Ashwagandha root extract and melatonin combination therapy improves sleep quality in adults with sleep disturbances
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 200 adults aged 18-50 years, an 8-week combination of Ashwagandha root extract (600 mg/day) and melatonin (3 mg/day) significantly reduced sleep onset latency (SOL) and improved total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep efficiency (SE) compared to placebo (all p < 0.0001). Monotherapy with either Ashwagandha or melatonin produced moderate but comparable benefits.
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Ashwagandha root extract and melatonin combination therapy improves sleep quality in adults with sleep disturbances The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Ashwagandha root extract and melatonin combination therapy improves sleep quality in adults with sleep disturbances
This conclusion is most relevant to: Men and women aged 18-50 years with sleep disturbances.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Comparative Evaluation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract and Melatonin for Improving Sleep Quality in Adults: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. (Clocks & sleep, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Ashwagandha root extract modulates stress and anxiety pathways via GABAergic and serotonergic activity
- ▸Melatonin regulates circadian rhythm and promotes sleep onset
- ▸Combination synergistically reduces sleep onset latency and improves sleep maintenance
- ▸Result: Significant improvements in objective and subjective sleep measures
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Men and women aged 18-50 years with sleep disturbances
Recommended Dose
Ashwagandha 600 mg/day (300 mg twice daily), melatonin 3 mg/day
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Abstract does not specify baseline sleep characteristics or severity of sleep disturbances
- ▸No long-term follow-up beyond 8 weeks to assess durability of effects
- ▸Mild adverse events reported but not detailed in abstract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended dose of Ashwagandha for sleep improvement?▼
In this study, Ashwagandha root extract was administered at 300 mg twice daily (600 mg/day) for 8 weeks.
Is Ashwagandha more effective than melatonin for sleep?▼
Both Ashwagandha and melatonin monotherapy produced moderate and comparable benefits, but the combination therapy showed the greatest improvements in sleep outcomes.
What sleep measures were improved by Ashwagandha and melatonin?▼
The study measured sleep onset latency, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, and subjective sleep quality via PSQI and anxiety via HAM-A.
Were there any side effects of Ashwagandha and melatonin combination?▼
Mild adverse events occurred across all groups, with no clinically significant differences between treatment and placebo groups.
References
- 1.Movva N, Salve J, Wankhede K, Thakare V, Langade D. “Comparative Evaluation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract and Melatonin for Improving Sleep Quality in Adults: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study..” Clocks & sleep, 2026. PMID: 42029558 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep8020015