A fair question, and one where a lot of misinformation circulates online.
Chronic stress in Ayurvedic terms depletes ojas — the subtle reserve that underlies resilience and immunity — which is why fatigue, poor sleep, and low stress tolerance tend to arrive together rather than in isolation.
Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha have a reasonable evidence base for supporting the stress response, but I am cautious about recommending them without also addressing sleep timing and daily routine, since herbs alone rarely hold against a disruptive lifestyle.
Most patients notice a difference within two to four weeks of a consistent protocol, though the deeper rebuilding of resilience takes longer.
Every patient's presentation is different, so this is general clinical guidance rather than a substitute for an individual consultation — Dr. Rohan Gupta, BAMS, would want to examine your specific history before recommending a protocol.