aid! Nature Made^® also offers various Melatonin supplements for occasional sleep support. Our Melatonin Collection includes Melatonin 2.5mg Gummies, Extended Release Tablets, and more.^†

How does Melatonin compare to Valerian Root Extract? Valerian Root can help you fall asleep faster when taken consistently for three days. Because it requires some time to take effect, Valerian Root may be more suitable if you know you have an upcoming event that you want to be well-rested.^†

Melatonin, on the other hand, offers more immediate support to help you get to sleep faster, like the night before you have a last-minute early morning meeting. However, it is essential to note that you should only use one sleep aid at a time, only use sleep aids occasionally, and always follow the suggested use on the package when using any sleep aid. Please consult a trusted source of medical information like your primary care provider before deciding to use a sleep aid; they are best suited to give you personalized advice for lifestyle changes and determine which sleep aids might work best for you.^†

Valerian Root Usage and Safety Guidelines

If you are looking for a drug-free, occasional sleep aid with a plant-based ingredient, consider Nature Made® Valerian Root. As noted above, always follow the Suggested Use when using a dietary supplement sleep aid. For our Valerian Root 200 mg Capsules, adults should take one capsule daily with water one hour before bedtime.^†

Discuss Valerian Root with your primary care provider if you take any medications to ensure no unintended interactions or side effects. It is not recommended to take a Valerian Root supplement and Melatonin supplement simultaneously, nor should you take them consecutively on different nights. Both supplements may induce sleepiness and taking them close together may increase the likelihood of side effects. Furthermore, these two ingredients have not been clinically studied together. You should not mix Valerian Root or Melatonin with other products that may cause drowsiness.

When selecting a Valerian supplement, look for a high-quality choice. Nature Made^® Valerian Root Capsules provides 200 mg of Valerian Root extract with no color added, no artificial flavors, no preservatives, and they’re gluten free. Nature Made^® is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin & Supplement Brand.*^†

Embrace Restful Nights

Sleep is essential, so supporting your restful nights with healthy lifestyle choices and occasional sleep support can do a lot to make your nights (and mornings) more refreshing. Lifestyle changes and sleep hygiene can help you find out how to go to sleep fast. For more information, check out our blog on “Why is sleep important?” Give yourself some well-deserved rest and embrace restful nights with Nature Made^®. If you are looking for a drug-free way to support your sleep occasionally, Nature Made^® Sleep Supplements are guaranteed to meet Nature Made®'s high-quality standards.^†

◆ Fall asleep faster in as little as 3 days†

‡ In as little as 2 weeks

* Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements - Valerian. Nih.gov. Published March 15, 2013. Accessed July 12, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian-HealthProfessional/
2. Patel AK, Reddy V, Shumway KR, et al. Physiology, Sleep Stages. [Updated 2024 Jan 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526132/
3. Chandra Shekhar H, Joshua L, Thomas JV. Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study. Adv Ther. 2024;41(1):246-261. doi:10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6