What Is Ashwagandha
People have turned to ashwagandha for sleep for hundreds of years. Also known as withania somnifera,Indian ginseng and winter cherry, ashwagandha root is a medicinal herb also known for its restorative and rejuvenating benefits.
Ancient Usage of Ashwagandha Root for Sleep
Ashwagandha root has been used as a naturopathic medicine in India for thousands of years and ayurvedic herbs are one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda medicine. Used as a non-stimulant adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine, its use extends back over 3,000 years. It has also been used traditionally as a tonic herb for managing oxidative stress and promoting longevity.
How Ashwagandha for Sleep Works:
Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic function helps improve mood and overall well-being by reducing stress and balancing and harmonizing the body’s systems. This balancing effect helps to keep our systems synchronized and in equilibrium with one another. Many of ashwagandha’s health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that help with joint pain. It may also have a balancing effect on circadian function, an important aspect of healthy sleep cycles. The ability to manage and adapt to stressful situations will also support healthy hormone levels that influence our immune system, hunger, fat storage, emotional well-being and sleep.
The balancing of our circadian rhythm is considered highly connected to our stress response. As our stress responsiveness varies over the course of the day, it directly affects the regulation of our circadian clock. The use of ashwagandha is known to help offset the negative effects of stress and protect our brain and circadian rhythm from the harmful effects of stress.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha Extract
Can Reduce Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, or when blood sugar levels drop too low. When cortisol levels remain chronically elevated, it can lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage. Ashwagandha treatment can significantly lower levels of cortisol in individuals with chronic stress.
Can Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Studies have found that ashwagandha increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. It can reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and those without.
Helps Reduce Chronic Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha may be best known for its anxiety-reducing and stress-reducing properties. Separate studies of people with anxiety and chronic stress reported a reduction in both when taking ashwagandha, a higher reduction on average than people who took placebos.
Promotes More Restful Sleep
Individuals who suffer from insomnia may find that ashwagandha extract can help them fall asleep and stay asleep. When paired with milk and other spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this drink called “moon milk” can inspire rest and relaxation.
May Reduce Inflammation
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase the activity of immune cells that fight infection and keep your body healthy. It has also been found to decrease markers of inflammation, like C-reactive protein (CRP).
Improves Cognitive Function
Several studies reported that adults who took ashwagandha root extract supplements daily found significant improvements in their task performance, attention, general memory, and reaction time. It may also mitigate cognitive function problems caused by injury or disease.
Safe with Minimum Side Effects
Ashwagandha is a safe, widely available supplement for most people, though certain individuals like pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take it. It’s a safe supplement that can be found in many vitamin shops and health food stores.
Regulates The Body’s Nervous System
Ashwagandha use can benefit cognitive function, regulate levels of cortisol, and lower inflammation. It can support healthy nervous system functions, and can even play a useful role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s.
Balances Circadian Rhythm
Sleep deprivation can lead to poor quality of sleep and disrupted sleep patterns or circadian rhythms. Using ashwagandha to find restful sleep can put your body’s internal clock back on track.
Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tumor Properties
Withaferin, a compound in ashwagandha, promotes the death of tumor cells. Other studies have shown that the treatment of withaferin prevented the spread of cancer to other organs.
Why Sleep Matters:
Stress is an inescapable reality of our modern lifestyles and an important factor in causing and/or aggravating chronic illnesses so it’s important to get it under control. Additionally, stress causes circadian rhythm disruption and, in return, circadian rhythm dysfunction itself may also be a stressor. Alternative medicines like ashwagandha help our bodies better regulate stress with minimum negative side-effects.
Ashwagandha Is:
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Egg-free
- Made without Gluten
- Halal
- Kosher
- Self-affirmed GRAS
Science Proves It:
Studies on our optimized, patented extract of ashwagandha have shown that individuals reported better energy levels, improved mental cognition, healthy heart function, less fatigue and more restful sleep. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” because it produces a wide range of stress-related symptoms. Ashwagandha works by lowering cortisol levels in the body, which improves stress-related symptoms.