Insomnia is defined as a prolonged lack of rejuvenating sleep. Many Americans experience bouts of insomnia, which is often caused by excessive anxiety and stress, but it can also be the result of caffeine use and various health conditions. Ashwagandha is an Indian herb used for rejuvenating and vigor, but in moderate amounts can balance hormones and induce restorative sleep. Chronic insomnia can be a sign of serious illness, so consultation with a healthcare professional is always recommended.
Insomnia
Although it's common to have occasional sleepless nights, insomnia is the lack of deep sleep on a regular basis for weeks or sometimes months. Most people require between eight and nine hours of sleep that involves all four stages of the sleep cycle, including deep delta brain waves. Chronic lack of sleep leads to profound fatigue, irritability, depression, hormone imbalance, reduced concentration and compromised immunity. Insomnia is often a symptom of another condition, such as clinical depression, heart disease, sleep apnea, menopausal hot flashes, diabetes and chronic pain. Dietary deficiencies and use of stimulants, such as caffeine or alcohol, can also lead to insomnia.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, or winter cherry, is one of the more important herbs used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and has been used for centuries in India and other Asian countries. In Sanskrit, ashwagandha translates as "the essence of a horse," implying that it gives the vigor and strength of a stallion, as cited in "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs." Ashwagandha is considered a powerful adaptogen, which has the ability to either provide stamina and energy, or rejuvenate by calming the nervous system and balancing hormones. As such, ashwagandha is sometimes called an "intelligent" herb because it causes seemingly opposite effects in different people at different times.
Ashwagandha Relieves Insomnia
Ashwagandha's ability to calm the nervous system and balance hormones can have a natural sedating affect on some users, which leads to restful and rejuvenating sleep. Its ability to induce deep sleeps is a primary reason why it is best known for restorative benefits. Further, ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties and can regulate cortisol levels, both of which also promote sleep. It is often consumed as a tea, but is also available in capsules.
Ashwagandha May Disrupt Sleep
Despite claims of "intelligence," Ashwagandha is often taken to increase physical endurance, boost energy levels, rejuvenate after an illness and improve sexual stamina. Thus, there is a possibility that taking it too close to bedtime may disrupt sleep and contribute to insomnia, as cited in "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine." Starting with small doses under the supervision of an herbalist or healthcare professional is recommended.
Other Uses of Ashwagandha
In addition to insomnia and boosting energy, ashwagandha is also used to treat muscle weakness, arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, weak immunity, sexual impotence, infertility, memory loss, breathing difficulties and hormonal imbalance.
References
- "Textbook of Medical Physiology -- Tenth Edition"; Arthur C. Guyton, et al.; 2000
- "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System"; Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa; 2009
- "The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine"; Simon Mills; 1994
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
