People who are regularly kept awake at night, plagued by thoughts of work deadlines, relationship problems or other stressful life events might find relief in the herbs kava and valerian.

When given individually, these herbs reduced stress levels and insomnia with only minor side effects, which included vivid dreams and dizziness, in a recent study.

Twenty-four adults suffering from stress-induced insomnia received 120 mg daily of kava for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks off treatment, the remaining group of 19 individuals (five had dropped out of the study) received 600 mg of valerian daily for another 6 weeks. On average, the participants had suffered from insomnia for more than 15 years.

Researchers interviewed study participants and measured levels of stress associated with social, personal and life events before and after treatment. Social stress included problems at work and with social contacts, personal stress involved emotional problems and relationships with other people, and life-events stress involved specific events.

With each treatment, 58% reported no side effects. But 16% said they had vivid dreams after taking valerian and 12% said they experienced dizziness with kava.

Participants reported that both herbs significantly relieved overall stress and insomnia. The study showed that kava and valerian were effective at relieving stress itself and insomnia caused by stress.

Phytotherapy Research September 2001;15:549-551