Supplements

Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea improve sleep quality in healthy individuals and patients with stress-related disorders

A systematic review of 24 RCTs (19 on W. somnifera, 5 on R. rosea) found that supplementation with standardized extracts improved sleep quality. Doses ranged from 120-1000 mg/day for W. somnifera and 290-1500 mg/day for R. rosea, with treatment lasting 3-16 weeks.

1 min readUpdated Aug 25, 20261 RCTsView structured evidence →
Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★
Confidencelow

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.

Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea improve sleep quality in healthy individuals and patients with stress-related disorders The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).

The Claim

Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea improve sleep quality in healthy individuals and patients with stress-related disorders

This conclusion is most relevant to: Healthy individuals and patients with stress-related or functional disorders, aged 18-75 years, sample sizes 10-590.

What the Research Shows

The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:

  • Clinical evidence for the adaptogenic effects of Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea - A systematic review with molecular interpretation of psychometric outcomes. (Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM, 2026) —

How It Works

The proposed biological pathway:

  • Regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
  • Modulation of neurotransmission pathways
  • Influence on immune and hormonal pathways
  • Result: Improved stress resilience and sleep quality

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

  • Healthy individuals and patients with stress-related or functional disorders, aged 18-75 years, sample sizes 10-590

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

  • Methodological heterogeneity across studies
  • Short intervention periods (3-16 weeks)
  • Small sample sizes in many trials

Frequently Asked Questions

What doses of ashwagandha were used in the reviewed studies?

Daily doses of standardized Withania somnifera extract ranged from 120 to 1000 mg.

How long did participants take the supplements in these trials?

Supplementation lasted between 3 and 16 weeks.

Were the participants healthy or did they have medical conditions?

Both healthy individuals and patients with stress-related or functional disorders were included.

What is the main mechanism by which these adaptogens improve sleep?

They regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmission, and immune/hormonal pathways.

References

  1. 1.Łuszczak J, Kocki J. “Clinical evidence for the adaptogenic effects of Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea - A systematic review with molecular interpretation of psychometric outcomes..” Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM, 2026. PMID: 41906501 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/213417
Disclaimer: This article is auto-generated from structured research data for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.