What is valerian?
Valerian is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Its root has been used for centuries, and in Western herbal medicine it's traditionally used to support restful sleep and help calm the mind.
How is it thought to work?
Valerian's calming reputation is usually put down to GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps quiet a busy mind. Some of the compounds in valerian root, including valerenic acid, are thought to gently support GABA activity, the same system your body uses to settle down for the night. In other words, it works with your body's own wind-down process rather than forcing it.
When sleep is hard to come by
Rest is when your body repairs itself, even on the days you haven't been especially active, so a run of poor nights adds up, physically and mentally. Valerian is traditionally used to help you ease into sleep on restless nights, as part of a calming routine. It isn't a treatment for a medical sleep condition, so if you regularly can't fall or stay asleep, it's worth a chat with your doctor.
Sleep, skin and hair
Good sleep shows up on the outside too. Frequent poor sleep can leave skin looking dull and dry, and it can take a toll on your hair, since rest is part of how your body looks after both. Looking after your sleep is one of the quieter ways to look after your hair and skin. There's more on that in can lack of sleep lead to hair loss?
Sweet Dreams Gummies
Our Sweet Dreams Gummies are made to help you switch off and recharge. Each serve contains 40mg of valerian root extract, in a natural passionfruit-flavoured gummy. They're 100% sugar-free and made on a pectin base, so they're vegan- and vegetarian-friendly. Chew two as part of your evening wind-down. If you want the full picture of how valerian-based sleep gummies work, see our guide on whether sleep gummies actually work.
A few sleep tips
A consistent bedtime routine is one of the best ways to wind down. Non-caffeinated teas like chamomile, lavender and passionflower can help settle the mind, and calming scents such as lavender or cedarwood (in an oil, candle or moisturiser) are a nice addition. Keep screens out of the last hour before bed, and try to sleep and wake at around the same time each day so your body settles into a rhythm.