Research Publications on Ashwagandha for Insomnia and Anxiety

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract has been clinically evaluated for its effects on sleep quality and insomnia, with studies revealing significant improvements in sleep parameters among both healthy volunteers and patients with insomnia. These studies, through randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, have shown that Ashwagandha can effectively enhance sleep onset latency, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and overall sleep quality.

Additionally, improvements in anxiety levels and mental alertness were observed, particularly in individuals with insomnia. The findings suggest Ashwagandha as a promising natural alternative for improving sleep quality and managing insomnia, highlighting its safety and efficacy.

Clinical evaluation of the pharmacological impact of ashwagandha root extract on sleep in healthy volunteers and insomnia patients: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study; Journal Of Ethnopharmacology, 2021; Link

This study investigated the effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on sleep in both healthy subjects and those with insomnia, through a randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 80 participants. Significant improvements were observed in sleep parameters such as Sleep Onset Latency (SOL), Total Sleep Time (TST), and Sleep Efficiency (SE), with more pronounced effects in insomnia patients. Analysis also showed significant enhancements in the Hamilton Anxiety scale (HAM-A) outcomes, mental alertness, and overall sleep quality, particularly in the insomnia group. The study concludes that Ashwagandha root extract is effective in improving sleep quality and managing insomnia, suggesting the need for further trials to validate these findings.

A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep quality in healthy adults; Sleep Medicine, 2020; Link

This study, the first of its kind to investigate ashwagandha's (Withania somnifera) effects on non-restorative sleep (NRS), involved 150 healthy subjects in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received 120 mg of standardized ashwagandha extract daily for six weeks. The study assessed sleep quality, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and other measures using the Restorative Sleep Questionnaire and sleep actigraphy, along with evaluations of quality of life (QOL) and safety tests. Results showed a 72% increase in self-reported sleep quality in the ashwagandha group, significant improvements in sleep parameters, and enhanced QOL scores, with no adverse events reported. The study concludes that ashwagandha extract significantly improves overall sleep quality and NRS condition in healthy subjects.

Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study; Curēus, 2019; Link

This study explores the effectiveness and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in treating patients with insomnia and anxiety. Conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at Prakruti Hospital in Maharashtra, India, it involved 60 patients split into a test group (n=40) receiving 300 mg of full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract capsules and a placebo group (n=20) receiving starch capsules. Both treatments were administered twice daily for 10 weeks, with outcomes measured through sleep actigraphy, sleep logs, and various scales assessing sleep quality and anxiety. Results indicated significant improvements in sleep onset latency (SOL), sleep efficiency (SE), and sleep quality in the Ashwagandha group compared to placebo, with notable enhancements also observed in total sleep time (TST) and reduced wake after sleep onset (WASO). The study concludes that Ashwagandha root extract, at a dosage of 300 mg twice daily, is well tolerated and effectively enhances sleep quality and onset latency in insomnia and anxiety patients, suggesting a potential herbal alternative for insomnia treatment. Further research on a larger scale is recommended.