Treatments and supplements · Ashwagandha

Does ashwagandha do anything for stress and sleep?

What we can tell you today: how thoroughly this has been studied.

Well studied

5 studies, including 2 that bring together the results of several trials in people.

5 Repeated evidence 2 studies

4 Large controlled trial 2 studies

3 Small study in people 1 study

This says how thoroughly something has been studied — not whether it works for you. What each study actually found is in the study itself, and in the plain-language write-ups we are adding.

Appears under: Sleep, energy and the brain · Menopause and hormones

The studies

5 Repeated evidence Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
2021 · PloS one · 400 participants
5 Repeated evidence A systematic review of the clinical use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction.
2020 · Phytotherapy research : PTR
4 Large controlled trial Effect of an ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) root extract on climacteric symptoms in women during perimenopause: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
2021 · The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research · 100 participants
4 Large controlled trial Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release (AshwaSR) capsules in healthy adult, stressed subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 3-arm clinical trial.
2026 · Medicine · 135 participants · manufacturer helped fund this
3 Small study in people Safety and Efficacy of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognition, Energy and Mood Problems in Adults: Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.
2026 · Journal of psychoactive drugs · 60 participants