Has anyone used Valerian root for anxiety/insomnia?

[Loka123]

Has anyone used Valerian root for anxiety/insomnia?
If so, what form? e.g tea / tincture / other?
Was it beneficial, if so how? How long did the effect take to show? How frequently / what dosages did you take?

Does it affect driving performance?

Thank you

I used the tea and it made me feel weird and groggy the next day. It might work for you though so worth trying it at the weekend in case you feel tired the next day maybe?

I took Valerian pills for insomnia and they did absolutely nothing for me. I've had much more luck with melatonin pills.

Yes, when I was getting stressed about exams I found something called 'Stressless' in Holland & Barrett which contained valerian. It was quite good.

I have used the pills. I think you take them for 2 weeks before you get a result. You need to build it up in your body.

I found they gave me an extra hour.

I have been on melatonin for the last few months. I have had the odd great night sleep but equally my life is up in the air and I don't know what to do so have that worry lately and despite taking my melatonin my average sleep according to my fitbit over the last week is 3 hours9minutes

Could I ask where people got their melatonin pills from please? I’ve been looking and they seem tricky to get hold of in the UK?

Dp goes to the US with work. Also just stocked up on a years supply as was out there over the Christmas holidays

@pollypockett I live abroad in Europe and you can buy melatonin over the counter here.

It’s used in the ME to make tea with some root that looks like gnarly ginger and a dried lemon. The old folks drink it to sleep but it’s definately an acquired taste.

I like Dr Stuarts Valerian tea, mild taste but effective for me

@pollypockett You can buy melatonin online at iherb.com. They deliver to the UK and it's all above board. I get brand Nature's Bounty from them. I used to buy the same ones in the US as I used to travel there every month or two with work but no more unfortunately. Luckily iherb saved the day!

How do fitbits actually know you really are asleep? I think my sleep is terrible (not entirely sure how to fix it) and id love to track it accurately.

Dr Stuart Valerian tea really works for me, as it happens.

After I quit being an alcoholic (sorry if tmi) I needed a sleep aid and I have 2-3 cups of it leading up to bedtime.

It definitely works for sleep.
For the anxiety I drink chamomile tea during the day because I don't want to feel to drowsy.

Never tried other forms of Valerian, only tea. It tastes rank though.

hmmwhatatodo

My Fitbit is very accurate.

I know I need more R.E.M. (dream) sleep than deep sleep and I need at least 1.5 hours deep sleep to function.

This was my sleep this week.

It has been completely crap as I missed a huge chunk coming back from holiday.

The other picture is of the only time I had over 8 hours sleep.

I lost 4lbs in weight the following morning

Sorry

Wow thank you Oliversmum. Im not sure what you do once it has been confirmed you arent getting enough sleep though! Can i ask, is a fitbit a brand a bit like nike or apple? How would I know which one to go for?

I have the Curve I think, it is the one that is waterproof so you can go swimming

Hi OP

DS gets melatonin prescribed - he has adhd and wouldn’t sleep until 1 am otherwise. I buy it for me when I’m Europe (pharmacy) or if DP goes to the US on work.

Amazon sell it too . It’s a hormone- it doesn’t make you sleepy the next morning. It’s not addictive as it’s not a drug.

Melatonin builds up in your body during the day and when it reaches a certain level it signals sleep

Thank you oliversmum, ill have a look now.

I take it in tablet form.

I am a massive over thinker and l find it muddles my mind before bed helping me fall asleep but doesn't help me stay asleep.