Has anyone tried Valerian root for insomnia?

I've been having trouble falling asleep lately--I tend to wake up around one in the morning and can't go back to sleep for several hours.  I feel like I just need some kind of boost to get my body back in the habit of sleeping regularly.  I've tried 5-HTP, but it makes me feel drowsy ALL the time, and the goal is to actually get sleep and actually feel awake during the day.  Has anybody had success with Valerian or another herbal remedy?

As far as just valerian it didnt really do much for me. Melatonin, however, works everytime with about as little grogginess as you can get for something so effective (in my opinion.)

Yep, I was gonna say the same thing about melatonin. I also tried this Sleep Assure stuff that had melatonin in it. It tasted great(lemon flavor), worked fast and I didn't feel groggy. Another one that was good is the Kava Kava pills although that did knock me out. So, I don't know how groggy it would make you feel. Once I got into a good routine though like you said my sleep patterns got better and now I don't have to take anything. Good Luck!

me are having this problem too..started ever since holidays begins and causes my midnight binge, cause you see, can't sleep = hungry hitting in.. i thought of using sleeping pills or panadol maybe, but i'm afraid i will become too dependent on it.. Using sleeping pills, would it causes problem?

Try bananas, oatmeal, milk (warm if you like), toast, peanut butter or turkey before you sleep. Uh, not together, of course - but all of these seem to help me doze off if I'm struggling. Chamomile also helps me doze. I wouldn't recommend sleeping pills unless your doctor gives you an all clear.

I always have a habit of staying up... I'm like the sleepy kid that fights the nap/bedtime. idk why... just like that. I take 3mg of melatonin along with my other supplements about 30-60 mins before I shoudl go to bed. By the time the stuff kicks in I am groggier than normal and I just can't keep up online so it forces me to sleep. You also don't get tired in the morning from it.... works wonderfully for me. Try a smaller doseage at first :)

try tryptophan tablets, it's the "sleepy stuff" in turkey.

Or eat the turkey! Tryptophan: "Food sources of tryptophan include red meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, bananas, soybeans and soy products, tuna, shellfish, and turkey."

I find when I have insomnia it's because I'm not eating enough. I second lala's suggestion of eating food to help fall asleep. I'm not suggesting binge or anything, but a glass of warm milk with a slice of toast can help. 

If your calorie intake is too low, at least for me, I can't sleep.

Valerian actually worked quite well for me however I don't buy it in a supplement.

I have an herbalist locally and I buy it and brew it in a tea ball then drink it with honey when I have trouble sleeping.

I have never had success with any type of herbal supplement in pill form. I think it defeats the purpose of using natural remedies and herbs.

I should state I am not sure how you are taking it, but if you have a local herbalist they can usually tell you how the herb is best used.

I like melatonin and take it several times a week.  Like others here say, it's not a sleep aid but a supplement that allows you to sleep/relax.  Thus, you don't get groggy.