Has anyone actually found success with valerian root or is it just herbal placebo effect?

I have been staring at the same bottle of valerian root extract on my nightstand for three weeks now, terrified to try it. I keep reading that it is supposed to be nature's sedative, but the smell alone is enough to wake the neighbors. My current sleep routine is a chaotic mess of blue light exposure and late-night snacking, so I am desperate for a natural bridge to dreamland. I tried chamomile tea for a month and felt like I was just drinking hot, flavored water. Is there anyone here who swears by these earthy tinctures, or am I just setting myself up for a very smelly disappointment? I am curious if those of you who track your REM cycles have actually seen data-backed improvements, or if we are all just chasing an expensive, pungent ghost. Do these herbs truly hold the keys to better rest, or should I stop kidding myself and stick to my standard evening magnesium routine? I would love to hear your honest, messy, real-world experiences with these supplements.