Does valerian improve sleepiness and symptom severity in people with restless legs syndrome?
Cuellar NG, Ratcliffe SJ
Published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of valerian 800 mg nightly for 8 weeks in adults with RLS, using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and IRLS symptom severity scale.
Key Findings
In 37 adults with restless legs syndrome, 800 mg valerian nightly for 8 weeks reduced daytime sleepiness and RLS symptom severity similarly to placebo overall, with improvement in sleepiness confined to a subgroup with high baseline daytime sleepiness.
Conclusions
Valerian did not outperform placebo for restless legs syndrome overall; any benefit appears limited to those with marked daytime sleepiness and needs confirmation.
Limitations
Small sample, high placebo response, subjective sleepiness and symptom scales without polysomnography, 8-week duration, and subgroup finding is exploratory.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic/nursing research funding
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