Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anxiety #drug-administration-schedule #humans #plant-extracts #quality-of-life

Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cheah et al., 2021 | PLoS One | Meta Analysis

Citation

Cheah Kae Ling, Norhayati Mohd Noor, ... Abdul Rahman Razlina. Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2021;16(9):e0257843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257843

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Ashwagandha extract on sleep. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Google Scholars, World Health Organization Trials Portal, ClinicalTrials.gov, Clinical Trial Registry of India, and AYUSH Research Portal for all appropriate trials. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of Ashwagandha extract versus placebo on sleep in human participants 18 years old and above were considered. Two authors independently read all trials and independently extracted all relevant data. The primary outcomes were sleep quantity and sleep quality. The secondary outcomes were mental alertness on rising, anxiety level, and quality of life. RESULTS: A total of five randomized controlled trials containing 400 participants were analyzed. Ashwagandha extract exhibited a small but significant effect on overall sleep (Standardized Mean Difference -0.59; 95% Confidence Interval -0.75 to -0.42; I2 =  62%). The effects on sleep were more prominent in the subgroup of adults diagnosed with insomnia, treatment dosage ≥600 mg/day, and treatment duration ≥8 weeks. Ashwagandha extract was also found to improve mental alertness on rising and anxiety level, but no significant effect on quality of life. No serious side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Ashwagandha extract appears to has a beneficial effect in improving sleep in adults. However, data on the serious adverse effects of Ashwagandha extract are limited, and more safety data would be needed to assess whether it would be safe for long-term use.

Key Findings

A total of five randomized controlled trials containing 400 participants were analyzed. Ashwagandha extract exhibited a small but significant effect on overall sleep (Standardized Mean Difference -0.59; 95% Confidence Interval -0.75 to -0.42; I2 =  62%). The effects on sleep were more prominent in the subgroup of adults diagnosed with insomnia, treatment dosage ≥600 mg/day, and treatment duration ≥8 weeks. Ashwagandha extract was also found to improve mental alertness on rising and anxiety level

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality
  • anxiety

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 400
Age Range See abstract
Condition insomnia

MeSH Terms

  • Anxiety
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ashwagandha-sleep

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09