Ashwagandha root extract improves sleep quality in children aged 6-12 years
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 73 children aged 6-12 years completed an 8-week supplementation with Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) gummies (150 mg twice daily) or placebo. Parent-reported sleep quality, measured by the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), significantly improved in the ARE group (p = 0.035).
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Ashwagandha root extract improves sleep quality in children aged 6-12 years The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Ashwagandha root extract improves sleep quality in children aged 6-12 years
This conclusion is most relevant to: Healthy children aged 6-12 years with parent-reported concerns related to attention, concentration, or memory.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸A clinical assessment of the therapeutic effects of Ashwagandha root extract on cognitive performance, sleep, and fatigue in children aged 6-12 years. (Frontiers in nutrition, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Ashwagandha root extract acts as an adaptogen
- ▸Reduces stress and cortisol levels
- ▸Improves sleep regulation
- ▸Result: Enhanced sleep quality in children
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Healthy children aged 6-12 years with parent-reported concerns related to attention, concentration, or memory
Recommended Dose
150 mg twice daily (300 mg total daily)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only parent-reported sleep quality was measured, not objective sleep metrics like polysomnography
- ▸The study population had parent-reported cognitive concerns, limiting generalizability to all children
Frequently Asked Questions
What dose of Ashwagandha was used for children in this study?▼
Children received 150 mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice daily (300 mg total daily) in gummy form for 8 weeks.
How was sleep quality measured in this trial?▼
Sleep quality was assessed using the parent-reported Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), which showed significant improvement in the Ashwagandha group compared to placebo.
Was Ashwagandha safe for children in this study?▼
Yes, no significant adverse events were reported, suggesting that Ashwagandha root extract was well tolerated in children aged 6-12 years over 8 weeks.
Did Ashwagandha improve cognitive performance in children?▼
Yes, the study also found significant improvements in several cognitive measures, including speed of information processing, delayed word recall, Stroop task accuracy, and choice reaction time accuracy.
References
- 1.Saxena A, Lopresti A, Sharif M, Elon N, Suri R, Langade DK. “A clinical assessment of the therapeutic effects of Ashwagandha root extract on cognitive performance, sleep, and fatigue in children aged 6-12 years..” Frontiers in nutrition, 2026. PMID: 41889719 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1742138