Valerian and Melatonin: Can you take and mix them together?

If you are an avid insomniac or you have a friend or family member who has a sleep problem, you have probably heard of both sleep aids. They are both sleep Aids. Valerian is a herbal sleep aid and melatonin is a sleep supplement.

Valerian and Melatonin have both won the hearts of sleep seekers around the world.
Valerian has been used as a sleeping aid for centuries. It dates as far back as the Greek and Roman empires. Melatonin on the other hand was only discovered in the 50’s and has also been as effective. But the fundamental questions still remain. . .

• How do they work?
• What are they used for?
• Which is more effective?
• Can I use them together?
  

My response? I’d say it’s a tough choice.

They both have their uses and each comes with its own side effects.

Valerian.
Valerian is derived from dried roots and plant materials from the valerian plant.  It used to treat sleeping disorders, nervousness, headaches, anxiety and panic attacks.
When Valerian was first introduced, it came in tea form but later development put it into pills and liquid forms and it is now been sold as a dietary supplement in most countries.

Valerian’s side effects include dizziness, mild depression, agitation, stomach aches, allergic reactions, anxiety and recently liver failure. It also is sometimes used by pregnant women though research is inconclusive on the side effects it could have on the unborn child.
People taking allergy, cholesterol, cancer and antifungal medications should not take valerian.

Melatonin Supplements.
Melatonin on the other hand is one of the gentlest supplements that can be used as a sleeping aid. It is used to supplement the natural melatonin hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, in cases of sleep deprivation and insomnia.

Melatonin benefits a lot of people and is being used in the treatment of jet lag, migraines (due to its anti-inflammatory effect), sleep disorders and neurodegenerative disorders.
Recent studies are beginning to show that it can also be used in the treatment of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
The only problem is melatonin drug interactions.

For a list of drugs that have serious drug interactions with melatonin, visit my melatonin and drug interactions page. For more information on melatonin supplements side effects, dosage, side effects, its use in children, FDA regulations visit my melatonin supplements page.
Melatonin is preferable over valerian and is recommend more by medical professionals because of it’s safety and mild side effects in cases of overdose.

Can I take the two?
Even though Valerian and Melatonin are both sleeping aids and sold as supplements at health stores, they should not be taken together.
The resulting effect of taking the two includes heavy drowsiness, nausea, confusion and headaches.

If you are on either of the two and want to switch or stop your dosage I advise that you see your doctor for a proper consult and prescription.

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