Valerian Root May Curb Menopausal Insomnia

Valerian root may improve sleep quality in menopausal women, according to research published in the journal Menopause.

Sleep disturbances are common during menopause and, although more research is warranted for valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) and sleep support, the herb has shown a beneficial affect in numerous published studies.

Researchers from Tehran University (Tehran, Iran) assigned 100 menopausal women with self-reported insomnia to 535 mg of valerian extract or placebo twice daily for four weeks. Changes in insomnia status were self-reported using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Results of study indicate that 30% of women in the valerian group experienced sleep improvements compared to just 4% of the placebo group.