If you’ve been considering taking ashwagandha, you might wonder, “Should I take ashwagandha at night?”
And that’s a perfectly valid question many people are asking. So, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll explore this question (and many others) and provide some guidance on all things ashwagandha.
Should You Take Ashwagandha at Night?
Generally speaking, you should take ashwagandha whenever you feel like it. You could take it in the morning, at night, or both – depending on your expectations and goals.
That said, ashwagandha is a natural supplement, and from what we know so far, it does not contain any harmful chemicals that could cause harm if taken before bed.
So, if it’s a matter of safety – then yes – it is perfectly safe to take ashwagandha at night.
On the other hand, if you’re trying to make the most of it and optimize its impact on your body, you’ll be pleased to know that timing doesn’t play a significant role in its efficacy.
We’ll explain why later…
Is Night the Best Time to Take Ashwagandha?
While it is safe to take ashwagandha at night, there isn’t the best time to take it.
The thing is, everyone takes this supplement for different reasons.
While the underlying reason may be to deal with the stress and anxiety of everyday life, the reasons why one might turn to ashwagandha are quite vast.
Some people take it to make them feel more focused and alert or deal with the stress at work or school, so they prefer taking it in the morning. [1] Others find it more beneficial to take it at night to help them relax and sleep better.
And some even take it to fight infertility or cardiovascular health.
Ultimately, if you’re trying to figure out the best time to take ashwagandha, the only thing that matters is what works for you.
We’ll explain why in just a few moments.
Does Taking Ashwagandha at Night Help with Sleep?
Yes, taking ashwagandha at night (or in general) can help improve sleep quality. [2]
Ashwagandha is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a common cause of sleep disturbances. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, ashwagandha can have a positive impact on your sleep.
But let’s not leave it at that.
The study above has shown that supplementing with 600 mg of ashwagandha can improve sleep across the board.
You could see notable improvements (nearly 10%) in time to fall asleep, total sleep time, and overall quality of your sleep compared to the baseline results.
Now, does this mean ashwagandha can be used as an effective treatment for insomnia patients?
No, probably not.
But, if you’re having a hard time falling or staying asleep due to your lifestyle or some other factor – ashwagandha looks more than promising.
How Much Ashwagandha Should You Take Per Day?
It is recommended to take up to 600 mg of ashwagandha per day, preferably in two 300 mg doses – one in the morning and one in the evening.
At least, that’s how it’s done in most studies examining the effects of ashwagandha.
However, the optimal dosage may vary depending on your individual needs and health conditions.
Also, while there have been a lot of studies on this plant, we still need more if we’re going to confidently discuss optimal dosage.
That said, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Should You Take Ashwagandha Every Day?
From what we know so far, there isn’t a reason for anyone to say you should or shouldn’t take ashwagandha every day.
Despite there being a ton of evidence and studies on the effectiveness of this supplement, not many (if any) have been done on the effects (or lack thereof) of regular ashwagandha supplementation.
So, the only thing we know is that we don’t know whether there are benefits to taking ashwagandha every single day and whether or not those same effects become more or less prominent if you take breaks, skip a day or two, or cycle through ashwagandha supplementation.
Also, there’s no research on the long-term effects of this supplement on your health and well-being.
In addition, we haven’t explored the long-term potency of ashwagandha.
Considering its effects on neurotransmitters and the overall mental side of things, it is safe to assume that one could build up a tolerance to ashwagandha over time.
However, we don’t have a shred of evidence to support or dismantle that theory.
How Long Does it Take Ashwagandha to Start Working After Taking It?
As is the case with any other supplement, the effects of ashwagandha may vary from person to person.
One thing that we have to understand before we get into this is that ashwagandha doesn’t have any immediate effects on your mind or body, which is precisely why timing doesn’t matter.
Some people may feel the effects in a few days, while others may take a few weeks to notice any changes.
All in all, from what we know so far, the only thing that’s important is to be patient when taking ashwagandha to experience its full benefits.
How Will You Feel After Taking Ashwagandha?
Everyone’s experience with ashwagandha may be different.
However, most people report feeling calm and relaxed after taking it. Some people may also experience improved focus and cognitive function after a while.
That said, if those same people report the effects immediately – they’re either lying or experiencing the placebo effects.
As for any adverse effects – there are little to no known side effects.
You could potentially feel drowsy or sedated or feel some mild stomach discomfort, but those feelings are not common.
However, if they do appear – it’s best to consult with a doctor before taking any more.
Are the Benefits of Ashwagandha Worth It?
Overall, the benefits of ashwagandha appear to be worth it – a lot.
It’s a natural supplement that can help reduce stress and feelings of anxiety and even improve sleep quality.
It may also have other potential benefits, such as increasing muscle mass and improving metabolic health. [3]
It could also help with cardiovascular health, immune system function, type II diabetes, etc.
With all that in mind, it’s safe to say that ashwagandha can be beneficial to people in all spheres of life.
Conclusion
All in all, you should take ashwagandha at night if that’s what works for you.
At the same time, if morning or midday work better – do it then.
As long as you stay consistent and take your supplement daily, you should be able to experience many, many benefits.
