Ashwagandha and Dreams

Ashwagandha is a miraculous herb with many health benefits.

Our ancient Ayurvedic texts mention Ashwagandha as a healing medicine for myriad disorders. From sleep issues to sex troubles, Ashwagandha is a scientifically proven remedy for health issues.

Known for its adaptogenic and aphrodisiac properties, ashwagandha can help in deep restorative sleep. But does it affect your dreams too? People who consume Ashwagandha often report restful sleep, less stress, and better dreams. 

Emerging research says that the food you eat before bed can affect your dreams. While some foods like chocolate, coffee, and fatty foods can cause nightmares, some others like milk, cheese, and some herbs can promote good dreams. But how does Ashwagandha affect your dreams?

Also Read: Foods Affect Your Dreams – Shocking Truth

How does Ashwagandha affect your dreams?

1. Ashwagandha is a sleep enhancer

Several scientific studies have reported the benefits of Ashwagandha on sleep and anxiety. Ashwagandha extract is a natural compound that possesses sleep-inducing properties. Clinical studies have concluded that taking a dose of 300 mg of Ashwagandha twice daily can help fight insomnia and anxiety. 

Ashwagandha is an excellent stress-buster and sleep enhancer. In addition to that, Ashwagandha can also support balanced hormones and relaxation. People who took Ashwagandha before bed found it easier to fall asleep. They also reported better and undisturbed sleep. They woke up fresh in the morning. 

2. Ashwagandha is a stress-buster

Stress has become an ingrained attribute of modern-day life. But do you know stress can affect your dreams? It is widely known that stress can cause sleep difficulties and impact your quality of rest. Because of this poor sleep and restlessness, stress often triggers distressing dreams. 

Ashwagandha contains potassium, iron, nitrate, alkaloids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent stress-buster. It helps in regulating the levels of your stress hormone. It further calms your mind, improves your sleep, and combats the negative effects of stress. 

3. Ashwagandha is an anti-depressant

Ashwagandha exhibits strong anti-depressant properties. Ayurveda classifies Ashwagandha as a Rasayana, which promotes mental and physical health. It is proven effective in stabilizing mood in patients suffering from behavioral disturbances. Studies also found that women who took Ashwagandha found relief from mood swings and few symptoms of PCOS and menopause.

Scientific studies have found that taking antidepressants may induce wild vivid dreams which can be positive or negative. It can also influence how often you dream and decrease your dream recall capacity. However, Ashwagandha is a natural anti-depressant that alleviates anxiety, stress, and heart palpitations. It also reduces negative emotions and negative dreams.

4. Ashwagandha can affect your brain

Several studies have confirmed that Ashwagandha can help restore the damaged nerve cells in the brain. Furthermore, it improves brain synapses and prevents the onset of memory problems. Studies also found Ashwagandha effective in lowering the risks of Alzheimer’s or dementia. 

Some researchers believe that Ashwagandha supports your brainpower and thus, makes your dreams more vivid or intense. But by no means, it is connected to promoting nightmares or negative dreams. It can make your dreams feel more alive.

5. Ashwagandha and dreams

Some studies reveal that Ashwagandha promotes deep dreamless sleep. Other studies quoted that Ashwagandha promotes deep sleep which can result in vivid dreams. 

Clinical studies examining the effect of Ashwagandha on dreams revealed that people who were having recurring nightmares found peaceful sleep after taking Ashwagandha. They reported vivid good dreams and a state of complete restfulness.

In another clinical study, some participants reported having strange and vivid dreams during the first few days of taking Ashwagandha. However, they also reported that Ashwagandha did help in releasing stress and tension. This can help ease anxiety which in turn can change bad dreams into good dreams.

Effects of Ashwagandha on Dreams – A Clinical Study

One of my patients complained of waking in the middle of the night and finding it difficult to fall back asleep. It results from the stress of work and personal life. I recommended Ashwagandha along with a few exercises and some dietary changes. 

After 4 days of starting the course, the patient reported better sleep. The episodes of interrupted sleep were reducing and after 15 days, he said that he could sleep in a deeply restful state. There was a visible change in his energy and his emotions were in better control now.

I was curious to know if there was a change in his dreams, and he said that his dreams were lucid. In most cases, he knew he was dreaming but the dreams felt vivid and real. However, there were no nightmares and the dreams did not disturb his sleep.

Your Takeaway!

Thus, we can say that taking Ashwagandha does not cause bad dreams. There are no clinical or scientific studies that associate the use of Ashwagandha with nightmares. However, it is important to consult your doctor before starting Ashwagandha as it might not suit everybody and may interact with other medicines.

Can ashwagandha affect dreams?

Yes, some individuals have reported changes in their dreams after consuming ashwagandha. It is believed to have a calming effect, which may influence dream patterns.

How does ashwagandha impact sleep quality and dreams?

Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Improved sleep quality due to reduced stress levels may contribute to more vivid dreams.

Are there any specific dosage recommendations for using ashwagandha to influence dreams?

Dosage recommendations may vary depending on the individual and the form of ashwagandha used (e.g., powder, capsule, or tea). It’s best to follow the instructions on the product label or consult an Ayurvedic doctor for personalized guidance.

Can ashwagandha be used as a lucid dreaming aid?

Some users believe that ashwagandha’s potential to promote relaxation and reduce stress may indirectly support lucid dreaming, but the scientific evidence for this claim is limited.

Is Ashwagandha safe to use for dream enhancement?

Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed. However, it’s essential to be aware of any potential interactions with medications or existing health conditions. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor before using it for dream enhancement.

Can ashwagandha cause nightmares or disturbing dreams?

While rare, some individuals have reported experiencing unusual dreams or nightmares while using ashwagandha. If this occurs, consider reducing the dosage or discontinuing use.

How long does it take for Ashwagandha to start influencing dreams?

The time it takes to notice any changes in dream patterns can vary among individuals. Some may experience effects within a few days, while others may take longer. Patience is key when incorporating ashwagandha into your routine.

Does ashwagandha have any other health benefits besides its potential impact on dreams?

Yes, ashwagandha is renowned for its wide range of health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving cognitive function, supporting immune health, and promoting overall well-being.

Can I take ashwagandha with other supplements or medications?

It’s essential to exercise caution and consult an Ayurvedic doctor before combining ashwagandha with other supplements or medications to avoid potential interactions or adverse effects.

Are there any specific lifestyle changes to enhance the dream-enhancing effects of ashwagandha?

While using ashwagandha, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, and avoiding stimulants before bed can contribute to positive dream experiences.