Effect of Valerian Extract on Sleep Quality and Depression in Menopausal Women

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of valerian extract on sleep quality and depression in menopausal women. Method: 107 menopausal women were assigned to two groups of Valerian extract (n=52) and placebo (n=55) using convenience sampling and random assignment. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess sleep quality and depression. This study was done using repeated Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) three times: pretest, posttest, and follow-up. Results: the results obtained from this study indicated the significant effect of valerian extract on sleep quality and depression in the posttest compared to the pretest, while no significant effect existed from the pretest to the follow-up. In particular, a significant reduction was seen in depression and sleep quality scores of the valerian group compared to the placebo group. The observed F indicates the time-group interaction for depression and sleep quality. Conclusion: the results of this study showed that valerian extract is an effective treatment for improving sleep quality and reducing depression in menopausal women. However, this might be a short-term effect.