What’s the benefit of inositol?

Myo-inositol may support sleep and fertility, and may reduce anxiety and support mood; Huberman connects its possible mood effects in part to serotonin. 1 2

• Sleep: Huberman says he takes 900 mg of myo-inositol before bed and reports it helps him fall asleep and stay asleep, including falling back asleep after waking during the night. 3
• Anxiety and OCD: Inositol has been explored for reducing anxiety and OCD symptoms. Very high doses in some studies—around 10–18 g—were associated with gastric discomfort or distress. 4 5
• Fertility: Myo-inositol at 1–5 g daily has been suggested to support egg and sperm quality, possibly through improved insulin sensitivity. 6
• Mood and serotonin: Myo-inositol may increase serotonin and other neurochemicals; its direct contribution to the reported benefits is not certain. 7
• Dose and timing: For fertility-related use, Huberman suggests starting at 1–2 g and increasing gradually toward 5 g as tolerated. He notes that higher doses may be sedating, so taking them later in the day may suit that effect. 8