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Last reviewed: September 2026
Can St John’s Wort help you sleep?
St John’s Wort is traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of slightly low mood and mild anxiety. While it is not a licensed sleep remedy and is not considered a sleeping pill, some people find that improved mood and reduced feelings of anxiety help them enjoy better quality sleep. If stress, worry or a busy mind are affecting your ability to fall or stay asleep, addressing these symptoms may help support a more restful night and improved sleep quality over time.
Does St John’s Wort make you sleepy?
St John’s Wort is not generally considered a sedative and does not usually cause drowsiness in the same way as sleeping tablets. However, because it is traditionally used to relieve symptoms of slightly low mood and mild anxiety, some people find they feel more relaxed and sleep more comfortably when taking it consistently.
Should you take St John’s Wort before bed?
Some people prefer taking St John’s Wort in the evening, particularly if stress or worry affects their sleep. However, there is no universally recommended time to take it. The most important thing is following the instructions supplied with your medicine and taking it consistently.
What is the best time to take St John’s Wort?
There is no single best time to take St John’s Wort. Some people take it in the morning, while others prefer the evening. Consistency is usually more important than the specific time of day. Always follow the directions supplied with your herbal medicine.
Can St John’s Wort improve sleep quality?
While St John’s Wort is not a sleeping pill, some people find that improved mood and reduced feelings of mild anxiety help them enjoy better quality sleep. When stress, worry or low mood interfere with sleep, addressing those symptoms may help support a more restful night and improve overall sleep quality over time.
Is Valerian better for sleep?
Valerian and St John’s Wort are traditionally used for different purposes. St John’s Wort is traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of slightly low mood and mild anxiety, while valerian is one of the best-known herbal remedies traditionally used to support sleep. If your main concern is getting a better night’s sleep, you may find our guide to Valerian for Good Sleep helpful.
Daily habits that may support better sleep:
There are several simple lifestyle habits that may help improve sleep quality and support a healthier sleep routine. Creating a consistent bedtime and wake-up time can help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake feeling refreshed.
What you eat during the day may also influence your sleep. A balanced diet containing plenty of whole foods, including sources of protein such as eggs, beans, lentils and lean meats, can help support overall wellbeing. Foods such as salmon, turkey, nuts and seeds contain nutrients involved in the production of neurotransmitters that play a role in mood and sleep.
Regular physical activity and time spent outdoors can also make a difference. Whether you enjoy walking, running or another form of exercise, staying active during the day may help promote better sleep at night. Exposure to natural daylight can also support your body’s internal clock, which helps regulate healthy sleeping patterns.
If stress or worry is affecting your ability to switch off at night, relaxation techniques such as reading, gentle stretching, mindfulness or limiting screen time before bed may help create a calmer bedtime routine.
What is a safe dose of St John’s Wort?
It’s important to stick to safe dosages of any herbal medicine and HRI Good Mood contains 334 mg of dry St John’s Wort extract per tablet, which is a proven safe level.
For extra peace of mind, HRI Good Mood has a THR (Traditional Herbal Registration) with the MHRA for quality and safety standards, so you can rest assured it’s a quality product.
Who should avoid taking St John’s Wort?
Although St John’s Wort is generally considered very safe, it should not be taken under the age of 18, and if you are taking any medication, you should consult your GP before taking St John’s Wort as it can interact with certain drugs. It should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always read the label before taking a new herbal medicine so that you are well informed.
How long does St John’s Wort take to work?
We are all unique individuals so while some people that take St John’s Wort might find that it works immediately, for others it may take longer to notice results. Results vary from person to person and benefits may take several weeks to become noticeable. For more information about timing, benefits and what to expect, read our guide on how long St John’s Wort takes to work and what you can expect when taking it.
Does St John’s Wort have any side effects?
Any herbal medicine can cause side effects and St John’s Wort is no different. While most people will not suffer from any side effects, there is always a small number of people that may experience symptoms.
Digestive discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea and skin itching are some of the side effects that have been reported from taking St John’s Wort. If you get any side effects you should immediately consult your GP or a pharmacist.
What’s the best way to store St John’s Wort?
Taking care to store your St John’s Wort herbal medicine will help to optimise the efficacy. Be mindful of the expiry date that’s printed on the box and don’t consume it once it passes its expiry date. Always store in a cool, dark cupboard to keep the active properties intact.
Frequently Asked Questions About St John’s Wort and Sleep
St John’s Wort should always be taken according to the instructions provided with the product. Consistent use is generally recommended to achieve the best results.
Yes. Stress and worry can make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep and achieve restful sleep. Addressing the underlying cause of stress may help support better sleep quality.
No. St John’s Wort is not a sleeping pill or sedative. It is traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of slightly low mood and mild anxiety, and some people find these benefits help support better sleep.
Yes. Low mood and poor sleep are often linked. Difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night and feeling tired during the day can all be associated with low mood.
St John’s Wort can interact with certain medicines, including some prescription medications and the contraceptive pill. Always speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking St John’s Wort alongside other medicines and read the patient information leaflet carefully.
No. St John’s Wort should not be taken by anyone under 18 years old, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may also be unsuitable for people taking certain medications.
