Kalms Night and Kalms One-A-Night: Do They Work for Sleep and Anxiety?

Kalms is one of the UK’s best-known brands for herbal remedies, particularly those targeting stress, anxiety, and poor sleep. With popular options like Kalms Night and Kalms One-A-Night, the brand claims to offer natural support for those struggling with restlessness, overthinking at bedtime, and disrupted sleep patterns.

But how effective are Kalms tablets really? Are there side effects? Can you take two if one doesn’t work? And what’s the actual difference between Kalms Night and Kalms One-A-Night?

This in-depth review breaks it all down — from ingredients and research to real-world reviews and common questions.

What Are Kalms Night Tablets?

Kalms Night is a traditional herbal remedy designed to help promote restful sleep. The active ingredient is valerian root extract, a well-studied herbal sedative known for its calming effects.

Each dose of Kalms Night contains:

• Valerian root extract (Valeriana officinalis): 96mg per tablet

It’s intended to be taken around 30–60 minutes before bed and is suitable for short-term use in cases of mild anxiety and sleep disturbances.

What Is Kalms One-A-Night?

Kalms One-A-Night is a simplified version of the standard Kalms Night, offering a higher-strength valerian dose in just one tablet. It’s marketed as a more convenient alternative for those who don’t want to take multiple pills.

Each tablet contains:

• Valerian root extract: 385mg

Despite the different names, both products use valerian root as the active ingredient. The primary difference lies in dosage strength and tablet count.

Kalms Night vs Kalms One-A-Night: What’s the Difference?

One of the most searched questions is: What is the difference between Kalms Night and Kalms One-A-Night?

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:

Feature	Kalms Night	Kalms One-A-Night
Valerian dosage	96mg per tablet	385mg per tablet
Daily dose	4 tablets (2x2)	1 tablet
Convenience	Less convenient	High convenience
Total daily valerian	384mg	385mg
Sleep focus	Strong	Strong

So, both products deliver nearly identical valerian doses across the day, but Kalms One-A-Night achieves this in a single tablet, while Kalms Night requires four tablets per evening.

How Do Kalms Night Tablets Work?

Valerian root has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for insomnia and nervous tension. It’s thought to work by increasing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels in the brain — the same calming neurotransmitter targeted by medications like benzodiazepines, though valerian is far milder.

Research shows valerian can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve subjective sleep quality. However, results can be inconsistent depending on the individual.

A 2020 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine concluded that valerian may improve sleep quality without major side effects, especially in people with mild insomnia.

Do Kalms Night Tablets Work Straight Away?

Not usually. Kalms Night and Kalms One-A-Night are not fast-acting sedatives like prescription sleeping tablets. Many users report that effects build gradually over a few nights.

Some people feel more relaxed on the first night, but clinical trials on valerian often note that consistent use over a week or more leads to better results.

Kalms Night One-A-Night Reviews: What Do People Say?

Looking at online reviews across Boots, Amazon, and independent health sites, Kalms One-A-Night has generally positive feedback, though it isn’t a miracle cure.

Common praise:

• Helps with mild sleep problems and stress

• No grogginess the next morning

• Easier to sleep through the night

• Convenient one-tablet format

Common complaints:

• Doesn’t work for everyone

• Needs to be taken consistently

• Mild upset stomach in some cases

"I’ve used Kalms One-A-Night on and off for months. It definitely helps when I’m struggling to sleep but I wouldn’t say it knocks me out — more that I don’t toss and turn as much." — Verified Amazon buyer

How Many Kalms Night Can I Take?

According to the product packaging:

• For Kalms Night, the recommended dose is 2 tablets 30–60 minutes before bed, and 2 earlier in the evening if needed.

• For Kalms One-A-Night, take 1 tablet an hour before bedtime.

Can I Take Two Kalms One-A-Night Tablets?

This is a common query, but no — the manufacturer clearly states not to exceed one tablet per night.

Taking two Kalms One-A-Night tablets would exceed the safe daily dose of valerian root extract and could increase the risk of side effects like dizziness, headaches, or upset stomach.

Are Kalms Night Tablets Addictive?

No — valerian is not considered addictive, especially when compared to pharmaceutical sleep aids like Zopiclone or Diazepam.

However, it’s still important to avoid relying on any sleep aid long term. The NHS recommends non-drug strategies such as improving sleep hygiene, stress reduction, and cognitive behavioural therapy for long-term sleep issues.

Kalms Side Effects

Kalms products are generally well-tolerated, but some users may experience side effects, including:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Upset stomach

• Vivid dreams

• Drowsiness (especially if taken during the day)

Kalms should not be mixed with alcohol, sedatives, or antidepressants without consulting a GP.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid Kalms unless under medical supervision.

Which Kalms Are Best for Anxiety?

Kalms produces a range of products, including:

• Kalms Day: For general stress and anxiety during the day

• Kalms Night / One-A-Night: For sleep support

• Kalms Lavender: For anxiety and restlessness (contains lavender oil, not valerian)

For anxiety during the day, Kalms Day or Kalms Lavender may be more suitable. For night-time anxiety or sleep disturbance, Kalms One-A-Night is often the preferred option due to its stronger dose and easier format.

Are Kalms Safe?

Kalms tablets are regulated under the Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) scheme in the UK, ensuring basic quality and safety standards are met. That said, they’re still herbal supplements and should be used with appropriate caution.

Always read the leaflet, especially if taking other medications or managing a health condition.

Kalms: Final Verdict

Kalms Night and Kalms One-A-Night offer a mild, herbal option for people dealing with temporary sleep disturbances or bedtime anxiety. They’re not a cure for chronic insomnia or anxiety disorders, but many users find them helpful for:

• Easing the mind before bed

• Falling asleep faster

• Reducing overnight wake-ups

They work best when paired with good sleep hygiene habits — regular bedtime routines, limiting screens at night, and reducing caffeine.

Kalms One-A-Night is arguably the better choice for most, thanks to its convenient dosing and equivalent valerian content.