I haven't heard any horror stories about valerian, just someone I knew got really weird dreams from it. But I know at least three other people who are extremely, extremely pleased. I think it comes in syrup form too? I'm pretty sure I've seen it, but the pills are the most easy to use.

I agree with the messing around with hormones thing without going to a doctor first, and especially with melatonin, because they say you shouldn't use it for more than 3 months, and that it's not proven it's very effective with sleep disorders.