Comparison the effect of valerian and gabapentin on RLS and sleep quality in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effect of valerian and gabapentin on restless legs syndrome (RLS) and sleep quality in HD patients.

Methods: In this cross over clinical trial study, 40 HD patients allocated into a valerian and gabapentin group. In the first phase of the study, Group A received valerian and Group B received gabapentin 1 h before bedtime for 1 month. In the second phase, the two groups' treatment regimen was swapped. After a 1-month washout period, the same process was repeated on the crossover groups.

Results: After the first phase, the mean score of RLS was lower in the gabapentin group. But there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sleep quality score before and after the first and second interventions.

Conclusion: Gabapentin is more effective than valerian in improving RLS, but both are equally effective in improving sleep quality.

Keywords: gabapentin; hemodialysis; restless legs syndrome (RLS); sleep quality; valerian.