Ashwagandha root extract improves sleep quality in pregnant women
In a 12-week RCT, 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 in pregnant women in their second trimester. No adverse events were reported.
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Ashwagandha root extract improves sleep quality 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 in pregnant women
This conclusion is most relevant to: 70 pregnant women in the second trimester (63 completed: 32 ARE, 31 SOC).
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 perceived stress (p<0.001) which may improve sleep
- ▸Modulates cortisol and stress pathways
- ▸Result: Improved sleep quality, duration, and reduced disturbances
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸70 pregnant women in the second trimester (63 completed: 32 ARE, 31 SOC)
Recommended Dose
300 mg twice daily
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Open-label design may introduce bias
- ▸Small sample size (n=70) limits generalizability
- ▸Sleep outcomes were secondary endpoints, not primary focus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashwagandha safe to take during pregnancy?▼
In this 12-week study, no adverse events or serious adverse events were reported, and liver, kidney, and thyroid function remained stable, suggesting short-term safety in the second trimester.
How much Ashwagandha was given to improve sleep?▼
Participants received 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice daily (total 600 mg per day) for 12 weeks.
What sleep improvements were seen with Ashwagandha?▼
Significant improvements were observed in subjective sleep quality at all visits, sleep duration at weeks 8 and 12, and sleep disturbances at week 12.
Did Ashwagandha also help with stress in pregnant women?▼
Yes, perceived stress scores reduced significantly more in the Ashwagandha group (-10.50) compared to standard care (-5.35) at week 12 (p<0.001).
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