Valerian Root vs. Melatonin: Similarities & Differences Explained

Valerian root and melatonin are two supplements that are often compared because of their ability to help enhance sleep.

However, there are also some key differences between these supplements that you should be aware of before choosing one or the other.

In this article, we’ll dig into the differences between valerian root vs. melatonin, as well as their similarities.

Valerian Root vs. Melatonin: Similarities & Differences Explained

When it comes to comparing melatonin and valerian root, there are many similarities between these two supplements.

Both melatonin and valerian help to promote sleep.

Melatonin works by signaling your brain that it’s time for sleep. It also helps to align your body’s circadian rhythm.

Valerian seems to work by dampening the activity of your central nervous system. This helps to ‘wind down’ your brain and prepares your body for sleep.

These two different mechanisms are helpful for increasing sleep quality.

There are differences between valerian root and melatonin, with the primary one being that valerian helps your body to stay asleep, while melatonin primarily helps your body to fall asleep.

Another difference is the fact that valerian has other benefits outside of sleep. It appears to be able to improve brain function and help in reducing anxiety.

Melatonin doesn’t have these properties, its primary use case is for sleep.

	Valerian Root Overview:	Melatonin Overview:
Primary Benefit:	Valerian root may possess benefits for sleep	Melatonin may work to promote better sleep quality
Secondary Benefit(s):	Valerian root may support cognition and brain health	Melatonin shows evidence of effectively treating jet lag
Part of the Plant Used:	Root	Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone
Dosage Range:	300-600mg	1-5mg
Form:	Extract, powder or capsule	Powder or capsule
Side Effects:	May cause headaches, stomach upset, mental dullness, heart disturbances or drowsiness	Low probability of headaches, dizziness, nausea or drowsiness
Recommended Products:	Utzy Naturals | Check Price	Utzy Naturals | Check Price

Valerian Root vs. Melatonin: Which Supplement Is Right For You?

Both supplements are helpful for sleep, but which is better when you compare valerian root vs. melatonin?

You can think of melatonin as a sleep supplement with the ability to normalize circadian rhythm.

Whereas valerian has the ability to increase sleep quality, it also appears to have an anxiolytic benefit.

So which is right for you?

If you primarily need help reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, then melatonin is your best choice.

If you need help staying asleep, and want to don’t want to wake up feeling groggy, valerian root may be a better option.

Can You Take Valerian Root & Melatonin Together?

No research has been conducted on valerian root and melatonin together.

However, both of these supplements are generally considered to be safe and tend to cause mild side effects, if any.

If you take valerian and melatonin together, start by taking low doses and see how your body responds.

Never take either of these supplements with sedative drugs as interactions are known to occur.

Best Valerian Root & Melatonin Supplements:

Recommended Valerian Root	Recommended Melatonin
Utzy Naturals	Utzy Naturals
•Natural and Non-Habit Forming •3rd Party Tested •Made in the USA	•Low Dose Melatonin •3rd Party Tested •Made in the USA
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Valerian Root Overview & Uses:

Valerian root is a strong-smelling herb that has been used for centuries for its ability to improve sleep and fight insomnia.

This herb has been shown to improve sleep quality (including REM sleep) and decrease sleep latency.

While valerian root is often used as a “sleep supplement”, it has other medicinal uses, including benefits for anxiety, premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and overall brain function.

1. May Improve Sleep Quality

Research shows that valerian may have the ability to help to reduce instances of insomnia. In fact, valerian is one of the most popular natural remedies for insomnia.

A meta-analysis review found that valerian root is an effective natural sleep aid for promoting sleep. The researchers noted that valerian root impacts sleep via two pathways, 1) it improves sleep quality, and 2) valerian decreased sleep latency (the amount of time it takes to fall asleep).

A clinical trial found that taking 400mg of valerian root nightly helped to reduce the total time it took to fall asleep. It was also shown to help increase overall sleep quality.

2. May Improve Brain Function

According to researchers, valerian may help to support brain health and cognitive function.

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