Does valerian work for insomnia? An umbrella review of the evidence

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #sleep-initiation-and-maintenance-disorders #valerian #phytotherapy

Does valerian work for insomnia? An umbrella review of the evidence

Valente et al., 2024 | Eur Neuropsychopharmacol | Systematic Review

Citation

Valente Valéria, Machado Daniela, ... Marques Daniel Ruivo. Does valerian work for insomnia? An umbrella review of the evidence. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2024-May;82:6-28. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.01.008

Abstract

Valerian is one of the most used herbal agents (phytotherapeutics) to manage sleep disturbances, in particular, sleep-onset difficulties in young adults. However, the evidence based on primary studies and systematic reviews that supports its use in this domain is weak or inconclusive. In the current study, an umbrella review was performed on the efficacy of valerian for sleep disturbances with a focus on insomnia. As such, only systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis) were considered for this study. Systematic searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO and CNKI databases retrieved 70 records. Only 8 articles were considered eligible for qualitative analysis. Overall, data suggested that valerian has a good safety profile, however, the results showed no evidence of efficacy for the treatment of insomnia. Moreover, valerian appears to be effective concerning subjective improvement of sleep quality, although its effectiveness has not been demonstrated with quantitative or objective measurements. Despite its widespread use and prescription by general practitioners, psychiatrists and other professionals, valerian does not have empirical support for insomnia. Further studies, in particular high quality randomized controlled trials, are highly recommended since there are scarce studies and the existing ones are quite heterogeneous and with low methodological quality. The implications of our findings for clinical practice are critically discussed.

Key Findings

The implications of our findings for clinical practice are critically discussed.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality

Population

Field Value
Population young adults
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition insomnia

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
  • Valerian
  • Phytotherapy

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: valerian-sleep

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09