Melatonin and valerian both have the ability to treat insomnia and migraine. Sometimes valerian is recommended for treating anxiety and stress. Melatonin has other possible applications; you can use melatonin for treating jet lag, sleep disorders, seasonal affective disorder, tardive dyskinesia, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and glaucoma. Melatonin may also help decrease the side effects of chemotherapy as well as drug withdrawal. Melatonin may also be useful in cancer treatment and HIV/AIDS treatment. There is no conclusive medical evidence that supports the use of melatonin supplements or valerian supplements in the treatment or prevention of any disease.

Valerian is harvested from the dried roots and other parts of the Valerian plant. It is generally used for the treatment of sleeping disorders, anxiety, headaches, and panic attacks. Valerian was first introduced in tea form but it became available in pill and liquid form. Valerian is now widely available as a dietary supplement and sold over the counter in most countries. The side effects of valerian use include mild depression, dizziness, agitation, anxiety, allergic reactions and in worst cases, liver failure. Sometimes valerian is by pregnant or lactating women. The effect of valerian on the unborn child is still unknown. Valerian should not be taken by people who are taking medications for allergy, cancer, cholesterol, and fungus. Melatonin side effects range from Sleepiness during the daytime, Feeling Dizzy, Headaches, Gastric disturbance and abdominal discomfort, Confusion, Sleepwalking, Vivid dreams or Vivid Nightmares and Mental or Mood Changes.

Can I take Valerian and Melatonin at the same time?

Melatonin and Valerian can be used both as natural sleeping aids and they are sold as food supplements in health shops. The safety record of both melatonin and valerian is also good but these food supplements should not be taken at the same time. Taking valerian and melatonin together may give you heavy drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and headaches.

Melatonin and Valerian References:

1. Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, Patterson M, Mehling W. “Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Am J Med. 2006 Dec;119(12):1005-12.
2. Bliwise DL, Ansari FP. “Insomnia associated with valerian and melatonin usage” in the 2002 National Health Interview Survey. Sleep. 2007 July 1;30(7):881-884.
3. Kamel NS, Gammack JK. “Insomnia in the elderly: cause, approach, and treatment.” Am J Med. 2006 Jun;119(6):463-9.
4. Mindell JA, Emslie G, Blumer J, Genel M, Glaze D, Ivanenko A, et al. “Pharmacologic management of insomnia in children and adolescents: a consensus statement.” Pediatrics. 2006 Jun;117(6):e1223-32.
5. Mindell JA, Kuhn B, Lewin DS, Meltzer LJ, Sadeh A; American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “Behavioral treatment of bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and young children.” Sleep. 2006 Oct 1;29(10):1263-76.