ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ashwagandha (ASH) (Withania somnifera) on sleep, perceived stress, and cravings in a college student population. Sixty healthy students were screened/enrolled into a 30-day double-blinded placebo (PLA)-controlled intervention (700 mg daily, full spectrum extract of ASH root). Anthropometrics, demographics, and validated questionnaires assessing physical activity, restorative sleep, perceived stress, and food cravings were assessed before and after the study. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlations, and point biserial correlations were used to screen the data. For sleep and stress, a nonsignificant mixed (group × time) multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was followed by one-way MANOVA (time on sleep/stress) and one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) (group on sleep/stress, using initial sleep as a covariate) as follow-up tests. Further follow-up tests for this MANCOVA showed group membership affected final sleep (58.4 ± 12.4 vs. 48.2 ± 15.0 ASH vs. PLA respectively, P < .05) using initial sleep as a covariate. Initial sleep (confounder) affected final stress, but not final sleep. Mixed analysis of variance (group × time) showed an interaction effect on food cravings, where the ASH group experienced lower cravings than the PLA group over time at end of study. The 30-day intervention was shorter than most other studies where more pronounced stress differences were seen at six weeks, indicating ASH may need the longer time period to show more pronounced stress relieving differences. ASH can be an effective safe intervention in young adult populations to help manage stress and its detrimental impacts on sleep and satiety in as little as 30 days. Clinical Trial Registration number-NCT05430685.
ABSTRACT
Social connection and physical activity (PA) are essential health behaviors necessary for young adults to thrive. The majority of college students in the United States are not meeting PA recommendations and simultaneously report concerning rates of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and fatigue; all factors that contribute to poor psychological well-being and reduce students' abilities to sustain academic success. These mental and physical health indicators have only worsened due to the stress, isolation, and uncertainty experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fitness Buddies (FB) is a free peer-led PA program designed to combat loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and low PA, by providing students the opportunity to connect with one another through PA. FB participants are matched with a peer leader for weekly PA sessions based on activity interests and schedules. The FB program model shifts the focus of traditional PA programs, from prescribing and monitoring PA duration, intensity and modalities, to supporting psychological well-being through satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness within peer PA-based relationships. In the first pilot phase of implementation, students reported improved situational affect, to include reduced stress and anxiety, following participation in the FB program for one academic semester. Participants also reported the development of quality peer relationships and a sense of belonging to the campus community, both of which had previously been lacking. The FB program model is an innovative and cost-efficient strategy to supporting college students' psychological well-being and long-term success.