Whether you suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder, you may be interested in trying valerian root. It’s a natural sleep aid that’s safe to take, but there are some things you need to know before starting.
First, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid valerian root. It also can interact with certain medications and supplements, so it’s important to check with your doctor before taking it.
How It Works
Valerian root has been used for thousands of years to treat sleep issues like insomnia, stress, and anxiety. Today, it is an increasingly popular natural sleep aid that can help you get the rest you need to feel refreshed and energized.
It works by promoting GABA levels in the brain, which help your mind relax and calm down. In addition, it improves the length and quality of your sleep.
Studies have shown that valerian root can also help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety, such as nervousness, agitation, and irritability. It can also help people with insomnia, including those who are prone to frequent awakenings or those who struggle with sleep problems because of their lifestyle, diet, or medication.
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, try taking a supplement that boosts melatonin, which is an important hormone in the body that regulates your circadian rhythm. It also helps your body enter REM sleep and helps you wake up in the morning refreshed.
You can purchase a valerian root supplement online or in your local health store. Look for a product that’s cGMP-certified and comes with a 30-day guarantee, as this will give you the confidence to use it regularly.
It’s best to start with a low dose of 120 milligrams three times daily before bed, then increase the dosage as needed. Dosages should be taken about 30 minutes before bedtime to allow time for your body to adapt to the supplement’s effects.
As with any supplement, it’s important to speak with your doctor before starting a new regimen. It is especially critical to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, as some supplements can interfere with them.
Insomnia is a common problem for many people, especially when they are stressed and anxious. If you have chronic insomnia, it’s important to see a doctor as this may indicate a medical or psychological condition that needs treatment.
Insomnia can be a frustrating problem, and it can make your life much more difficult. It’s important to find a solution that will improve your quality of life and help you get the rest you need.
Side Effects
Valerian root is a safe, natural sleep aid that helps you fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. It also promotes deep, restorative sleep that can improve your energy and overall health.
In addition to promoting healthy sleep, valerian root may help ease menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. It may also help relieve nighttime leg cramps in people who suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Some studies have shown that taking valerian root before bed can help you enter slow-wave sleep more quickly. This type of sleep is important for restoring your body and brain, promoting memory and cognitive function.
It can also make it easier to wake up during the night, allowing you to feel refreshed and energized in the morning. This is especially helpful for those who suffer from chronic insomnia, a condition that causes difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Another way valerian root can help you fall and stay asleep is by increasing your brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nervous activity, promoting relaxation and rest.
A study in rats found that taking valerian root increased GABA levels. In addition, valerian root also boosts melatonin, which is an essential hormone in the body that regulates your sleep cycle and promotes relaxation.
However, valerian root is not as effective as prescription sleep medication such as melatonin. While melatonin can help you fall asleep and stay asleep, it doesn’t always work for everyone, and some people may feel restless or anxious after taking it.
Some experts believe that melatonin can only be helpful for certain types of insomnia and for certain reasons. If you take melatonin, be sure to talk to your doctor about how much to take and what other treatment options may be best for you.
Other herbs that have been used for centuries to treat sleep disorders include passionflower, hops (Humulus lupulus), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). These herbs are often combined with valerian root.
Dosage
Valerian root is an herb that is used to treat insomnia and anxiety. It works by subtly increasing your brain’s GABA levels, which can help calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality. It also has a sedative effect, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
It is also used to treat insomnia in pregnant and nursing women. It may reduce sleep latency and increase the amount of time you spend in deep sleep, which is the most restorative type of sleep.
There are many ways to take valerian root, including teas, tinctures, and supplements. For the best results, you should take 300 to 600 milligrams of valerian root 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime. If you have a medical condition, it’s important to check with your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs.
To make a valerian root supplement, add a small amount of it to hot water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. You can drink this in the evening as a tea or take it with food or juice.
A study in adults with insomnia found that valerian reduced the length of time it took them to fall asleep, as well as the amount of time they spent in deep sleep. It also improved the quality of their sleep, reducing the number of times they woke up during the night and improving their moods.
Researchers aren’t sure exactly how valerian root helps with sleep problems, but it subtly increases your brain’s GABA levels, which may help calm the nervous system and improve your sleep. It may also decrease stress and boost serotonin levels, which can help regulate your emotions.
It is not recommended for children or pregnant or nursing women, since it can affect the developing fetus. You should also avoid taking it with alcohol, antidepressants, or sedative medications.
Solaray Valerian Root is a pure and potent herbal supplement that contains a full dose of valerian root to help you relax and achieve the restful sleep you need. This non-GMO and vegan product has been lab-verified for purity, potency, and identity to ensure maximum efficacy. It is made from the roots of a certified-organic valerian plant grown on Solaray’s southern Oregon farm.
Interactions
Valerian root is an herbal sedative that is considered safe for most adults. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including anxiety and sleep disorders.
It is available in many forms, including teas, tinctures, capsules, extracts and tablets. Studies have shown that it is a mild and effective sedative that can help improve the quality of your sleep.
This herb is a natural antianxiety agent that works by interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter that controls sleep and promotes restful, healthy sleep patterns. This interaction helps valerian root to relieve anxiety without the negative side effects that often occur with prescription antianxiety drugs.
Research suggests that valerian root may also improve sleep quality in some people. In one study, participants who took 300 mg of valerian root per day for seven days experienced a significant reduction in their sleep latency and increased subjective sleep quality, compared to those taking a placebo.
A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that compounds in valerian root interact with GABA and its receptors to produce a sedative effect similar to prescription medications like diazepam (Valium). This effect may be a result of the calming effect of valerian root combined with the anxiolytic effects of GABA.
However, research into this supplement is still in its early stages and many of the studies are small and underpowered to provide statistically significant results. In addition, some of the studies do not measure sleep quality in a way that is comparable to other methods.
Moreover, the research has shown that some individuals experience an increase in headaches and mental fogginess after using valerian root, even at low doses. This could be the result of a chemical interaction that is more pronounced when you take high doses of this herb for a long period of time.
The most important thing to remember is that no natural sleep aid should be used in place of prescription medication. Consult a doctor before starting any new supplement to make sure that it is safe for you. It is also best to avoid taking valerian root with other sedatives or drugs that can cause drowsiness.
