Studies show that valerian not only reduces the time required to fall asleep, but also limits nighttime awakenings. “It acts like a natural Valium, reducing anxiety,” says W. Christopher Winter, M.D., director of the sleep medicine center of Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, and MH’s sleep-medicine advisor. For best results, mix 1 teaspoon of valerian tincture with a glass of water, and drink the mixture an hour before bed. We like HerbPharm’s organic valerian extract