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-   -   Valerian (https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/newcomers-recovery/294514-valerian.html)

Chilledice 05-13-2013 06:14 AM

Valerian
 
Hey there, has anyone tried Valerian root to help them sleep? I know that when one quites drinking sleeping can become a problem so i bought a bottle of this stuff, Just wondering if anyone here has experience with it? or maybe you know of other sleeping aids? :)

MidnightBlue 05-13-2013 06:19 AM

Hi, Chilled.

Valerian root is good stuff, but for me it didn't work at all, but all people are different. Just make sure that bottle you've bought contains no alcohol!

I've suffered from insomnia quite a while and was about to shoot myself out of misery.

Combination of exercising, melatonin and cutting computer/tv time at least two hours before going to bed finally did the trick.

Take care.

Chilledice 05-13-2013 06:21 AM

Thanks for the input MidnightBlue :)

May i ask, what is melatonin?

MidnightBlue 05-13-2013 06:31 AM

Melatonin is hormone generated by our body and helps to regulate sleeping-wakefullness cycles. It's sold over the counter as far as I know.

Bruce292 05-13-2013 06:34 AM

I took Valerian for a while to help with sleep. I found that I had to take it a couple of hours before bed. It worked pretty well but it make me feel really out of it (more than usual) in the morning.

Chilledice 05-13-2013 06:36 AM

Ahh ok thanks Midnight i will look into that!

In all honesty i dont mind feeling really out of it if it helps with the sleep and calming of my nerves :)

Nonsensical 05-13-2013 07:47 AM

Valerian root produces a mild calming effect for me. It didn't help me sleep, but it cut down on the restlessness that accompanied my lack of sleep. Kava Kava was similar in that regard.

Be aware that Valerian root capsules smell bad. Like sweaty socks when you open the bottle.

Melatonin worked for me for a while, but I grew a tolerance of it. Same thing happened with Ambien.

Physical activity during the day and an established routine (same bed time every night, etc.) have had the best results for me.

Good Luck!

Mizzuno 05-13-2013 08:01 AM

I can not take Valerian due to the "Hangover" in the morning. Your natural food store will have an abundance of sleep aids, and relaxants if you need them. The effects of this herb will be different for most people. Good luck to you!

ScottFromWI 05-13-2013 08:09 AM

I found it took several weeks before I started getting some semblance of normal sleep. You may want to just give your body some time to heal and adjust before looking at supplements or sleep aids. It does get better though, so hang in there!

opgirl 05-13-2013 08:19 AM

I've always been able to sleep pretty well...sober or drunk, but very rarely I can't get to sleep due to anxiety. I've taken Valerian supplement twice and both times it put me right to sleep. It works for me!

Chilledice 05-13-2013 01:54 PM

Well ive just read ont he label that it contains ethanol so obviously i cant take it! ahhhhh well i will watch a movie to take my mind off and help me get sleepy :)

Sasha4 05-13-2013 01:59 PM

If you are in the UK, we cannot buy melatonin.

It is a prescription only medicine and is only used in patients over 55 years old I think.

My best
x

Dee74 05-13-2013 02:23 PM

Supplements are not harmless.

Kava kava

Possible Interactions with: Valerian

I always recommend people see their Drs before taking supplements, especially if they're on other medications.

A certain amount of sleeplessness is par for the course for a little while I'm afraid - if that concerns you, it's best to talk with your Dr

D

Vastreaction 05-13-2013 02:40 PM

If you have a doctor, ask him/her if Trazodone would be an option for you.

I was prescribed it, I take 50mg about 30 minutes before bedtime. It helps me sleep better than anything I've ever tried, but it is a prescription only medication in the US. I don't have any "hangover" effects from using it.

Also, I have used an over-the-counter product called "Dream Water." They are little 2 or 3 ounce bottles of liquid with a berry flavor, and they have a few herbal ingredients that promote sleep. Those worked decently for me as well. Good luck getting to sleep!

Oh, also try this (with a pair of headphones, at medium-low volume):
Sleep II + RAIN (One Hour Binaural & Isochronic beats for sleep 3.4Hz Delta range & OM) - YouTube

sassu78 05-13-2013 02:40 PM

I took valerian root extract. It worked for me. Helped a lot with anxiety and sleeping

Dee74 05-13-2013 02:50 PM

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Sharing experience is generally fine - making recommendations is not.

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