Valerian Root as a sleep aid/tranquilizer

Country Girl

So, how has it been since then?

imtwitchin

On the whole, I am finding the Valerian helpful, not a panacea. I will say that I am sleeping much, much better, often the whole night through. Two nights, I also took the valium as well, which may not be such a safe idea. I have read on the web that Valerian seems to have a similar effect to valium, but work in a different way, so I hope that it would not amount to an overdose. I will consult my doc about that. But I have felt no ill effect.

I should warn that dried valerian root stinks to high heaven. Hold your breath while you take the capsules--really! It takes 30 minutes to an hour to take effect. But it does help me be relaxed and take advantage of that crucial period between hitting the sheets and getting hit with the rls. By the way, mine starts with a sensation that reminds me of "twinkle light explosions" being set off at random throughout my legs. I can see and feel with my hand the little tremors. Then 20 minutes later, the full-fledges contractions.

I suspect that I probably still twitch in my sleep. But for the time being, I don't care all that much as long as I do sleep--this is a big improvement for me. And maybe soon the mirapex will begin to work again.

Sweet dreams, everyone.

imtwitchin

Good News! After a week, I can say that the rls insomnia cycle has been broken, thanks to valerian root. I take 3 capsules an hour before bedtime. I feel quite drowsy when I go to bed, and get to sleep within 10 minutes. During that time, I feel a few of the tremors that let me know the rls will be kicking in soon if I don't get to sleep. But I have been sleeping soundly for 8 or even more hours, and I am the most rested and resultingly most competent during the day that I have been for a while. I don't know how long it will last, but I definitely recommend that if you have insomnia associated with your rls, you try valerian root. It did help me.

imtwitchin

After one month, I am really sold on Valerian Root. It got me past this phase of RLS. My mirapex is appartently working again, so I don't need a sleep aid every night. I am alternating with melatonin, because I don't want to build up immunity: I find that nothing works for long if used every night. But try Valerian. Don't worry about the smell, that just means it is mature root. It doesn't taste.