Like many herbs discussed on Vitalized Future, Rhodiola acts as an adaptogen.
These are a category of herbs (and some mushrooms) that have a unique ability to adapt to your body’s needs.
So if you need a boost of energy in the morning, they’ll help perk you up.
Whereas if you’re overstressed and run down, they’ll help you feel calm and relaxed.
Why am I telling you this?
Well, the time of day you take adaptogens has a significant impact on the benefits you may notice from taking them.
So, in this post, I’m going to cover the benefits you may see from taking Rhodiola in the morning and at night.
You can then use this powerful knowledge to take Rhodiola at the time of day which suits your needs.
Now, let’s cover the reasons why you may take Rhodiola in the morning.
Reasons To Take Rhodiola In The Morning
Rhodiola may help reduce fatigue
There are lots of different factors which can contribute to fatigue, such as:
- Stress
- Poor sleep
- Unhealthy eating habits
Thanks to its adaptogenic properties, Rhodiola may help combat fatigue.
A study of 100 subjects investigated how taking 400mg of daily Rhodiola impacted fatigue.
After taking Rhodiola for 8 weeks, the subjects reported improvements in mood, fatigue, concentration, and quality of life.
Another study of 60 subjects investigated how taking 576mg of daily Rhodiola impacted fatigue.
After 4 weeks, the Rhodiola takers had improved fatigue levels compared to the placebo takers.
So, by taking Rhodiola in the morning, your energy levels will be improved throughout the day.
Rhodiola may help improve mental function
Many nootropic (brain-boosting) supplements out there contain Rhodiola for good reason.
In one study, night shift workers who took daily Rhodiola had better performance and less mental fatigue than the subjects who took a placebo.
In another study, students who took Rhodiola for 20 days experienced more motivation and less mental fatigue.
So, if you want to be more focused during the day, taking Rhodiola in the morning makes a lotta sense.
Rhodiola may lower stress
As it works as an adaptogen, Rhodiola helps increase your body’s resistance to stress.
In one study, the subjects took 400mg of daily Rhodiola for 4 weeks.
After just 3 days, they reported improvements in stress-related symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and exhaustion.
Another study of 118 people looked at the effects of Rhodiola on stress-related burnout.
After taking Rhodiola, the subjects had less stress and depression.
Since stress is more likely to be troublesome during the day, taking Rhodiola in the morning will ensure it’s in your system when your mental wellbeing needs it most.
Reasons To Take Rhodiola At Night
By now, you may have already decided that Rhodiola is the ideal supplement to add to your morning routine.
But for those who are still on the fence, this section of the post covers the benefits of supplementing with Rhodiola at night.
Rhodiola may improve sleep quality
Adaptogens are renown for their calming properties, which help you wind down and relax.
Interestingly, the students we encountered in an earlier study reported much better sleep after taking Rhodiola for 20 days.
So by taking Rhodiola at night, you’ll be in a relaxed state before bed which will help you get a good night’s sleep.
Rhodiola may improve muscle recovery
One of the lesser known benefits of Rhodiola is its ability to improve muscular endurance and recovery.
For example, a study of 14 athletes investigated the effects of Rhodiola on physical performance.
As part of the study, the athletes supplemented with Rhodiola for 4 weeks and then did a workout.
According to the results, the Rhodiola helped reduce muscle damage.
So taking Rhodiola around your workouts makes sense, right?
Well, since later workouts are generally better than morning workouts, I recommend taking Rhodiola at night for muscle related benefits.
Conclusion
After reading this post, you now have all the info you need to decide whether you’re better off taking Rhodiola in the morning or at night.
Statistically, some of you will notice more benefits by taking it in the morning while others will do better taking it in the evening.
But if you still haven’t made up your mind, then why not be the guinea pig of your own little experiment?
Try taking Rhodiola each morning for a couple of weeks and note down how you feel.
Then repeat while taking it at night.
Well, that’s all for today folks.
Thanks for sticking to the end and I’ll catch you later.
PS – If you do the above experiment, then please share your results in the comments below.
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