A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep quality in healthy adults
Deshpande A, Irani N, Balkrishnan R, Benny IR
Published in Sleep Medicine
Abstract
RCT showing 600mg ashwagandha root extract daily significantly improved sleep quality, sleep onset latency, and sleep efficiency in both healthy volunteers and insomnia patients. Effects seen within 2 weeks with continued improvement through 8 weeks.
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group trial in healthy adults with self-reported poor sleep; 120 mg/day standardised ashwagandha extract versus placebo for 6 weeks; outcomes included wrist actigraphy measures (sleep efficiency, sleep latency, wake after sleep onset) and the Restorative Sleep Questionnaire.
Key Findings
The ashwagandha group showed a 72% improvement in self-reported sleep quality versus 29% with placebo. Actigraphy showed significantly improved sleep efficiency, reduced sleep onset latency and reduced wake after sleep onset relative to placebo. No serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusions
Low-dose standardised ashwagandha extract improved both objective actigraphy measures and subjective sleep quality in healthy adults with poor sleep over 6 weeks.
Limitations
Healthy poor sleepers rather than diagnosed insomnia patients; six-week duration gives no information on longer-term use or dependence; actigraphy is less accurate than polysomnography; the trial was industry-supported by the extract manufacturer, a recognised source of bias in ashwagandha research.
Supplements Studied
Ashwagandha root extract improved sleep onset latency, total sleep time and sleep efficiency in both healthy volunteers and insomnia patients.
Outcomes Measured
Sleep onset latency, total sleep time and sleep efficiency all improved with ashwagandha root extract.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Supported by the manufacturer of the standardised ashwagandha extract used in the trial
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