Ashwagandha vs. Benzodiazepines: A Safer Long-Term Option for Nighttime Anxiety?

Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Hema Sathish, MBBS, DD (UK)
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Founder cum Formulator, Health etc

Introduction: The Silent Struggle of Nighttime Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling that causes extreme worry, fear, and uneasiness. Some misjudge that anxiety is associated with crowded places, social pressures, or busy days. Though most of us experience anxiety at nighttime. In nighttime anxiety, one can experience restlessness, racing thoughts, and trouble sleeping. These discomforts lead to irritability, daytime fatigue, and a decline in cognitive functions such as concentration and memory.

The need for nighttime anxiety relief among the people has increased. Ashwagandha and benzodiazepines are the two ingredients that are considered effective for nighttime anxiety relief.

However, the crucial question always exists: which is more effective in terms of long-term safety?

Conquering Nighttime Anxiety: Safer Solutions for Peaceful Sleep

Symptoms of nighttime anxiety: 

• Racing heart rate 
• Sweating or hot flashes
• Feeling restless and inability to sleep
• Tingling sensations
• A rushing mind with annoying or unnecessary worries

These symptoms lead to insomnia, disrupted circadian rhythms, and poor mental health.

Safer Long-Term Options for Nighttime Anxiety Relief

Doctors always recommend a step-by-step approach to relieve nighttime anxiety

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An extremely successful, scientifically supported treatment that aids in managing worries and reframing anxious thoughts. 
• Lifestyle modifications: yoga, meditation, and engage in deep breathing exercises
• Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help lower anxiety and enhance the quality of your sleep.
  
• Herbal ingredients: Herbal aids like ashwagandha and anxiety-controlling supplements. 
• Medications: Doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines for temporary conditions.
  

Can I Take Ashwagandha Instead of Anxiety Meds?

Ashwagandha’s Role in Anxiety

Indian ginseng is also known as Indian winter cherry, Ashwagandha, or the herb Vitania sluggard (Withania somnifera). (1).  It provides various benefits to our body, especially in lowering cortisol levels and reducing stress. Several studies show that ashwagandha extract may improve several aspects of sleep, including sleep quality, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and sleep latency. (2)

Side Effects of Ashwagandha in Long-Term Use

Ashwagandha is completely safe when taken in the recommended dose. When it crosses the prescribed level, it causes adverse effects in our body. Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness or excessive sleepiness
• Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, diarrhoea)

Many people feel comfortable when they use the best ashwagandha supplement. However, medical supervision is essential, especially when taking other medications.

Can Benzodiazepines Be Used Long-Term for Anxiety?

Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for acute anxiety, and they slow down activity in your brain and nervous system. It helps to enhance the GABA activity in the brain, which helps you to feel calm. When panic attacks or severe sleeplessness occur, they can offer rapid nighttime anxiety relief.

Side Effects of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use

However, there are risks associated with prolonged use:

• Cognitive Decline: Long-term use can cause decline in cognitive functions such as difficulty in concentration and impaired memory. (3)
• Dependence: Long-term usage causes addiction, and it is very tough to discontinue the medication.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: An abrupt stopping of medication could increase symptoms of nighttime anxiety.
• Psychomotor Side Effects: Increased risk of falls and injuries due to an inability to maintain balance.

So the medical professionals prescribe benzodiazepines for a short period of time based on the tolerance and dependence.

Ashwagandha vs Benzodiazepines: Which Is Better for Long-Term Use?

After all this analysis, we can understand that ashwagandha is for someone who is seeking sustainable nighttime anxiety relief, whereas benzodiazepines are for acute conditions and short-term use.

Conclusion: Building a Safer Path to Calm Nights

The difference between benzodiazepines and ashwagandha is whether they are safer in the short term or the long term. Ashwagandha is considered for its sustainability and long-term usage. On the other hand, although benzodiazepines might provide instant comfort, they come with serious risks over time.

Safety and sustainability should be focused on when you’re fighting against restless nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can ashwagandha replace anxiety medication?

No—it’s a powerful tool for managing daily stress, but it isn’t a medical substitute for prescribed anxiety medication.

2. What is the strongest natural anti-anxiety medication?

In the world of supplements, kava and ashwagandha are widely considered the most potent natural medications for immediate calm.

References:

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review - Mar 2023 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10147008/

2. Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? - May 2025 - https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/

3. The effects of benzodiazepines on cognition - 2005 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15762814/