HerbsAshwagandha

Standardized ashwagandha extracts improve sleep quality in adults with stress-related sleep complaints

Clinical trials with standardized ashwagandha extracts have shown reductions in stress-related biomarkers and improvements in sleep quality. The review notes improvements in sleep parameters, though specific effect sizes are not provided in the abstract.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026โ€ข0 RCTsโ€ข๐Ÿ“– Read as article โ†’

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCTโ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†
Meta-analysisโ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†
Mechanismโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Safetyโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Ashwagandha as an Adaptogenic Herb: A Comprehensive Review of Immunological and Neurological Effects.

observational

Jamnekar PP, Dehankar TJ, Bedre RV, Dharan BG, Agravat B, Agravat H ยท Cureus (2025)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extracts
Outcome: Sleep quality, stress-related biomarkers, mood parameters
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Adults with stress-related complaints (clinical trial participants)

Result:

PubMed: 41356880DOI: 10.7759/cureus.96183

Mechanism Graph

Modulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
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Inhibition of NF-ฮบB signaling
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Induction of Nrf2 activation
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Enhancement of GABAergic signaling
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Result: Reduced stress, improved sleep quality

Limitations

  • โš Heterogeneity in preparation of extracts across studies
  • โš Small sample sizes in clinical trials
  • โš Variability in endpoints measured
  • โš Possible funding-related biases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mechanism by which ashwagandha improves sleep?โ–ผ

Ashwagandha modulates the HPA axis, inhibits NF-ฮบB, induces Nrf2 activation, and affects GABAergic signaling, collectively reducing stress and promoting sleep.

Are there any known side effects of ashwagandha for sleep?โ–ผ

The abstract does not report side effects, but it highlights methodological limitations and potential variability in metabolism due to cytochrome P450 differences.

How long does it take for ashwagandha to improve sleep quality?โ–ผ

The abstract does not specify a time frame, but clinical trials typically involve several weeks of supplementation.

Is ashwagandha effective for all types of sleep disorders?โ–ผ

The evidence focuses on stress-related sleep complaints; efficacy for other sleep disorders is not addressed in this review.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Jamnekar PP, Dehankar TJ, Bedre RV, Dharan BG, Agravat B, Agravat H. "Ashwagandha as an Adaptogenic Herb: A Comprehensive Review of Immunological and Neurological Effects.." Cureus, 2025. PMID: 41356880 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.96183
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.