Effect of valerian on human sleep

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #electroencephalography #female #humans #hypnotics-and-sedatives

Effect of valerian on human sleep

Balderer et al., 1985 | Psychopharmacology (Berl) | Rct

Citation

Balderer G, Borbély A A. Effect of valerian on human sleep. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1985;87(4):406-9

Abstract

The effect of an aqueous extract of valerian root on sleep was studied in two groups of healthy, young subjects. One group (N = 10) slept at home, the other (N = 8) in the sleep laboratory. Sleep was evaluated on the basis of questionnaires, self-rating scales and night-time motor activity. In addition, polygraphic sleep recordings and spectral analysis of the sleep EEG was performed in the laboratory group. Under home conditions, both doses of valerian extract (450 and 900 mg) reduced perceived sleep latency and wake time after sleep onset. Night-time motor activity was enhanced in the middle third of the night and reduced in the last third. The data suggest a dose-dependent effect. In the sleep laboratory, where only the higher dose of valerian was tested, no significant differences from placebo were obtained. However, the direction of the changes in the subjective and objective measures of sleep latency and wake time after sleep onset, as well as in night-time motor activity, corresponded to that observed under home conditions. There was no evidence for a change in sleep stages and EEG spectra. The results indicate that the aqueous valerian extract exerts a mild hypnotic action.

Key Findings

The results indicate that the aqueous valerian extract exerts a mild hypnotic action.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 10
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Reaction Time
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Stages
  • Valerian

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: valerian

Provenance

  • PMID: 3936097
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-10 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10