Ashwagandha root extract improves sleep quality and reduces perceived stress in pregnant women
In a 12-week RCT of 70 pregnant women in their second trimester, Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) 300 mg twice daily plus standard care significantly improved subjective sleep quality at all visits (p=0.036), sleep duration at weeks 8 and 12 (p<0.001), and sleep disturbances at week 12 (p=0.028) compared to standard care alone. Perceived stress was also significantly reduced with ARE (-10.50 vs. -5.35; p<0.001).
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Ashwagandha root extract improves sleep quality and reduces perceived stress in pregnant women 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 improves sleep quality and reduces perceived stress in pregnant women
This conclusion is most relevant to: Pregnant women in the second trimester (n=70 randomized, 63 completed).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in pregnant women: a prospective, randomized, comparative, open-label, 12-week study. (Frontiers in global women's health, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Ashwagandha root extract has adaptogenic properties
- ▸Reduces cortisol levels and oxidative stress
- ▸Modulates GABAergic signaling promoting relaxation
- ▸Result: Improved sleep quality and reduced perceived stress
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Pregnant women in the second trimester (n=70 randomized, 63 completed)
Recommended Dose
300 mg twice daily
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Open-label design may introduce bias in subjective sleep and stress assessments
- ▸Small sample size (n=70) limits generalizability
- ▸No placebo control group; standard of care comparator may confound results
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashwagandha safe to take during pregnancy?▼
This study found no adverse events and stable liver, renal, cardiac, and thyroid markers in pregnant women taking 300 mg twice daily for 12 weeks, suggesting it is well-tolerated. However, more research is needed for broader safety confirmation.
How quickly does Ashwagandha improve sleep in pregnant women?▼
Significant improvements in subjective sleep quality were observed at all visits (starting from week 4), and sleep duration improved by weeks 8 and 12 in this study.
What dose of Ashwagandha was used for sleep improvement?▼
The study used 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice daily (total 600 mg per day) for 12 weeks.
Does Ashwagandha also help with stress in pregnancy?▼
Yes, the study reported a significant reduction in perceived stress scores at week 12 (-10.50 vs. -5.35, p<0.001) in the Ashwagandha group compared to standard care.
References
- 1.Ajgaonkar A, Tayade H, Nayak A. “Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in pregnant women: a prospective, randomized, comparative, open-label, 12-week study..” Frontiers in global women's health, 2026. PMID: 41767760 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2026.1767865