Abstract Summary
Objective: To evaluate Ashwagandha’s efficacy in enhancing sleep quality in adults with mild to moderate insomnia.
Context: Sleep disturbances and insomnia are increasingly common, often exacerbated by stress. Ashwagandha, used traditionally in Ayurveda to manage stress, may also improve sleep quality due to its calming properties.
Methods Used
Approach: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study over 8 weeks with 150 participants diagnosed with mild to moderate insomnia. The treatment group received 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while the control group received a placebo.
Data Collection: Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.
Researchers' Summary of Findings
The Ashwagandha group showed a 30% improvement in PSQI scores and a 25% reduction in ISI scores, compared to a 10% improvement in the placebo group. Participants reported quicker sleep onset findings suggest Ashwagandha as a promising natural intervention for sleep quality improvement, especially for stress-related sleep issues.
DOI: 10.1080/j.sleepmed.2024.063921
