Valerian Root for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems
B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.Based on 11 studies (4 meta-analyses). 9/11 studies show positive effects.
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B
The Bottom Line
Valerian root may help improve sleep when anxiety is a contributing factor, supported by mostly positive findings from multiple meta-analyses and reviews.
- 9 out of 11 studies (including 4 meta-analyses) show positive effects
- Research suggests valerian works through the GABA system to promote relaxation
- Long history of traditional use for nervousness and sleep problems
- Participant data not reported for this specific condition grouping
Key Study Findings
Review
The Efficacy of Melatonergic Receptor Agonists Used in Clinical Practice in Insomnia Treatment: Melatonin, Tasimelteon, …
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
None
Meta-Analysis
Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Dose: Various medicinal herbs: Silexan, Kava, Ginkgo biloba, Withania somnifera, Galphimia glauca, Passion
vs: Placebo
Effect: Silexan MD -3.84 (95% CrI -6.31 to -1.34); Kava MD -2.46 (95% CrI -4.47 to -0.32); Ginkgo biloba MD
None
Review
Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review.
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
None
in vitro / metabolic engineering study
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for production of valerenadiene.
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: highest yield: 62.0 mg/L valerenadiene (19.4 mg/L/OD600)
None
systematic review
[Use of valerian in anxiety and sleep disorders: what is the best evidence?].
Dose: variable valerian root extract doses
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
None
In Vitro
Valeriana officinalis root extracts have potent anxiolytic effects in laboratory rats.
Dose: valerian root extract 3 ml/kg; valerenic acid 3 mg/kg; diazepam 1 mg/kg; ethanol 1 ml/kg
vs: Placebo
Effect: significant reduction in anxious behavior vs ethanol control
Key Statistics
11
Studies
--
Participants
↑
Positive
B
Grade
Referenced Papers
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2025
2 citations
Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Meta-Analysis
Pharmacological research
2022
51 citations
Nutrients
2021
85 citations
Planta medica
2021
41 citations
GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence.
Systematic Review
Phytotherapy research : …
2018
95 citations
Journal of biotechnology
2017
25 citations
Acta medica portuguesa
2011
21 citations
Phytomedicine : international …
2010
148 citations
Medical science monitor …
2009
85 citations
Journal of psychopharmacology …
2005
176 citations
Integrative cancer therapies
2004
59 citations
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- sleep:
- 300-600 mg standardized extract, 30 min before bed
Upper limit: Not established
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| Various medicinal herbs: Silexan, Kava, Ginkgo biloba, Withania somnifera, Galphimia glauca, Passion | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| variable valerian root extract doses | -- | Mixed | -- |
| valerian root extract 3 ml/kg; valerenic acid 3 mg/kg; diazepam 1 mg/kg; ethanol 1 ml/kg | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
Best taken: 30-60 minutes before bed; may require 2-4 weeks for full effect
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Headache
- ⚠ Dizziness
- ⚠ GI upset
- ⚠ Morning grogginess
- ⚠ Vivid dreams
Known Interactions
- ● Sedatives and alcohol — additive CNS depression
- ● CYP3A4-metabolized drugs — valerian may inhibit this enzyme
- ● Benzodiazepines — potential additive GABA effects
Tolerable upper intake: Not established
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Valerian Root help with Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
Based on 11 studies with 0 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Valerian Root may support Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
How much Valerian Root should I take for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 300-600 mg standardized extract, 30 min before bed. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Valerian Root?
Reported side effects may include Headache, Dizziness, GI upset, Morning grogginess. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Valerian Root and Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 11 peer-reviewed studies with 0 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems
Valerian Root for other conditions
References
- [1] Kacper Żełabowski et al.. Molecules. 2025. The Efficacy of Melatonergic Receptor Agonists Used in Clinical Practice in Insomnia Treatment: Melatonin, Tasimelteon, Ramelteon, Agomelatine, and Selected Herbs. doi:10.3390/molecules30183814 PubMed
- [2] Wenting Zhang et al.. Pharmacol Res. 2022. Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106204 PubMed
- [3] Oliviero Bruni et al.. Nutrients. 2021. Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. doi:10.3390/nu13020530 PubMed
- [4] Silvia Borrás et al.. Planta Med. 2021. Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review. doi:10.1055/a-1510-9826 PubMed
- [5] Karen Savage et al.. Phytother Res. 2018. GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. doi:10.1002/ptr.5940 PubMed
- [6] S Eric Nybo et al.. J Biotechnol. 2017. Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for production of valerenadiene. doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.10.004 PubMed
- [7] Ana Nunes et al.. Acta Med Port. 2011. [Use of valerian in anxiety and sleep disorders: what is the best evidence?]. PubMed
- [8] K Murphy et al.. Phytomedicine. 2010. Valeriana officinalis root extracts have potent anxiolytic effects in laboratory rats. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2009.10.020 PubMed
- [9] Benjamin S Weeks. Med Sci Monit. 2009. Formulations of dietary supplements and herbal extracts for relaxation and anxiolytic action: Relarian. PubMed
- [10] David Wheatley. J Psychopharmacol. 2005. Medicinal plants for insomnia: a review of their pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability. doi:10.1177/0269881105053309 PubMed
- [11] Keith I Block et al.. Integr Cancer Ther. 2004. Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 PubMed
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.