Insomnia affects approximately one-third of the adult population and contributes to increased rates of absenteeism, health care use, and social disability. Extracts of the roots of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are widely used for inducing sleep and improving sleep quality. A systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of valerian for improving sleep quality is presented. An extensive literature search identified 16 eligible studies examining a total of 1093 patients. Most studies had significant methodologic problems, and the valerian doses, preparations, and length of treatment varied considerably. A dichotomous outcome of sleep quality (improved or not) was reported by 6 studies and showed a statistically significant benefit (relative risk of improved sleep = 1.8, 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.9), but there was evidence of publication bias in this summary measure. The available evidence suggests that valerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects. Future studies should assess a range of doses of standardized preparations of valerian and include standard measures of sleep quality and safety. KeywordsHerb; Alternative medicine; Insomnia; Sleep; Meta-analysis; Systematic review Insomnia is one of the most common complaints among adults. Numerous surveys conducted in countries around the world report that approximately 30% to 40% of adults have problems initiating or maintaining sleep. 1-3 A smaller percentage of adults report severe problems (10%-15%), but the prevalence of severe, chronic sleep problems increases to 25% in the elderly. 2 Insomnia is also more common in patients with chronic medical problems and is found in up to 69% of patients enrolled in primary care clinics. 4 Approximately 40% of adults with insomnia have used either over-the-counter medication or alcohol to help induce sleep, and approximately one-quarter have used prescription medications at least once. 1 There is only limited evidence to support the efficacy of many of the commonly used medications for insomnia, including antihistamines, chloral hydrate,

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This study explores the role of similarity in the success of peer support relationships in an intervention program for dementia caregivers. Hypothesized predictors of successful matches included structural similarity between partners (e.g., in age, education), appraisal similarity (e.g., in satisfaction with support for caregiving), and psychological similarity (e.g., in psychological well-being). Contrary to expectations, no relationship between these types of similarity and the success of the match were found, but effects were found for dissimilar pairs on several characteristics. The findings suggest: 1) that what really makes a difference for successful peer support is sharing the stressful but also rewarding experience of caregiving; and 2) that program planners do not need to develop extensive matching criteria.

Polling data has indicated that evangelical Christians tend toward skepticism about the existence of anthropogenic climate change. Recogrúzing that evangelical Christians compose a politically influential population, we conducted interviews with pastors and lay members of churches in Dallas, Texas to assess the relationship between their religious beliefs and their view; on climate change. In-depth interviews showed more complex relationships between religious and climate beliefs than has been documented by previous survey-based research. The interviews revealed a set of interrelated religious beliefs, namely in biblical inerrancy, God's sovereignty, human sinfulness, eschatology, and evangelism, frofn which evangelicals draw to describe their perceptions of climate change. Our analysis shows how common belief interpretations contribute to skepticism pi human-induced climate change for many interviewees. We also descmbe how alternative interpretations of these same beliefs promoted environmental concern and even acceptance of anthropogenic climate change among other interviewees. Results suggest the need to account for how faith shapes the complex and nuanced environmental beliefs that evangelicals hold.