Nytol Herbal Tablets vs Kalms Night: Which Natural Sleep Aid Works Best in the UK?
- Annie Wouters
- Jan 8
- 5 min read
Seeing a doctor is no easy matter in the UK. Either you’re too busy to attend the surgery or waiting lists are so long the GP may not be able to fit you in for weeks.
No wonder then, that a growing number of sleep-deprived people are seeking a more rapid, over-the-counter solution. The question is: which one? Here, we’re taking a deep-dive into two of the most popular supplements: Nytol Herbal Tablets and Kalms Night.
Both promise natural relief from insomnia and disturbed sleep, but if you want to know more about their ingredients, clinical backing, user experiences and effectiveness, this step-by-step comparison 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 sold by UK chemists and supermarkets. They’re marketed by Perrigo - a global self-care and pharmaceutical group – and aim to relieve temporary sleep disturbances without causing drowsiness the next day.
Kalms Night
Kalms Night, made by Lanes Health, also comes in tablet form and is 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:
As you can see, Nytol Herbal Tablets contain more than four times as much valerian root, which is noted for its mildly sedative effects.
Kalms Night is a more complex blend. As well as valerian root, each tablet includes hops and passionflower, another calming herb.
How Do They Work?
Nytol Herbal Tablets Mechanism
Medical studies have linked valerian root with increased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that reduces nerve activity, promoting relaxation and sleep. Hops also create drowsiness, especially when mixed with valerian.
Kalms Night Mechanism
Kalms Night also boosts GABA activity through valerian root and promotes drowsiness through hops. But it combines these ingredients with passionflower which has been found, in multiple studies, to reduce anxiety.
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 well-tolerated but also have the potential to cause gastrointestinal problems (such as nausea and stomach cramps) as well as headaches and next-day drowsiness, especially if the dosage is exceeded. Kalms reports a greater variety of gastrointestinal issues, whereas Nytol notes rare cases of hypersensitivity.
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)
The US National Centre for Biotechnology Information has warned people with liver problems against taking valerian, due to instances of injury to the organ With that in mind, it is worth remembering the higher dosage of valerian in each Nytol Herbal tablet.
In addition, chemists in the UK have warned against combining both supplements with excessive alcohol. As a rule, before taking any herbal supplement, you should always consult your GP or pharmacist if you are on other medications.
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 a tendency to fall asleep quicker 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
Passionflower has shown some promise in lowering anxiety and promoting sleep. A 2011 American study, which involved adults drinking one cup of passionflower tea nightly. resulted in a significant improvement in reported sleep quality. 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.
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
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your personal needs. For stronger sedation and quicker results, Nytol Herbal tablets may be more suitable. The higher valerian dose is more likely to help with insomnia or frequent awakenings.
However, for general anxiety and lighter sleep issues, Kalms Night might be the better option - 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, and potentially a better option for those who need stronger sleep support. Kalms Night offers a gentler, comprehensive 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.
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?
No—both contain similar sedatives (valerian and hops). Doubling up increases the risk of excessive drowsiness and liver strain.
Are there any natural alternatives?
Yes—magnesium, melatonin (not OTC in UK), and lifestyle changes like meditation or reduced screen time can also support sleep.
What about combining with alcohol?
Avoid this, as both remedies enhance sedation. Combining them with alcohol may cause dangerous central nervous system depression.
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