Hearing the buzz about ashwagandha and thinking ashwa-what? Ashwagandha is having a wellness moment–more than a moment, really– and for good reason. 

What is Ashwagandha and How Does it Work?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub native to India. It’s also known as “winter cherry” or “Indian ginseng,” and has deep roots in ayurvedic medicine. People have used it for thousands of years, aiming to increase energy, improve overall health, reduce inflammation, pain, and calm the mind.

So how does it work? Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body adapt to stress. It works by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, helping you feel more relaxed. It’s been shown to lower cortisol levels and to help quiet your racing mind. Translation? Less stress, more chill.

The Sleep Support Sidekick You Didn’t Know You Needed

Stress and sleep don’t play nicely together.  Stress increases your cortisol levels, which can delay sleep, make you wake up during the night, and send your sleep quality downhill. Over time, this stress-sleep cycle can lead to sleep reactivity—your body’s response to stress that closely resembles insomnia. 

That’s where ashwagandha might help. Studies have shown that people with poor sleep reported falling asleep faster, sleeping longer, and waking up less often after taking ashwagandha—especially in cases where anxiety is a factor. 

Want to try it out? Try Rest-eze™ by Sleep-eze®, which combines the stress-reducing powers of ashwagandha with melatonin to help you drift off easily.

How Much to Start With & When to Take

There’s no one-size-fits-all dose, but the good news is you can personalize your use of ashwagandha to your needs. Whether you’re using capsules, gummies, pills, or powder ashwagandha supplements, start slowly. Build based on results and your tolerance, as well as supplement usage directions.  Best times to take it?

• For stress/anxiety: In the morning or midday
• For sleep: 30-60 minutes before bed

Note, if you’re using Rest-eze™, which has melatonin and ashwagandha, only take it before bedtime as it’s designed to help you sleep. Rest-eze™ contains 250 mg of Ashwa extract, which is equivalent to 2,500 mg of ashwagandha plant. For reference, Health Canada’s recommended daily dose is 2.5-6.5 grams of dried root or whole plant.

Don’t forget to include lifestyle changes for maximum effect. Establishing a sleep routine, ending screen time early, journaling before bed, cutting back on caffeine, and maybe even a bit of meditation or deep breathing exercises can all make a difference!

A quick note on safety: It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements if you have any health conditions.

Your Ashwagandha Adventure Starts Now

Ashwagandha won’t make your stress go away, but it can help it feel easier to handle. Start slowly, stay consistent, and give your body some time to respond. With the right approach, this ancient herb might just be your new secret weapon.