Valerian - Proven by Science to Help Sleep

Sunday, January 1st 2006

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Sleep disorders are common in New Zealand, affecting nearly one third of the adult population. Between 2000 and 2004, the use of sleep medications doubled among adults aged 20-44. But the use of such medications among children aged 10 to 19 also went up by 85 percent.

Also of note:

Spending on sleep meds among adults in the 20-44 age category spiked upward 190 percent. Children in the 10-19 age bracket showed the highest dual usage of prescription sleep aids as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs at 15 percent.

Women used prescription sleep aids for more often than men, particularly among young women under 19 (37 percent) and those between 20-64 (58 percent).

Although adults over age 64 take more sleep medications, the increased use was lower among that age group (16.5 percent) than all the others in the study.

According to the American National Institutes of Health, upwards of 70 million people in the United States may be affected by sleep problems, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, and 60 percent of such suffer from a chronic sleep disorder.

Valerian root is the herb for sleep that has been used for centuries as a mild sedative. Modern research considers the volatile oil in the root (specifically valerenic acid) to be responsible for its sedative effects. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) also has a long history of usage as mild sedative, especially in cases of agitation and excitability.

A unique combination of these two herbs has been the subject of studies in Europe. In one study, a group of women took two tablets twice daily, in the morning and at bedtime. The quality of sleep vastly improved among the Valerian Nighttime group as compared to placebo and the effect continued for a full week after the women stopped taking the herbal combination. Physicians monitoring the study gave Valerian Nighttime high harks for its ability to promote restful sleep. It was not only shown to have a prolonged effect on sleep patterns but was also shown to work quickly.

Millions of happy sleepers worldwide prefer Valerian Nighttime because it has a "dual control" coating that locks in the volatile oils while eliminating the herb's pungent "dirty socks" aroma.

It is available as Nature's Way Valerian Nighttime (Valerian Root and Lemon Balm). Also available is Nature's Way Valerian Root capsules (green label) and Nature's Way Standardized Valerian Root capsules (purple label).

Reproduced unabridged from the January - March 2006 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for Insomnia :

5-HTP 60's
Avena Comp. Relaxing Drops
Calmunurse
Deep Sleep
Herbal Becalm
Herbal CA
L-Theanine (Suntheanine)
Mineral Power
Restful Sleep
Rescue Sleep Liquid Melts
Sleep Enhance
Sleep Support Tart Cherry Concentrate
Sound a Sleep - Valerian 2500 Plus
Super Calcium Complete
Superior Magnesium

Related health information can be found here:

Circulatory Problems
Depressed, anxious or unable to sleep? You could be low in the brain chemical serotonin
Feeling depressed, anxious or irritable? Beat the blues with St John's Wort
Insomnia
Magnesium
Mineral Power
Nerves
Pain
Rheumatism
Stress

Related articles can be found here:

Calming with Chamomile

Minerals: Critical for Well-Being

Mood, Sleep, Serotonin and 5-HTP

Relieve Stress Naturally

The Mood Food Connection

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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