Valerian and melatonin are both used for sleep, but they support rest in very different ways. When people start looking for natural ways to sleep better, two names often come up: valerian root and melatonin. Both are used at bedtime, but they work in very different ways. Valerian is a traditional calming herb, while melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep–wake cycle. Understanding how each one works can help you choose the option that best fits your needs.