Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is
a herb that has been long used as a remedy for insomnia. Today, it is
an over-the-counter insomnia remedy in Germany, France, Switzerland,
Belgium, and Italy.
Exactly how valerian works in the body
is still not well understood. Some studies suggest that like
conventional sleeping pills, valerian may affect levels of the calming
neurotransmitter GABA.
Unlike many other sleep medications,
valerian is not believed to be addictive or cause grogginess in the
morning. But valerian doesn’t work for everyone. And although studies in
labs have been encouraging, clinical trials are still inconclusive.
Valerian is usually taken between an
hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work. It
shouldn’t be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of
valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and
dizziness. Although valerian tea and liquid extracts are available, most
people don’t like the smell of valerian and prefer taking the capsule
form.
Valerian shouldn’t be taken with many
medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system,
such as sedatives and antihistamines. Valerian shouldn’t be taken with
alcohol, before or after surgery, or by people with liver disease. It
should not be taken before driving or operating machinery. Consultation
with a qualified health practitioner is recommended.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a ppular remedy to help
people fall asleep when the sleep/wake cycle has been disturbed, such as
in shift workers or people who with jet lag. Melatonin is a hormone
found naturally in the body. The pineal gland in the brain makes
serotonin which is then converted into melatonin at night when exposure
to light decreases.
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