Sleep disorders and chronic stress often go hand in hand — one intensifies the other. If you can't fall asleep, wake up at night or get up tired despite a full night’s rest, it may be a sign that your nervous system needs support. Adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Reishi can help restore balance and peaceful sleep. Learn how they work and how to use them.
When stress keeps you awake – the vicious cycle of insomnia
Restlessness, tension, irritability... followed by a long night of tossing and turning and racing thoughts. Today’s fast-paced lifestyle full of stimuli and pressure makes stress one of the main causes of sleep disturbances. High evening cortisol levels interfere with melatonin production—the sleep hormone—leading to a state of alertness instead of calm.
Over time, the body gets trapped in a vicious cycle: the less you sleep, the more stressed you become—and the more stressed you are, the harder it is to sleep. In such cases, it’s worth supporting your body and mind not with sleep medications, but with adaptogens—plant allies of internal balance.
Ashwagandha – nervous system regeneration at the root
Ashwagandha, known in Ayurveda as the “queen of balance,” works deeply on hormonal and nervous system levels. It reduces excess cortisol, which in turn calms the nervous system, promotes relaxation, and helps you fall asleep more easily.
Its effects are especially appreciated by mentally exhausted people who feel overstimulated and unable to unwind in the evening or fall asleep due to racing thoughts. Importantly, Ashwagandha also supports daytime recovery—boosting stress resilience and enhancing natural energy without the jittery effect of caffeine.
It’s an adaptogen that restores internal rhythm, brings clarity of thought, and acts as a tonic—both calming and energizing where needed.
Read also: Oxidative stress - the silent killer of cells. How to protect the body from premature aging?
Reishi – the mushroom of deep sleep and harmony
Reishi is a mushroom-derived adaptogen used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Unlike Ashwagandha, its action is more subtle but deeply effective—it supports the body’s natural circadian rhythm, improves sleep quality, and helps the body enter a true state of rest.
Reishi not only helps you fall asleep but also reduces nighttime awakenings and shortens the time it takes to enter deep sleep stages. The result? You wake up more refreshed, and nighttime regeneration is more effective. Reishi also boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, and supports liver function—all critical when stress begins to affect the body.
It’s an ideal choice for those who feel exhausted in the morning despite spending enough time in bed or who struggle with nighttime recovery.
Two adaptogens, two approaches – which one is right for you?
If you struggle to fall asleep, feel tense in the evening, and are overwhelmed by thoughts, Ashwagandha may be the right choice. Its effects are often noticeable after just a few days, and regular use helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, ease stress, and restore emotional balance.
If your issue is sleep quality, frequent night awakenings, or feeling unrested despite sufficient sleep—go for Reishi. This adaptogen works deeply and long-term, supporting regeneration and calming the entire system.
The perfect combo – when to take Ashwagandha and Reishi together?
You don’t have to choose just one. Ashwagandha and Reishi complement each other perfectly—Ashwagandha tones and reduces cortisol, while Reishi harmonizes and promotes regeneration. Together, they help reduce tension, improve stress resilience, and restore calm, restorative sleep.
This combo is especially recommended for those struggling with chronic stress, anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, and poor nighttime recovery. You can take Ashwagandha during the day (morning or afternoon), and Reishi in the evening—this way your body receives natural support exactly when it needs it most.
Ollywell Adaptogens – quality that truly supports
When you choose Ollywell adaptogens, you’re choosing highly bioavailable liquid extracts. Our products are:
- standardized and highly concentrated,
- made using advanced ultrasonic extraction,
- 100% natural and pure – no preservatives or artificial additives,
- locally produced – full quality control from cultivation to final extract.
It’s the solution for those who want effective, natural, and safe support in daily functioning.
See also: Ollywell - quality that you can trust