About Us

We're the creators of BetterSleep, a leading wellness app helping over 60 million people around the globe sleep better.

We’re on a mission to help people around the world live a happier, healthier life, through expert-led meditations, sleep stories, brainwaves and more.

Share article
What is Ashwagandha?
wellness / mental health

What is Ashwagandha?

by BetterSleep
6 min read
Share article

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb, grown in Asia and Africa. It’s commonly used to reduce stress and may help to lower blood pressure, reduce swelling in the body and enhance the immune system.

It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, which is the traditional medicine system used in India. Today, it’s becoming more popular in western society as stress levels rise, alongside our interest in alternative therapies.

What Are the Health Benefits of Ashwagandha?

Studies have shown that ashwagandha may be beneficial to treat several health conditions, including:

  • Anxiety and stress. A past study showed ashwagandha to be as effective at reducing anxiety as the drug lorazepam.
  • Arthritis. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha has shown to be effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Boost heart health. It may help to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.
  • Slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. One study, found ashwagandha to be effective at slowing or preventing brain loss.

Is There a Best Time of Day to Take Ashwagandha?

While there is no standard dosage for ashwagandha, you should alter the dosage according to the condition you are hoping to treat. It can be taken in a liquid, pill, or powder form. It can be taken at any time of the day. Some prefer nightly to promote a good sleep habit and others feel it’s better taken in the morning.

Does Ashwagandha Make You Gain Weight?

Using ashwagandha has not been found to make anyone gain weight. There is a small chance that it may impact weight loss, but to date, no conclusive research has returned any surefire evidence.

Does Ashwagandha Make You Last Longer in Bed?

While ashwagandha has been used for centuries to support healthy bodily functions, there is no research to show that supplementing with this herb will make you last longer in bed.

Can Ashwagandha Improve Sleep Quality?

Some research has shown ashwagandha to help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and enjoy a better quality of sleep. In fact, one study group that took ashwagandha for 6 weeks, reported having a 72% better sleep on average.

Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Ashwagandha?

Small to medium doses of ashwagandha are generally safe for most people. However, no studies have been undertaken looking at the possible long-term side effects. One thing to remember is that taking large amounts of this herb can lead to digestive upsets. Always check with your GP before starting any new supplement regime.

To improve sleep health and reduce stress, combine ashwagandha with guided meditations from the BetterSleep app.

Share article

Related posts

The Importance of Sleep
sleep / wellness

The Importance of Sleep

by BetterSleep
8 min read
Benefits of Meditating in the Morning
wellness

Benefits of Meditating in the Morning

by BetterSleep
10 min read
Best Teas for Sleep
sleep / wellness

Best Teas for Sleep

by BetterSleep
10 min read
Why We Like Background Noise
wellness

Why We Like Background Noise

by BetterSleep
11 min read
What is Box Breathing?
wellness / mental health

What is Box Breathing?

by BetterSleep
6 min read
What Are Soundscapes?
wellness / mental health

What Are Soundscapes?

by BetterSleep
5 min read
Walking Meditation: How to Meditate While Walking
wellness

Walking Meditation: How to Meditate While Walking

by BetterSleep
8 min read
Coffee Naps: What Are They and Do They Work?
sleep / wellness

Coffee Naps: What Are They and Do They Work?

by BetterSleep
5 min read
Relaxing Nature Music
wellness

Relaxing Nature Music

by BetterSleep
4 min read
Music Is Good for the Brain
wellness / mental health

Music Is Good for the Brain

by BetterSleep
8 min read

Top 10 posts

From Stress to Success: How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
wellness / mental health

From Stress to Success: How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety

by BetterSleep
5 min read
Behind the Scenes: Pride 2024 at BetterSleep with Collin Martin
lifestyle / news

Behind the Scenes: Pride 2024 at BetterSleep with Collin Martin

by Scott Yim
4 min read
Waking Up to Injustice: The Intersection of Racism, Sleep Deprivation, and Black History
news / mental health

Waking Up to Injustice: The Intersection of Racism, Sleep Deprivation, and Black History

by BetterSleep
8 min read
Sleep Paralysis Explained
sleep

Sleep Paralysis Explained

by BetterSleep
10 min read
How to Cope with Holiday Depression and Stress
mental health / wellness

How to Cope with Holiday Depression and Stress

by BetterSleep
5 min read
Have a Healthy Holiday Season
news / wellness

Have a Healthy Holiday Season

by BetterSleep
5 min read
Mindful Listening
lifestyle / mental health

Mindful Listening

by BetterSleep
6 min read
Sleep Hypnosis Apps: A Guide to Self-Hypnosis
sleep

Sleep Hypnosis Apps: A Guide to Self-Hypnosis

by BetterSleep
7 min read
Calming Foods for Anxiety
wellness / mental health

Calming Foods for Anxiety

by BetterSleep
8 min read
Brown Noise
sleep / wellness

Brown Noise

by BetterSleep
4 min read