Does valerian work for insomnia? An umbrella review of the evidence
Fusar-Poli L
Published in European Neuropsychopharmacology
Methodology
Umbrella review of systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis) of valerian for sleep disturbance with a focus on insomnia, searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO and CNKI; 70 records retrieved and 8 eligible for qualitative analysis.
Key Findings
This umbrella review searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO and CNKI, retrieving 70 records of which 8 systematic reviews were eligible. Across those reviews there was no evidence that valerian is effective for treating insomnia, though it has a good safety profile. Valerian did appear to improve subjective ratings of sleep quality, but this was not confirmed by objective or quantitative sleep measurements. The authors conclude that despite widespread use and prescription, valerian lacks empirical support for insomnia.
Conclusions
Overall, data suggested that valerian has a good safety profile, however, the results showed no evidence of efficacy for the treatment of insomnia.
Limitations
The underlying systematic reviews are few, heterogeneous and of low methodological quality, and valerian preparations vary widely in composition, so a genuine effect in a specific preparation cannot be entirely ruled out.
Supplements Studied
Overall, data suggested that valerian has a good safety profile, however, the results showed no evidence of efficacy for the treatment of insomnia.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.