Effects on Sleep Quality and Bioelectrical Parameters of Cellular Health After Administration of a Plant Protein Supplement Combined with Ashwagandha and Rhodiola: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Sleep disturbances affect a significant portion of the global population, impacting health and quality of life. While plant-based proteins and adaptogens such as ashwagandha and rhodiola have shown individual benefits, their combined effects remain poorly understood. This study evaluated whether a nutritional intervention combining plant protein with ashwagandha-rhodiola could improve sleep quality in middle-aged adults. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 100 participants aged 35-70 years, assigned to VERUM ( n =50) or PLACEBO ( n =50) groups. The VERUM group received plant protein (27 g/day: pea, rice, hemp isolate) plus adaptogen tablets (Rhodiola rosea 300 mg + Withania somnifera KSM-66® 500 mg) for 30 days. Sleep quality was assessed using the validated Sleep Quality Questionnaire (SQQ) completed daily. Phase angle was measured by bioimpedance (BIA-TELELAB) pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using longitudinal mixed models and non-parametric tests. Seventy-seven participants completed bioimpedance analysis (VERUM group; n= 38, PLACEBO group n=39; mean age 47.8±8.2 years), and sixty-one completed sleep assessments (VERUM group n=32; PLACEBO group n=29). The VERUM group showed highly significant improvements: sleep difficulty reduced by 56% ( p <0.001, d=0.91), daytime sleepiness decreased by 60% (p<0.001, d=0.85), and total sleep score improved by 58% ( p <0.001, d=0.96), representing a 3.7-fold greater improvement than placebo. Phase angle changes were minimal in both groups. No adverse events were reported. The combination of plant protein with ashwagandha-rhodiola for 30 days produces substantial, clinically relevant improvements in sleep quality with an excellent safety profile, with statistically greater improvements compared to placebo.