Welcome to the world of Ashwagandha, a time-tested, natural remedy for sleep. This ancient adaptogenic herb, renowned in Ayurvedic medicine, offers a holistic approach to improving your sleep quality. Unravel the secrets of Ashwagandha and its stress-reducing, cortisol-balancing properties, as we delve into its potential for transforming your nights into a soothing, rejuvenating experience. Read our blog in detail on the benefits of Ashwagandha for sleep.
What is Ashwagandha and How Does it Work
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Known for its adaptogenic properties, it helps the body manage stress, anxiety, and fatigue. It works by regulating the nervous and endocrine systems, enhancing overall physical and mental well-being. Ashwagandha provides numerous health benefits, including immune support, hormone balance, and cognitive function improvement.
You Might Like: https://realgoodgummies.com/can-ashwagandha-cause-acne
The Science Behind Ashwagandha and Sleep
Ashwagandha, an ancient Ayurvedic herb, has gained scientific attention for its potential benefits on sleep quality and sleep disorders. The science behind its sleep-enhancing properties primarily revolves around its adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects.
As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for the body’s stress response. High cortisol levels, particularly in the evening, can significantly disrupt the sleep cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. By reducing cortisol, Ashwagandha promotes relaxation and helps the body maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
Furthermore, Ashwagandha’s anxiolytic effects contribute to its sleep benefits. The herb increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in inducing relaxation and reducing anxiety. Higher GABA levels have been linked to improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms.
Ashwagandha also contains tri ethylene glycol, a compound found to enhance non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is essential for body restoration and overall sleep quality.
Additionally, the herb has been observed to improve sleep onset latency—the time it takes to transition from wakefulness to sleep. This effect is particularly beneficial for individuals with sleep disorders such as insomnia.
In summary, the science behind Ashwagandha and sleep is rooted in its adaptogenic, anxiolytic, and sleep-inducing properties. By regulating cortisol, increasing GABA levels, and enhancing NREM sleep, Ashwagandha contributes to a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.
3 Benefits of Using Ashwagandha for Sleep
Reduces stress and anxiety:
Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties help regulate cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, allowing for better sleep.
Improves sleep quality:
By increasing GABA levels and enhancing non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, Ashwagandha contributes to a more restorative and uninterrupted sleep experience.
Shortens sleep onset latency:
Ashwagandha helps individuals fall asleep faster by reducing the time it takes to transition from wakefulness to sleep, proving beneficial for those with insomnia or sleep disturbances.
You Might Like: https://realgoodgummies.com/ashwagandha-for-weight-loss
Dosage and Forms of Ashwagandha for Sleep
Ashwagandha is available in various forms, including capsules, gummies, powders, and liquid extracts. For sleep improvement, a common dosage recommendation is 300-500 mg of a standardized root extract daily. It is best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase if needed. To ensure optimal results, choose a high-quality supplement standardized to at least 5% withanolides, the active compounds in Ashwagandha. You can try ashwagandha gummies if you don’t like the taste of regular ashwagandha. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Combining Ashwagandha with Other Sleep Aids
Enhance your sleep experience by combining Ashwagandha with other natural sleep aids, such as melatonin or valerian root. This synergistic approach amplifies relaxation, reduces stress, and promotes more restful sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to conquer the day.
While combining Ashwagandha with other sleep aids can enhance its benefits, it’s important to avoid overdosing. Excessive intake of Ashwagandha can lead to digestive issues, headaches, and drowsiness. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or combining it with other sleep aids.
How long does it take for Ashwagandha to start working for sleep?
Discover the magic of Ashwagandha, a natural sleep enhancer that works wonders. While individual experiences vary, many users report noticeable improvements in sleep quality within just a few weeks of daily use. By diligently taking Ashwagandha, you’ll gradually experience its cortisol-lowering and stress-relieving benefits, leading to a state of relaxation conducive to restful slumber. So, why wait? Embrace Ashwagandha and embark on a journey towards tranquil, rejuvenating sleep that revitalizes your mind and body.
You Might Like: https://realgoodgummies.com/ashwagandha-for-kids-and-teenagers
Expert Opinions on Ashwagandha and Sleep:
Opinion 1: According to the Sleep Foundation, preliminary research has found that Ashwagandha may help people fall asleep faster, spend more time asleep, and experience better sleep quality. After taking Ashwagandha for six weeks, participants in one actigraphy-based study described their sleep as being 72% better, on average.
Additional Research: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17512433.2022.2121699
Additional Research:
Opinion 2: Dr. Andrew Weil, a well-known integrative medicine expert, recommends Ashwagandha as a natural treatment to address fatigue and boost energy levels. It is an Ayurvedic herb from the roots of Withania somnifera, a plant in the nightshade family, and has long been prized for its ability to help the body deal with stress.
You Might Like: https://realgoodgummies.com/top-15-ashwagandha-benefits-for-men
FAQ
1. How does Ashwagandha help with sleep?
Ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogen, tackles insomnia with its stress-reducing properties by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation, paving the way for restful sleep. Its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects further enhance sleep quality, ensuring a rejuvenated morning. Embrace Ashwagandha and transform your nights into a peaceful slumber
2. Can Ashwagandha help with insomnia?
Yes, Ashwagandha can help with insomnia. Studies show that it can treat insomnia and improve sleep quality, particularly for those taking at least 600 milligrams per day for eight weeks
3. What is the recommended dosage of Ashwagandha for sleep?
The recommended Ashwagandha dosage for sleep is starting at 300 milligrams, taken one to two times per day. It can improve sleep quality, decrease anxiety, and reduce stress hormones.
4. What are the different forms of Ashwagandha available for sleep?
Ashwagandha is available in powdered form and as leaf and root extracts such as Sensoril and KSM-66, which offer potential calming and sleep benefits.
5. Are there any potential side effects of using Ashwagandha for sleep?
Yes, there are potential side effects of using Ashwagandha for sleep. Some of the most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, dry mouth, drowsiness, vertigo, hallucinations, cough and congestion, blurred vision, rash, and weight gain. Less common side effects include excitability, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, constipation, hyperactivity, nighttime cramps, and vivid dreams.
Dr. Susan Francis is a passionate medical professional with over 4.5 years of experience in the field. She received her medical degree from the University of Michigan and completed her residency at the Mayo Clinic.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Francis has a strong interest in medical writing and editing. She has edited numerous articles for medical journals and is a regular contributor to several healthcare publications.
Dr. Francis is committed to promoting accurate and accessible medical information to the public. In her free time, she enjoys staying up to date on the latest medical research and volunteering at local healthcare clinics.
