Library / Peptides / Cognitive & Neuro / DSIP
Theoretical · Grade C

DSIP

Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide
Evidence
Theoretical
Route
Subcutaneous injection or Intranasal
Frequency
Once daily before bed
Category
Cognitive & Neuro
TL;DR
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) first isolated from rabbit brain in 1977. It was named for its ability to induce delta-wave (slow-wave) sleep in rabbits, though its sleep-promoting effects in humans have been inconsistent across studies.
Part 01 · How it works

Mechanism.

DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) first isolated from rabbit brain in 1977. It was named for its ability to induce delta-wave (slow-wave) sleep in rabbits, though its sleep-promoting effects in humans have been inconsistent across studies. It has also been investigated for stress modulation, pain, and hormonal regulation.

Think of DSIP as a volume knob for your brain's stress and sleep systems — rather than targeting one specific pathway, it seems to gently turn down the stress signals and turn up the conditions that favor deep, restorative sleep.

Mechanism · technical
DSIP's precise mechanism remains incompletely understood. It appears to modulate multiple systems: it interacts with GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling, influences hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity by reducing ACTH and cortisol, and may modulate serotonin and dopamine turnover. It also appears to affect LH and GH secretion patterns and has shown opioid-modulating properties in some studies.
Part 02 · Dosing & administration

How it's taken.

Values below describe how DSIP has been administered in published trials and labeling. Provided for educational purposes only — this is not medical advice and not instructions for self-administration. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health decision.

Standard dose
100-250 mcg
Subcutaneous injection or Intranasal · Once daily before bed
Duration
2-4 weeks typical cycle

Research peptide with limited human data. Dosing based on limited research data. Variable purity from compounding sources.

Need help with reconstitution?

Use the free peptide calculator for dilution, unit conversion, and injection volume.

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Part 03 · Safety

Side effects, rare serious events, who shouldn't.

Reported side effects
Limited human safety data. Some studies reported no significant adverse effects. The peptide is rapidly degraded in blood (half-life of minutes), which has made clinical development challenging. No serious adverse effects documented in the small human studies conducted, but long-term safety is unknown.
Absolute · do not use
×
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
×
Children under 18
×
Known hypersensitivity to DSIP or any component
×
Severe respiratory depression or sleep apnea (may potentiate sedation)
×
Concurrent use of CNS depressants in high doses
Interactions
Benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam)
Additive sedative effects; increased risk of excessive CNS depression
Major
Opioids
Combined sedation may lead to respiratory depression
Major
Alcohol
Additive CNS depressant effects; avoid concurrent use
Moderate
Other sleep aids (zolpidem, suvorexant)
Additive sedation and next-day impairment
Moderate
Labs to monitor
Cortisol (AM)
Baseline and monthly
DSIP affects HPA axis and cortisol regulation
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Baseline and every 3 months
General metabolic safety
CBC with Differential
Baseline and every 3 months
General safety monitoring
TSH
Baseline and every 3 months
DSIP may influence neuroendocrine function
Part 04 · Research log

Every study we cite.

Each study with its published finding and a plain-language note on limitations or funding.

01
1988
0
Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): a review
DSIP promoted delta wave sleep and modulated endocrine function in multiple studies
Early review; methodology of source studies variable
PMID 3072357 ↗
02
1986
0
DSIP in the treatment of insomnia
Nasal administration improved sleep parameters in chronic insomnia patients
Small uncontrolled study
Part 05 · Cost & access

Where you can get it.

Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved. Not a controlled substance. Available through some compounding pharmacies and peptide research suppliers. No active clinical development programs known.
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Part 06 · Your appointment

Questions to bring.

01
What is the actual human evidence for DSIP improving sleep quality?
02
How does DSIP compare to established sleep aids in terms of efficacy and safety?
03
Are there concerns about peptide stability or degradation with DSIP formulations?
04
Could DSIP's effects on cortisol and hormones interact with my existing conditions?