NutriStack
Melatonin and Valerian Root, a caution.
Valerian root and melatonin both promote sleep through different mechanisms, so combining them can produce additive sedation and next-morning grogginess, especially at higher doses.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Melatonin and Valerian Root
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 3 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Moderate evidence
Caution
What is happening. Valerian root and melatonin both promote sleep through different mechanisms, so combining them can produce additive sedation and next-morning grogginess, especially at higher doses.
Mechanism. Valerian enhances GABA-A receptor signaling and inhibits GABA breakdown, while melatonin acts on MT1/MT2 receptors to regulate circadian sleep onset; the two converge to deepen and lengthen sedation.
Recommendation. If combined for sleep, start with low doses of each and take only at bedtime. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the combination affects you, and do not add other sedatives.
Sources (3)
- Bent S et al. Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2006;119(12):1005-12. PMID 17145239
- Taibi DM et al. A systematic review of valerian as a sleep aid: safe but not effective. Sleep Med Rev. 2007;11(3):209-30. PMID 17517355
- Costello RB et al. The effectiveness of melatonin for promoting healthy sleep: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature. Nutr J. 2014;13:106. PMID 25380732
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Melatonin and Valerian Root are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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