Nature’s Way’s exclusive formula for Silent Night is a blend of valerian, hops, and scullcap that calms the nervous system and promotes restful sleep. For maximum benefit, take four capsules at bedtime. What follows is an explanation of what the key ingredients do to relieve various symptoms and how they work in this product.

Valerian

The valerian root found in Silent Night is used to relieve insomnia, anxiety, and depression—and to ease menstrual and stomach cramps as well. It does not interfere with individuals’ normal sleep patterns or with their restful rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Skullcap

An herb considered very beneficial to the nervous system, skullcap is recommended for the relief of stress, insomnia, depression, nervous headache, tension, and anxiety. It acts as a natural sedative and anti-convulsive, and stimulates and strengthens the digestive system as well. It also blends well with other natural remedies, including passionflower and hops.

Hops

Hops is likewise recommended as a mild sedative to treat anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness, and is often used with more-potent sedative herbs, such as valerian. It has a calming effect on the nervous system since it simultaneously relaxes smooth muscle function and the central nervous system. Hops also helps stimulate the appetite and relieve digestive problems.

Side Effects

Even all-natural supplements like Silent Night can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals, cause side effects, or interfere with other medications or supplements you may already be taking. Though rare, side effects may include stomach upset, mild headache, insomnia, or an abnormal heartbeat. Silent Night should not be taken along with any other calming medications or antidepressants if you’ll be driving or operating other heavy machinery, or have some other specific need to be alert. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate nutritional supplements in the same way it oversees prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Finally, you should always consult with your doctor if you use such a supplement or if you’d like to combine one with traditional medical treatment.

Rest Assured

Nature’s Way is one of the largest, most technologically advanced manufacturers of nutritional supplements in the United States. It produces more than 500 nutritional and natural items, including single herbs, herbal extracts, full-line minerals and vitamins, high-potency vitamins, and homeopathic nutrients.

As a spokesman for Nature’s Way explains, “We acquire our information through Internet availability, a master herbalist, and a naturopathic doctor on staff who reviews each herb for the recommended dose. Our testing lab is FDA-approved, and they will come into our facility unannounced to check and see that we are conducting tests and manufacturing products according to procedure. We are also regulated by the National Nutritional Food Association and GMP (good manufacturing process) certified.”

—Arlene Connolly