A Feasibility Study of Valerian Extract for Sleep Disturbance in Person With Arthritis

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological research for nursing 2009-04, Vol.10 (4), p.409-417
Main Authors: Taibi, Diana M., Bourguignon, Cheryl, Gill Taylor, Ann
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of Daily Living - psychology
Adult
Analysis of Variance
Arthritis - complications
Attitude to Health
Clinical Nursing Research
Double-Blind Method
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Nursing
Phytotherapy - adverse effects
Phytotherapy - methods
Phytotherapy - psychology
Pilot Projects
Plant Extracts - therapeutic use
Polysomnography
Severity of Illness Index
Sleep Wake Disorders - diagnosis
Sleep Wake Disorders - drug therapy
Sleep Wake Disorders - etiology
Sleep Wake Disorders - psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Treatment Outcome
Valerian
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1099-8004
1552-4175
DOI:10.1177/1099800408324252