Ashwagandha can improve sleep but it’s important to check with a doctor and ensure its safety before use.
There is no debate over the importance of sleep for human health. The human body requires regular, consistent, sufficient sleep to be at its best, and there is no way to get around that reality. With that said, countless people around the world still struggle to get enough sleep, whether it is because they don’t want to spend the time on their sleep needs or because they just can’t manage to drift off even while in bed. Since good sleep can be such a challenge, some people turn to medications and supplements that they hope will help them get some rest. One such supplement that is commonly used by many people with the hopes that it will lead to better sleep is ashwagandha withanolides. Some people swear by the herb’s ability to help them sleep better, but as is usually the case, results can vary from one person to another.
Many people have heard the name ashwagandha without necessarily knowing exactly what it is. This is an herbal supplement that has gotten more and more popular recently, specifically in Ayurvedic medicine. There have been some studies that indicate ashwagandha can help with a variety of issues, including cutting down on insomnia and helping people get better quality sleep night after night. This is thought to perhaps be due to the active ingredient withanolides, which can potentially cut down on stress, a major factor in being able to sleep well.
Going beyond the potential for better sleep, there are also other possible benefits to the use of ashwagandha withanolides. Those can include a reduction in arthritis pain, potentially improving depression symptoms, a boost in energy levels and muscle strength, and more. If the use of this supplement is able to deliver even some of those potential benefits, it’s sure to have widespread appeal for countless users.
As with everything health-related, it’s important to go over the details and make sure anything that is put into the body is safe and can be a net positive on human health. While the potential benefits listed above are promising, there are also potential side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, liver and thyroid problems, and more. So, working with a doctor is suggested for anyone who might be considering the use of ashwagandha in the pursuit of better health. Also, these kinds of supplements are not closely monitored or evaluated by the FDA, so it’s always important to get their supply from a reputable source that can be trusted to deliver a safe product.
The best course of action is always to speak with a doctor or other qualified medical professional when needing to solve a healthcare problem. That way, professional, educated advice can be offered, and the individual can make the right decision based on their specific needs and any other health factors that need to be considered. It does seem that ashwagandha does have the potential to help some people sleep better, but it likely won’t be a magic solution that immediately leads to long, restful nights.
Sources:
Should I take ashwagandha for sleep? Here’s what the science says.
Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?
Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis
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