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2009 Study Shows that Valerian Improves RLS Symptoms

Posted: Sun May 18, 2014 6:36 pm
by dwimble
A 2009 study performed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing provided highly positive results when giving their RLS subjects valerian.

ALL of the subjects participating in the study showed a MARKED improvement with their RLS over an 8 week period.

Valerian is a herb with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Valerian also helps to soften anxiety, insomnia and stress.

STUDY:

"Does valerian improve sleepiness and symptom severity in people with restless legs syndrome?"
Cuellar NG and Ratcliffe SJ. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Altern Ther Health Med. 2009 Mar-Apr;15(2):22-8.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effects of 800 mg of valerian with a placebo on sleep quality and symptom severity in people with restless legs syndrome (RLS).

METHODS:

A prospective, triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel design was used to compare the efficacy of valerian with placebo on sleep quality and symptom severity in patients with RLS. Thirty-seven participants were randomly assigned to receive 800 mg of valerian or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary outcome of sleep was sleep quality with secondary outcomes including sleepiness and RLS symptom severity.

RESULTS:

Data were collected at baseline and 8 weeks comparing use of valerian and placebo on sleep disturbances (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and severity of RLS symptoms (International RLS Symptom Severity Scale) from 37 participants aged 36 to 65 years. Both groups reported improvement in RLS symptom severity and sleep. In a nested analysis comparing sleepy vs nonsleepy participants who received 800 mg ofvalerian (n=17), significant differences before and after treatment were found in sleepiness (P=.01) and RLS symptoms (P=.02). A strong positive association between changes in sleepiness and RLS symptom severity was found (P=.006).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study suggest that the use of 800 mg of valerian for 8 weeks improves symptoms of RLS and decreases daytime sleepiness in patients that report an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score of 10 or greater. Valerian may be an alternative treatment for the symptom management of RLS with positive health outcomes and improved quality of life.


This study can be viewed on PubMed at:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19284179