Anyone had any luck with Ashwagandha for trying to relax and sleep?

It is amazing to me that with all the people that have insomnia or other sleep issues that the Pharmaceutical companies have been unable to produce a hypnotic that will allow the patient a solid 7-9 hours of sleep, as sleep happens to be one of the best medicines available! Big Pharma can figure out how to get weight off and are now working on clinical trials for a medication that will build muscle mass, lost from the weight loss medication, back up. What's wrong with this picture? Seems to me there would be a fortune to be made for medications for sleep!

She did not recommend it, but when I asked about it, she said to try it and let her know.

She is a neurologist specializing in sleep. She did not prescribe or recommend it but when I asked, she said it couldn’t hurt and to try it and let her know.

Had Graves’ disease and was irradiated, now on Synthroid. I always check any OTC’s with my doctor before starting them. My thyroid blood levels have been good.

Interesting replies-thanks for everyone's comments!
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@kittyjohnson1964

Some say go to a doctor who sends you the GNC instead of CVS.

@kndaustin71
I have often thought about this as well. You would think that there would be more of industry surrounding sleep health. To get CBT-I, I had to register online with a California company because there are so few CBT-I specialists here in Indiana. It is beyond me that we don't have more specialists in the field, and more pharmaceutical options.

I started taking Ashwagandha Aug 4, 2025 (told my doctors and added to MyChart Medicine list). It has greatly improved my sleep. I learned that Ashwagandha history goes back 2,500 years. As I continued to learn/ research about it, I came across the video below which recommends taking it for 4 to 6 weeks, then take a break for 4 to 5 days or 1 week. This is know as cycling Ashwagandha, so your body doesn't get use to it and stops being effective. Also, other good information in video.

Note: I also take 400mg of Magnesium Glycinate at night, Chamomile tea 1 hour before bed.

My research -
I review the following websites and review the References section for clarification (ex. NIH paper - a 20 year old man developed liver dysfunction after using ashwagandha in combination with multiple antianxiety drugs [23]. Go to Reference #23 and click link - " ... admitted for liver dysfunction... He had taken more than twice the recommended dosage for one month before hospitalization." The twice recommended dosage was not in NIH paper.)

1- Mayo Clinic Drug and Supplement database https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements Lists interactions with other drugs. Note: not every supplement is listed. Also, I was prescribed a drug and in reviewing it, found it had interactions with 5 other prescription - showing the doctor the information, the prescription was stopped. Always verify.
2- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
3- WebMD https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ashwagandha Lists Interactions

When I asked my Neurologist, she said she cannot recommend supplements because they do not go through the testing process as prescriptions - the FDA does not regulate supplements.

This is a very good video explaining Ashwagandha -
Dr Anshul Gupta Cleveland Clinic
Ashwagandha : Most People Take It Wrong - Right Dose Timing & 30 - Day Results

The choice between KSM-66 and Sensoril ashwagandha depends on whether you prioritize energy and physical performance or relaxation and sleep.

KSM-66 is a full-spectrum root extract with 5% withanolides, standardized for stress relief, energy, testosterone support, and physical performance. It is stimulating rather than sedating, making it ideal for daytime use. It has the most extensive clinical research base, with over 20 human trials, and is typically dosed at 500–600 mg/day.

Sensoril uses both root and leaf extracts with a higher concentration of 10% withanolides. It is more potent and calming, specifically supporting cognitive function, anxiety reduction, and sleep quality. Due to its sedative effects, it is best taken in the evening or before bed, with typical dosages of 125–250 mg/day.

Feature -- KSM-66 -- Sensoril
Plant Part -- Root only -- Root and Leaf
Withanolide Content -- 5% -- 8–10%
Primary Effect-- Stimulating / -- Calming /
-- Energy -- Sedative
Best For -- Testosterone, -- Sleep, anxiety,
-- strength, -- evening relaxation
-- daytime focus
Typical Dosage -- 500–600 mg/day -- 125–250 mg/day

Research, talk to doctor about the research, make decision

Best wishes,
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