Effect of Valerian on Sleep Quality in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

About half of multiple sclerosis patients experience sleep disorder. Sleep disturbance is associated with death and symptoms of pain, fatigue, and depression in these patients. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of Valerian plant on the quality of sleep in patients with multiple sclerosis.
The present study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial, which was conducted on patients with multiple sclerosis in the winter of 2017 and referring to the Rehabilitation Hospital of Tehran city in 2 groups; 23 patients received the intervention and served as controls. The data gathering tool included a demographic questionnaire and Pittsburgh sleep quality index. In the intervention group, Valerian's half-crushed plant was given in a bag to take for 21 nights (30 to 90 minutes before bedtime). In the control group, the placebo was made up of flour and red sugar and was delivered in the same shape and package. Sleep quality score was recorded before and after Valerian consumption. Data analysis was performed using the paired t-test and independent t-test with the SPSS 18 software.
The 2 groups were matched in terms of all demographic variables (except gender). The results of covariance analysis showed that the Valerian plant was significant on all aspects of sleep quality (except sleep quality and taking sleep medications) (P = 0.0001) and was able to improve overall sleep quality by 24.6% and improve the quality of sleep dimensions at 9.3% and 13.9%. The changes in the intervention group was significant (P = 0.017) yet was not significant in the control group (P = 0.757). There was no significant difference in sleep quality score of all intervention and control group members in the pre-test (P = 0.16), yet there was a significant difference in the posttest (P = 0.001).
According to the results of this study, Valerian plant was able to effect sleep quality in 5 of 7 aspects, therefore, it can be thought of as a complementary therapy in patients with sleep disorders.