Nytol Herbal Tablets vs Kalms Night: Which Natural Sleep Aid Works Best in the UK?

Sleep, or a lack of it, is a growing problem in the UK with many people in the UK turn to over-the-counter remedies to help them drift off, particularly herbal sleep aids like Nytol Herbal Tablets and Kalms Night. Both products promise natural relief from insomnia and disturbed sleep—but which one really works best?

This in-depth comparison explores everything you need to know: ingredients, how they work, side effects, clinical backing, user experiences, and more. If you’re struggling with sleepless nights and searching for a gentle, plant-based solution, this guide is for you.

Overview: What Are Nytol Herbal Tablets and Kalms Night?

Nytol Herbal Tablets

Nytol Herbal Tablets are an over-the-counter herbal sleep remedy available in UK pharmacies and supermarkets. Marketed by Perrigo, a major name in consumer healthcare, these tablets aim to relieve temporary sleep disturbances without causing drowsiness the next day.

Kalms Night

Kalms Night, made by Lanes Health, is a natural sleep aid formulated to soothe anxiety and promote restful sleep. It's part of the well-known Kalms range, which includes Kalms Day and Kalms Lavender, all using herbal ingredients to address stress and sleep issues.

Key Ingredients Compared

Let’s break down the main herbal components used in both products:

Ingredient	Nytol Herbal Tablets	Kalms Night
Valerian Root	✅ 388mg	✅ 96mg
Hops	✅ 41mg	✅ 30mg
Passion Flower	❌	✅ 34mg
Additional Herbs	❌	❌

Key Differences:

• Nytol Herbal Tablets contain significantly higher doses of valerian root, widely studied for its sedative effects.

• Kalms Night includes passion flower, another calming herb, in addition to valerian and hops, making it a more complex blend.

How Do They Work?

Nytol Herbal Tablets Mechanism

Valerian root is believed to increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that reduces nerve activity, promoting relaxation and sleep. Hops complement valerian by having a mild sedative effect, especially when used together.

Kalms Night Mechanism

Kalms Night also boosts GABA activity through valerian root, but it combines this with passion flower, which has a mild anxiolytic effect, reducing restlessness. Hops help stabilise mood and increase drowsiness.

Conclusion: Both products aim to calm the nervous system, but Kalms Night may offer broader mood-soothing effects due to its inclusion of passion flower.

Dosage and Usage Guidelines

Nytol Herbal Tablets

• Recommended dose: 2 tablets taken 1 hour before bedtime.

• Maximum daily dose: 2 tablets.

• Suitability: Adults and children over 18.

Kalms Night

• Recommended dose: 4 tablets, 30–60 minutes before bed.

• Maximum daily dose: 4 tablets.

• Suitability: Adults and adolescents over 16.

Note: Kalms Night requires taking more tablets due to lower individual doses of each herb.

Side Effects and Safety Information

Common Side Effects

Both products are generally well-tolerated, but side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, cramping)

• Headaches

• Daytime drowsiness (especially if dosage is exceeded)

Who Should Avoid These Products?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• People taking sedative medications or antidepressants

• Those with liver conditions (due to valerian)

• Children (under 16 for Kalms, under 18 for Nytol)

Drug Interactions: Always consult your GP or pharmacist if you’re on other medications. Valerian can amplify the effects of CNS depressants, alcohol, or benzodiazepines.

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Effectiveness: What Does the Science Say?

Valerian Root

Numerous studies have tested valerian’s impact on sleep:

• A systematic review in the journal Sleep Medicine found mixed results, though some trials showed improved sleep quality and latency with 300–600mg doses—closer to what Nytol offers than Kalms Night.

Hops

Hops are less studied in isolation but are often used with valerian. A 2010 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that the valerian-hops combo modestly improved sleep onset time.

Passion Flower

Passion flower has shown promise in lowering anxiety and promoting sleep, particularly in combination with other herb. However, data on long-term use is limited.

User Reviews and Consumer Feedback

Nytol Herbal Tablets

• Positive: Users often report feeling relaxed within 30–60 minutes, with reduced tossing and turning.

• Negative: Some experience grogginess if taken too late or combined with alcohol.

Kalms Night

• Positive: Many people report a calming effect, especially during stressful periods.

• Negative: Some say the dose feels weak and prefer stronger alternatives like Nytol One-a-Night.

Trustpilot and Boots Reviews

On Boots UK, Nytol Herbal averages 4.2 stars, while Kalms Night rates slightly lower at 3.8 stars, often due to effectiveness concerns.

Cost and Availability in the UK

Product	Pack Size	Price Range (Boots/Superdrug)
Nytol Herbal	30 tabs	£4.99–£6.49
Kalms Night	50 tabs	£5.99–£7.29

Both are widely available in the UK through:

• Boots

• Superdrug

• Tesco

• Amazon UK

• Local pharmacies

NHS Note: These are not available on prescription and must be purchased over the counter.

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Pros and Cons Summary

Nytol Herbal Tablets

Pros:

• Higher valerian dosage

• Fewer tablets needed

• Widely recommended

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive per tablet

• Not suitable for under 18s

Kalms Night

Pros:

• Multi-herb formula

• Calming for mild anxiety

• Slightly cheaper per dose

Cons:

• Requires 4 tablets

• Lower individual doses

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Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your personal needs:

• For stronger sedation and quicker results: 

  Choose Nytol Herbal Tablets. The higher valerian dose is more likely to help with insomnia or frequent awakenings.

• For general anxiety and lighter sleep issues: 

  Opt for Kalms Night, particularly if your sleep troubles are linked to stress or racing thoughts.

Final Verdict

In the battle of Nytol Herbal Tablets vs Kalms Night, both products have their strengths. Nytol Herbal is more potent per tablet, ideal for those who need stronger sleep support. Kalms Night offers a gentler, more holistic approach for mild sleep problems and stress-induced restlessness.

Your best bet? Try one for a few weeks, monitor your response, and always speak to a healthcare professional if problems persist.

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FAQs About Herbal Sleep Aids

Can I take these products long-term?

Occasional use is generally safe, but long-term use of valerian has not been well studied. Take breaks or consult your doctor for prolonged insomnia.

Can I take both Kalms and Nytol together?

Are there any natural alternatives?

What about combining with alcohol?