---
title: Does Sleepytime Extra Work? What Valerian Does and How Long It Takes
description: Does Sleepytime Extra work? It adds valerian to classic Sleepytime. What that changes, how long it takes, if it is OK every night, and who should skip it.
image: https://res.cloudinary.com/cekiuehr/image/upload/c_fill,ar_16:9,g_auto,w_1200/f_auto,q_auto/blog/sleepytime-extra/bedtime-tea-and-book-on-bed
---
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# Does Sleepytime Extra Work? What Valerian Does and How Long It Takes
Josh Caliguire · Oct 21, 2026
*I research and test everything I recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on purchases through my links. Your price stays the same, and I get to keep my own tea shelf stocked. Win-win.*
**Does Sleepytime Extra work?** For a lot of people, it helps them relax and fall asleep a bit faster, more than regular Sleepytime does. The reason is one added ingredient: **valerian root**. The science on valerian is mixed, so think of it as a gentle nudge toward sleep. It won't knock you out like a sleeping pill.
Here's what valerian does, how long the tea takes to kick in, whether it's fine every night, and who should skip it. (This is general information for healthy adults. If you have ongoing sleep trouble, talk to a doctor.)
## Sleepytime Extra vs Regular Sleepytime
Classic Sleepytime is a caffeine-free blend built around chamomile, with spearmint, lemongrass, tilia flowers, blackberry leaves, hawthorn and rosebuds. I break down each one in [Blog: What's in Sleepytime Tea That Makes You Sleepy? Every Ingredient](https://www.joshcaliguire.com/blog/what-is-in-sleepytime-tea-that-makes-you-sleepy?hsLang=en).
**Sleepytime Extra keeps that base and adds valerian.** That's the whole difference, and it's a meaningful one. Chamomile is mild and calming. Valerian is the herb people have used for centuries specifically for sleep.
You'll notice it as soon as you open the box: valerian smells earthy, a little like damp wood (some people say old socks). The chamomile and mint cover most of it in the cup.
## What Valerian Actually Does
Valerian root seems to work on GABA, the same calming signal in the brain that many sleep and anxiety medicines target. In plain terms, it can take the edge off and make it easier to drift off.
**The research is mixed.** Some studies found people fell asleep a little faster and rated their sleep better. Others found no real difference compared with a placebo. Most studies used concentrated valerian extract, which is stronger than what one tea bag gives you.
My honest read: Sleepytime Extra is a good wind-down cup, and the ritual of a warm caffeine-free drink, dim lights and no phone is doing a lot of the work too. For the bigger picture on the original blend, see [Blog: Does Sleepytime Tea Actually Work?](https://www.joshcaliguire.com/blog/does-sleepytime-tea-actually-work?hsLang=en).
## How Long Does Sleepytime Extra Take to Work?
**Drink it 30 to 60 minutes before bed.** Steep one bag in a cup of just-boiled water for 4 to 6 minutes. A longer steep makes it stronger and more earthy.
Don't judge it on one night. In valerian studies, the effect often showed up after a week or two of regular use. If you try it, give it about two weeks at the same time each night.
Two easy ways to make it work better: finish the cup early enough that you're not up at 3 AM for the bathroom, and skip it after a late coffee. Valerian can't outmuscle caffeine.
## Is It Safe to Drink Every Night?
For most healthy adults, a cup of Sleepytime Extra at night for a few weeks is considered low risk. Studies of valerian usually run 2 to 8 weeks.
**Skip it or ask your doctor first if you:**
- are pregnant or breastfeeding (that's why the box says adults only)
- take sleep medicine, anxiety medicine or anything that makes you drowsy
- drink alcohol in the evening
- have liver problems or a surgery coming up
- need to drive or be alert soon after drinking it
Some people feel a little groggy the next morning. If that's you, drink it earlier or switch nights with regular Sleepytime.
## Where to Get It (and Two Alternatives)
[](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QSFW2C?tag=joshcaliguire-20)
You can [find Sleepytime Extra here](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QSFW2C?tag=joshcaliguire-20). It's cheaper in multi-box packs if it becomes a habit.
Want to compare? [Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night Extra](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IW25FQ?tag=joshcaliguire-20) is the other big valerian tea, with passionflower and lemon balm. If valerian's smell is a dealbreaker, the regular [Nighty Night](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SRKCSA?tag=joshcaliguire-20) skips it. For a full lineup of bedtime cups, see [Blog: Can't Sleep? These Are the 10 Teas Worth Trying.](https://www.joshcaliguire.com/blog/top-ten-night-teas?hsLang=en).
## Sleepytime Extra FAQ
**Does Sleepytime Extra work?**
For many people it helps them wind down and fall asleep a little faster. The research on valerian, its key ingredient, is mixed: some studies show small improvements in sleep, others show none. It works best as part of a steady bedtime routine.
**How long does it take for Sleepytime Extra to work?**
Drink it 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Valerian studies suggest the effect can build over a couple of weeks of nightly use, so one cup may feel mild.
**What is the difference between Sleepytime and Sleepytime Extra?**
Sleepytime Extra adds valerian root to the classic chamomile and spearmint blend. Valerian is the ingredient with a stronger sedative reputation, and it gives the tea an earthy smell.
**Does Sleepytime Extra have melatonin?**
No. Sleepytime Extra gets its effect from valerian and chamomile. It contains no melatonin.
**Can you drink Sleepytime Extra every night?**
Many adults do for a few weeks at a time, and studies of valerian usually run 2 to 8 weeks. If you take medication, drink alcohol at night, are pregnant or nursing, or plan to use it long term, check with your doctor first.
**Why is Sleepytime Extra for adults only?**
Because of the valerian. Its safety in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well studied, so the box is labeled for adults.
About Josh Caliguire
Writer, friend, and community builder splitting time between Mazatlán, Boulder, and Alberta. I write about tea, friendship, and the deliberate small choices that make life richer.
[Subscribe to the newsletter →](https://www.joshcaliguire.com/contact#newsletter)
Keep Reading
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### [How to Stock an Office With Good Tea: Hot Water, Teas and a Tidy Tea Station](https://www.joshcaliguire.com/blog/how-to-stock-an-office-with-good-tea?hsLang=en)
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