Valerian vs 5-HTP

for sleep

Stronger evidence: tie

Stronger effect: Valerian

Safety: 5-HTP carries a serious interaction; Valerian has none recorded.

For sleep, the two are evidence-matched; the difference is in effect and safety.

grade C low certainty

small, inconsistent improvements in subjective sleep quality; trials are low-quality

300–600 mg, adults with insomnia

grade C low certainty

limited evidence for sleep; serotonergic, so caution with antidepressants

sources: PMID:10000001 · PMID:00000036