Ashwagandha for Sleep

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry, is a common herbal medicine used in traditional Ayurveda health practices. It is made from a small evergreen shrub called Withania somnifera Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source that is native to India and Southeast Asia. Ashwagandha is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions, though more evidence is needed to confirm if it is effective and safe.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, a term that describes a group of herbs that are said to protect the body Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Though there is limited research available about its effects and mechanisms, preliminary research does suggest ashwagandha might be effective at fighting stress.

According to some, ashwagandha also improves functioning in the endocrine, nervous, and cardiopulmonary Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source systems. It is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source properties and to be effective in treating anxiety Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , and cognitive impairment Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . These claims need more scientific evidence to back them up, and scientists are still unraveling exactly how the herb works and whether there could be unknown side effects.

Ashwagandha as a Sleep Aid

Preliminary research has found that ashwagandha may help people fall asleep faster, spend more time asleep, and experience better sleep quality Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . After taking ashwagandha for six weeks, participants in one actigraphy-based study described their sleep as being 72% better Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , on average.

Several compounds present in ashwagandha may be responsible for its sleep-promoting effects. Researchers have proposed that the triethylene glycol Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source naturally present in the herb may bring on sleepiness. Other researchers propose that ashwagandha acts on GABA receptors Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , which are a key part of the sleep-wake circuit Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . There are likely additional undiscovered compounds Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source that contribute to ashwagandha’s apparent therapeutic effects.

Ashwagandha’s main active ingredients are withanolides, which are believed to carry a host of benefits including the ability to ease stress. Stress has been linked to poorer sleep quality Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and excessive daytime sleepiness Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . If taking ashwagandha before bed helps a person relax, this may be another way by which it promotes better sleep.

How to Use Ashwagandha for Sleep

Ashwagandha is available in multiple forms. It comes as a powder, tea, pill, tincture, or gummies. The price can depend on the brand, quantity, and quality. Ashwagandha products may also be mixed with other herbs or vitamins.

To use ashwagandha for sleep, follow the instructions of the particular product you buy. The optimal dosage of ashwagandha is still under debate, and it may differ between supplements. You should not use ashwagandha for more than three consecutive months. It is also important to consult with your doctor prior to using ashwagandha.

How Ashwagandha Compares to Other Sleep Aids

There is little to no research directly comparing ashwagandha to other natural, prescribed, or over-the-counter sleep aids. Whether natural, prescription, or over-the-counter, all sleep aids come with potential side effects.

A review comparing 23 herbal remedies for insomnia found that valerian, passionflower, and ashwagandha Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source may be the most promising. However, as with many natural sleep aids, the lack of strong research on ashwagandha makes it difficult to evaluate its effectiveness.

Finding what works for you might take some trial and error. Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping. They may be able to recommend sleep hygiene tips, help you treat an underlying sleep disorder like insomnia, or recommend a safe treatment plan that includes natural, alternative, or pharmaceutical sleep aids.

Side Effects of Ashwagandha

Although its long-term safety profile has not been sufficiently studied, ashwagandha may be safe when taken for up to three months. The most common side effects of Ashwagandha are mild and include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

Some people may experience less common symptoms, which include Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source :

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Vertigo
• Hallucinations
• Cough and congestion
• Blurred vision
• Rash
• Weight gain

There is some evidence that ashwagandha supplements may cause liver damage. If you experience any side effects, especially symptoms consistent with liver damage such as jaundice or itchy skin, call your doctor immediately.

How to Decide if Ashwagandha Is Right for You

Ashwagandha may be an option for people who are interested in trying alternative remedies for sleep. However, some groups should avoid ashwagandha. These groups include:

• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People with auto-immune diseases
• People who have recently had surgery, or who have an upcoming surgical procedure scheduled
• People who have thyroid disorders

If you fall into any of these categories, talk to your doctor about sleep aids that are safe for you to use. You should also talk to your doctor before taking ashwagandha to ensure it does not interfere with other medications.