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Biological Research For Nursing
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A Feasibility Study of Valerian Extract for Sleep Disturbance in Person With Arthritis

Diana M. Taibi, PhD, RN

Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle, dmtaibi{at}u.washington.edu

Cheryl Bourguignon, PhD, RN

Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies, School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia

Ann Gill Taylor, EdD, RN, FAAN

Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies, School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia

Objectives: To present a pilot study of valerian to explore issues of feasibility and efficacy in studies of sedative herbs for arthritis-related sleep disturbance. Methods: Fifteen persons with arthritis and mild sleep disturbance were randomized to receive 600 mg valerian (Valeriana officinalis, n = 7) or placebo (n = 8) for five nights.

Results: Protocol adherence (dosing and data collection) was high. Allocation concealment was successful using a novel approach for matching the placebo on the distinctive odor of valerian. Nonsignificant differences between the groups were found on all sleep outcomes, measured by daily diaries and wrist actigraphy.

Conclusion: The study methods were feasible, except for recruitment issues (addressed in the discussion), and may guide the testing of other sedative herbs for persons with arthritis. Although efficacy outcomes were inconclusive due to the small sample size of this study, recent evidence from larger trials of valerian also does not support its efficacy.

Key Words: valerian • arthritis • sleep • insomnia • phytotherapy

This version was published on April 1, 2009

Biological Research For Nursing, Vol. 10, No. 4, 409-417 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1099800408324252
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