Andrew Huberman on Inositol
11 episodes · 28 references · 2021–2025
- Huberman takes 900mg myo-inositol every third night for sleep and considers it a significant addition to his sleep stack - He discusses inositol extensively for anxiety reduction (on par with prescription antidepressants), sleep quality, fertility/PCOS support, and OCD symptom relief - No evidence of him recommending against inositol; cautions are limited to high-dose GI discomfort and avoiding use before exposure therapy sessions
Consumption
- Takes 900mg myo-inositol every third night before sleep as part of his sleep stack - Reports remarkably deep sleep and easier return to sleep after middle-of-night waking - Notes it is especially effective when eating fewer carbohydrates
Benefits
- Anxiety reduction at high doses (10-18g) shown to be on par with prescription antidepressants; partial OCD symptom relief in as little as two weeks - Enhances slow-wave sleep depth and architecture at 900mg; Huberman reports improved daytime focus and alertness - Myo-inositol (1-5g/day) improves egg and sperm quality via insulin sensitivity; D-chiro-inositol helps balance androgens in PCOS
Best Practices
- For sleep: 900mg myo-inositol before bed, particularly effective on low-carb diets - For anxiety: 12-18g daily for a full month, based on clinical study dosing - For fertility: myo-inositol 1-5g/day; D-chiro-inositol at 1/25th to 1/40th of the myo-inositol dose
Cautions
- High doses (10-18g) can cause significant gastric discomfort - Avoid taking before exposure therapy sessions where anxiety amplification is the therapeutic goal - No other safety concerns or contraindications discussed
“I find that if I wake up in the middle of the night and I've taken 900 milligrams of myo-inositol before initially falling asleep, I fall back asleep much more easily. It is especially effective for enhancing sleep when ingesting fewer carbohydrates.”
Dr. Andy Galpin: Optimal Nutrition & Supplementation for Fitness | Huberman Lab Guest Series
“I've been taking 900 milligrams of inositol as an addition to my existing toolkit for sleep.”
The Science & Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
“I personally take inositol not because I have bipolar disorder, but I take inositol, a 900 milligrams of myo-inositol every third night or so in order to improve my sleep.”
The Science & Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
“I talked about inositol and in particular taking 900 milligrams of myoinositol prior to sleep which is something that I do.”
How to Optimize Fertility in Males & Females
“The sleep I've been getting on inositol is extremely deep and does seem to lead to enhanced levels of focus and alertness during the day.”
The Science & Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
“Inositol has been shown to create a very notable decrease in anxiety symptoms, with a potency on par with many prescription antidepressants.”
Erasing Fears & Traumas Using Modern Neuroscience | Huberman Lab Essentials
“Myo-inositol has been studied in many cases for its role in controlling anxiety, that is for reducing anxiety.”
AMA #2: Improve Sleep, Reduce Sugar Cravings, Optimal Protein Intake, Stretching Frequency & More
“The form that I'm referring to here in terms of enhancing slow-wave sleep is myo-inositol. Inositol can improve the quality of sleep and can adjust the architecture of sleep.”
AMA #2: Improve Sleep, Reduce Sugar Cravings, Optimal Protein Intake, Stretching Frequency & More
“Eighteen grams of inositol taken for a full month is the dose used in studies, and it does take some time for these symptoms of anxiety to be improved.”
Erasing Fears & Traumas Using Modern Neuroscience | Huberman Lab Essentials
“Myoinositol at dosages of 1 to 5 grams per day... has been suggested to improve egg quality and sperm quality.”
How to Optimize Fertility in Males & Females
“The dosages of D-chiro-inositol that are recommended tend to be 1/25th to 1/40th of the myoinositol dose.”
How to Optimize Fertility in Males & Females
“Inositol is known to be pretty effective in reducing anxiety, but when taken at very high dosages... like even 10 or 12 grams per day.”
The Science & Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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