# Pilot Trial of CBD for Sleep in People with HIV

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2021 · $197,500

## Abstract

SUMMARY
We propose pilot a randomized, double-blind placebo control trial to collect preliminary data examining the utility
of Cannabidiol (CBD) in managing sleep problems in in people living with HIV (PLWH) and identify an efficacious
dose. Sleep problems are very common among PLWH, with prevalence rates two-to-four-fold higher than in the
general population. Both impaired sleep and current treatments for insomnia, typically sedative/hypnotic
medications, can result in compromised cognitive functioning. This can lead to poorer health outcomes as well
as elevated risks from falls and impaired driving. Given the potential interaction of HIV and disordered sleep on
real-word functioning and quality of life, it is important to develop treatments that minimize additional
neurocognitive burden in a population already vulnerable to brain dysfunction. CBD is a component of the
marijuana plant that may have a number of beneficial effects and is understood to be non-impairing cognitively.
Clinical studies indicate that CBD may result in mild sedation as a side effect, and anecdotal evidence suggests
that PLWH, as well as others, find CBD useful for managing sleep, anxiety, and a variety of other ailments. Such
reports suggest that CBD could provide sleep benefits for PWLH, without the significant negative side effects
seen with typical treatments. However, objective scientific evidence of benefits, or possible detrimental effects,
is lacking. We will measure sleep outcomes objectively using wrist-worn actigraphy as well as by self-report via
sleep diaries and validated questionnaires. We will also verify whether CBD is free from “hangover” effects by
measuring objective cognitive outcomes before and in next-morning after completion of CBD treatment. Positive
study results will provide data in support of a larger clinical trial to determine the safety and efficacy of CBD as
a potential sedative/hypnotic-sparing treatment for sleep problems in people living with HIV.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10265582
- **Project number:** 5R21DA053160-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** MARIANA CHERNER
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $197,500
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-30 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10265582

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10265582, Pilot Trial of CBD for Sleep in People with HIV (5R21DA053160-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10265582. Licensed CC0.

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