Is Ashwagandha Safe for Long-Term Use?

Ashwagandha, a well-known adaptogen, is used to reduce stress and improve sleep, but many wonder about its safety for long-term use. While short-term benefits are supported by research, the question of whether it’s safe to take daily for extended periods remains uncertain.

Should You Take a Break from Ashwagandha?

Though ashwagandha is considered safe for short-term use, studies, including one published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, suggest caution when using it for long periods. This study indicated potential impacts on thyroid function, with some cases leading to hyperthyroidism. The research showed that ashwagandha can affect hormone regulation, which may pose a risk for individuals with pre-existing thyroid conditions​(NCBI).

Additionally, most studies examining ashwagandha’s effects only span 8-12 weeks. The lack of comprehensive research on long-term safety means we don’t have sufficient data to guarantee that continuous, daily use is entirely risk-free.

Do You Lose Feelings After Taking Ashwagandha?

There have been anecdotal reports of emotional blunting with prolonged ashwagandha use. This occurs because the herb’s calming effects may reduce anxiety but also dull emotional responses. While not extensively studied, this is something to keep in mind if you notice changes in your emotional sensitivity over time.

If this happens, it’s worth considering taking a break from ashwagandha or consulting a healthcare professional about alternative options.

Safe Alternatives for Daily Use

Unlike some supplements that include ashwagandha, we’ve chosen not to include this ingredient in our Dream sleep aid. We avoided ingredients with potential long-term side effects, focusing instead on safe, natural alternatives like magnesium, chamomile, hops, tryptophan, and zinc. Dream is designed to be 100% safe for daily use, without the need for cycling or concerns about adverse effects.

For those worried about the long-term safety of ashwagandha, Dream offers a reliable solution that supports deep, restful sleep while ensuring peace of mind.