Does Ashwagandha Help You Sleep?

Understanding Ashwagandha and Sleep

Ashwagandha is derived from an evergreen plant that grows in India, Africa, and the Middle East. It has long been used in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine to provide stress relief, enhance cognitive function, and improve sleep quality.

High levels of stress are a common trigger for sleep disruption, and evidence suggests that taking an ashwagandha supplement regularly can relax the mind and body to induce faster sleep, decrease nighttime wakeups, improve rest quality, and increase total sleep time. When considering the best time to take ashwagandha, many experts suggest taking it in the evening to help promote relaxation and support better sleep, although it can be taken at other times to help manage stress throughout the day.

The effect takes time to build up in your system, and it may take several weeks of consistent use to experience optimal benefits. Can ashwagandha make you sleepy? Let’s explore some of the studies showing the efficacy of this powerful herb in lowering stress and enhancing sleep quality.

Exploring the Sleep-Inducing Effects of Ashwagandha

The popularity of ashwagandha in the U.S. as a stress reducer and sleep solution has grown significantly over the last couple of decades, and many individuals report that taking this herb as a supplement provides powerful improvements in rest quality and enhanced life quality as a result. On the whole, current scientific research strongly supports the sleep-inducing effects of ashwagandha, with multiple studies highlighting its potency and efficacy.

A 10-week 2019 study published in Cureus ^[1] examined the impact of 300mg of ashwagandha twice daily in patients at a hospital in India. The results indicated that the supplement improved sleep quality and latency in individuals with insomnia and anxiety.

Other research showed the sleep benefits of ashwagandha for subjects with and without insomnia. A 2020 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology ^[2] examined the impact of 8 weeks of ashwagandha supplementation on normal, healthy subjects and those with insomnia, and concluded that it improved sleep quality in both groups.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 studies published in PLOS ONE ^[3] in 2021 concluded that 8 weeks of ashwagandha supplementation improved overall sleep, and led to sharper mental alertness and lower anxiety upon waking.

Does Ashwagandha make you tired? Ashwagandha naturally impacts brain chemistry to lower stress levels and produce a sedative effect, making you sleepy when taken in the evening and slowing breathing. If you are concerned about how the herb will impact you, begin with a lower dosage than recommended and assess the impact. It’s important not to take other medications or products with sedative effects with ashwagandha as it will amplify the potency.

While some people wonder if taking ashwagandha daily will impact their overall sleep patterns, evidence suggests that consistent use can help reset your circadian rhythm to promote healthier rest over the long term.

Mechanisms of Action

Evidence supports the efficacy of consistent over time in lowering stress levels and improving multiple sleep parameters, but what is the science behind these properties?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps regulate stress and lessen its negative impact on the mind and body. According to studies, Ashwagandha may increase levels of the brain neurotransmitter GABA, which blocks the action of key receptors in the central nervous system to lower anxiety. In addition, it could induce sleep and improve rest quality by lowering stress, one of the primary triggers of insomnia.

Research shows that Ashwagandha also boosts levels of the ‘happiness’ neurotransmitter serotonin, which could improve mood and help modulate sleep patterns. In addition, ashwagandha may lower levels of the hormone cortisol, decreasing stress levels. High evening cortisol can lead to poor rest, and may even cause sleep disorders over time. As such, the reduction in levels with ashwagandha supplementation can shorten sleep latency and improve rest quality.

Real-World Experiences and Testimonials

If you’re still wondering, “Will ashwagandha make me sleepy?” you may be convinced by some of the glowing reviews and testimonials from people who have experienced improved sleep quality with Ashwagandha supplementation.

One 5-star WebMD user explains how supplementing with ashwagandha lowered anxiety and improved sleep when grieving a loved one:

“My doctor recommended this to me after my friend passed away from cancer. I couldn't get to sleep for lack of shutting my brain down. I highly recommend it for people feeling stressed. It got me through a tough period in my life and it wasn't a lab-created medication.”

Another 5-star ashwagandha user says that after less than a month, the decrease in stress and insomnia symptoms was remarkable:

“I started taking it for insomnia and anxiety. I had excellent results almost immediately. Highly recommend it - I wish I knew about this months ago.”

Naturally, results vary for different people, based on individual differences in lifestyle and body chemistry. In some, taking ashwagandha in the evening increases energy levels, as it does for most people during the day, making it an ineffective sleep aid. For the rare individual, it causes very vivid, strange dreams that could be disconcerting for some.

User Ayo experienced this phenomenon, although ashwagandha did help lower anxiety levels: “I took this in the morning and it immediately helped with my anxiety. However, that night I had the most horrifying and vivid nightmare I had ever had.”

The answer to the question, “Does ashwagandha help you sleep?" is overwhelmingly yes, but it’s important to note that individual results may vary.

Considerations and Precautions

While ashwagandha is considered generally safe for long-term use when you stay within recommended dosages, there are medical conditions that preclude its use, so it’s essential to check with your regular physician before beginning supplementation.

Dr. Rimas Geiga, MD

Dr. Rimas Geiga, MD, a registered dietician and nutritionist, says Timing plays a crucial role in maximizing the sleep-enhancing benefits of Ashwagandha. Administering it approximately an hour before bedtime allows for optimal absorption and utilization of its active compounds when your body's natural sleep-wake cycle begins to wind down. This strategic timing harnesses Ashwagandha's anxiolytic and sedative properties, facilitating a smoother transition into sleep and potentially reducing the time it takes to fall asleep.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking ashwagandha, and its usage is not considered safe for men with prostate cancer. In addition, there are medication contraindications that are important to note.

According to physician and sleep scientist Dr. Carleara Weiss, PhD, MS, RN: “People taking medication such as anticoagulants to treat cardiovascular problems and diabetes should consult their primary care provider before using natural sleep aids because they interfere with these medications ^[4].”

In addition, avoid combining anything with sedative properties with ashwagandha, as it will amplify the dosage beyond a safe level. Other contraindicated pharmaceuticals include immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants, thyroid hormone medication, and anti-seizure pills.

When taking the recommended dosage according to instructions, ashwagandha has no serious side effects but could lead to mild issues like stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea in some users. Research shows that an effective, safe daily dosage of ashwagandha ranges from 225–600 mg, but individual results may vary. We recommend that you begin with a half dosage, assess its impact, and then gradually increase to an amount within the suggested range that is comfortable.