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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).

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in pregnant women: a prospective, randomized, comparative, open-label, 12-week study.

observational

Ajgaonkar A, Tayade H, Nayak A · Frontiers in global women's health (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 12 weeks
Intervention: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract 300 mg twice daily plus standard hematinic therapy
Outcome: Sleep quality (subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep disturbances) and perceived stress
Effect Size: N/A (p-values reported; no effect size like Cohen's d provided)
Population: Pregnant women in the second trimester (n=70 randomized, 63 completed)

Result:

PubMed: 41767760DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2026.1767865

Mechanism Graph

Ashwagandha root extract has adaptogenic properties
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Reduces cortisol levels and oxidative stress
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Modulates GABAergic signaling promoting relaxation
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Result: Improved sleep quality and reduced perceived stress

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is 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.