Sleep Well

No More Counting Sheep

FAQ

  • HOW DOES VALERIAN WORK?

  • Valerian root has been helping people relax when they want to sleep for nearly 2000 years. Scientists haven’t figured out exactly how it works but it’s known to help you relax, get to sleep quicker and therefore have a better night’s sleep. Despite a number of studies in the United States and Europe, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that shows how valerian works. It’s believed that valerian increases the amount of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Valium works in the same way, which is why valerian is often called ‘nature’s valium’. GABA is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. So it reduces nerve transmission in the brain, calming nervous activity and anxiety.

    That’s the techy bit but what we do know is that valerian has been a popular alternative to prescription medicines for helping people remain calm since early Roman times – there’s even stories of Centurions giving their cohort a bit of valerian root to chew on the night before battle (though we wouldn’t recommend this)!

    Sleep Well is for those nights when you just need some help to switch off – especially if you have a big day tomorrow. Simply drink 30 minutes before bedtime as part of your bedtime routine. Remember, it’s also important to maintain a varied and balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle to give you the best chance of a great night’s sleep. See our Sleep Zone for more tips on bedtime done right.

  • IS SLEEP WELL SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

  • Our bedtime chocolate drink contains valerian in small amounts. Studies in the United States and Europe have identified very few side-effects (See Can Valerian be Harmful? FAQ) from consuming valerian; however, no conclusive studies have been undertaken involving children under 12 years of age so if you want to give a glass of Sleep Well to younger children, we would always recommend that you check with your family GP.

    For children under 3 years of age parents should always check with their GP or other medical professional.

    Please do not give Sleep Well to infants under 12 months.

  • IS SLEEP WELL SAFE FOR PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING WOMEN?

  • We do not recommend that Sleep Well is consumed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please consult with your family GP.

  • SHOULD I DRINK SLEEP WELL HOT OR COLD?

  • We’re having a bit of a debate about this at Sleep Well HQ. It’s a bit like should the toilet roll face inwards or outwards. Some of us like it mixed with delicious cold milk (or milk alternative, others like their milk warmed up (or add just hot water). Whichever you prefer, Sleep Well tastes just as good hot or cold. To make your Sleep Well chocolate bedtime drink with milk or dairy alternative, first pour the milk into your favourite mug, add one sachet or four teaspoons (about 30g) and give it a jolly good stir (or whisk) to make sure everything is mixed well together. Then either drink it cold or pop it in the microwave for about a minute to get it to the right temperature. Remember to test to make sure it’s not too hot!

  • HOW MUCH SLEEP WELL CAN I DRINK?

  • 30g (one sachet or about four teaspoons) added to about 200ml of your preferred liquid should be sufficient to help you enjoy a better night’s sleep. You can drink more than this if you wish but while there are very few reported side-effects from taking valerian, drinking excess liquid before bedtime might actually disturb your sleep if you have to get up in the night.

  • CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL IF I DRINK SLEEP WELL?

  • Drinking Sleep Well and alcohol at the same time may increase the drink’s sedative effect. If you’re going to drink alcohol and Sleep Well within a few hours of each other we recommend you don’t try to operate machinery or drive. Bear in mind also that alcohol may have a detrimental effect on your sleep quality.

  • CAN VALERIAN BE HARMFUL?

  • In clinical studies, there have been few adverse effects attributable to valerian in participants. Headaches, dizziness and gastrointestinal disturbances are the most common side effects reported in clinical trials in a very small number of volunteers, but similar side effects were also reported for the placebo taken during the same trials (source: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian-HealthProfessional/)

  • HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE TO ARRIVE?

  • We pack your order on the day it’s received or next working day if you order at the weekend or on a Bank Holiday. Our new sachets come in post-ready boxes and so should be whisked off to your door in no time at all. Once it leaves the Sleep Well depot, we place our trust in the Postie, but we endeavour to have it with you within 48 hours. If you are ordering tubs, these must be packed into slightly larger cases and so may take a little longer. If you have any trouble with deliveries, please let us know and we’ll do our best to sort it out for you.