DSIP
Also known as: Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide, Delta Sleep Peptide, Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring nonapeptide first isolated from rabbit brain in 1977. It modulates sleep architecture, stress response, and neuroendocrine function. Research shows it promotes delta (slow-wave) sleep without sedation and normalizes disrupted sleep patterns.
DSIP is a 848.81 Da research peptide. DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring nonapeptide first isolated from rabbit brain in 1977. It modulates sleep architecture, stress response, and neuroendocrine function. Research shows it promotes delta (slow-wave) sleep without sedation and normalizes disrupted sleep patterns.
Also called: Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide, Delta Sleep Peptide, Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu
848.81
Molecular Weight
Daltons
0
Strong Evidence
benefits
5
Studies Cited
peer-reviewed
100-300
Typical Dose
mcg
Overview
DSIP is a naturally occurring 9-amino acid peptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) first isolated from the cerebral venous blood of rabbits during electrically induced slow-wave sleep by Schoenenberger and Monnier in 1977. Unlike conventional sedatives or hypnotics, DSIP does not force sleep onset but rather modulates sleep architecture; promoting physiological delta wave (slow-wave) sleep patterns and normalizing disrupted sleep-wake cycles. DSIP is found in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, with concentrations fluctuating in a circadian pattern. Beyond sleep, DSIP demonstrates unusually broad biological activity: it modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stress response, has analgesic properties, shows anticonvulsant effects, influences thermoregulation, and modulates ACTH and cortisol secretion. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been found in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Clinical studies, primarily conducted in European research centers in the 1980s-2000s, have examined DSIP for insomnia, chronic pain, opioid/alcohol withdrawal, and stress-related disorders. While it remains an unregulated research peptide, its unique mechanism, sleep architecture modulation without sedation — has sustained interest in the peptide therapy community.
Key Takeaways: DSIP
- Research doses typically range from 100 to 300 mcg via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
- 0 benefits with strong evidence, 3 moderate, 2 preliminary
- Half-life: ~7-8 minutes (but biological effects persist for hours, suggesting downstream cascade activation)
- 5 cited research studies in this guide
Mechanism of Action
DSIP's mechanism remains incompletely characterized despite decades of research. It is not a classical sedative, it does not bind GABA-A receptors or produce dose-dependent sedation. Instead, DSIP appears to modulate sleep at the level of sleep-wake circuitry regulation. Proposed mechanisms include: (1) modulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in sleep-regulatory nuclei (VLPO, tuberomammillary nucleus) without direct receptor binding, shifting the balance toward sleep-promoting circuits; (2) normalization of serotonin and norepinephrine metabolism; DSIP reduces the catecholamine stress response and modulates 5-HT turnover; (3) HPA axis modulation — DSIP suppresses excessive ACTH and cortisol secretion, reducing stress-mediated sleep disruption; (4) modulation of circadian clock gene expression, potentially resynchronizing disrupted circadian rhythms; (5) endogenous opioid system interaction; DSIP has analgesic properties and modulates enkephalin/endorphin signaling. The paradox of DSIP's very short half-life (~8 minutes) but long-lasting effects (hours) suggests it triggers sustained intracellular signaling cascades, possibly through gene expression changes — rather than occupying a receptor for its duration of action. DSIP may function as a 'sleep-permissive' signal that enables natural sleep architecture rather than forcing sedation.
Research Benefits
DSIP at a Glance
DSIP's mechanism remains incompletely characterized despite decades of research.
Delta (Slow-Wave) Sleep Promotion
Moderate EvidenceClinical studies show DSIP increases the proportion and quality of delta sleep (stages 3-4 NREM) without sedation or hangover effects, improving restorative deep sleep.
Sleep Architecture Normalization
Moderate EvidenceRather than inducing unconsciousness, DSIP normalizes disrupted sleep-wake patterns, particularly effective for stress-related insomnia and disrupted circadian rhythms.
Stress Response Modulation
Moderate EvidenceReduces HPA axis hyperactivation by suppressing excessive ACTH and cortisol, attenuating the physiological stress response that disrupts sleep and recovery.
Analgesic Properties
PreliminaryClinical studies report pain reduction in chronic pain patients, likely through modulation of endogenous opioid systems and central pain processing.
Withdrawal Symptom Management
PreliminaryStudied for opioid and alcohol withdrawal with reports of reduced withdrawal symptom severity, improved sleep, and reduced craving.
Research Dosing Protocols
Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
| Research Protocol | Dose Range | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep improvement protocol | 100–300 mcg | Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection |
| Intranasal research | 100–500 mcg | Intranasal spray |
| Clinical study doses (IV) | 25–50 mcg/kg | Intravenous infusion |
Frequency
Once daily in the evening (30-60 minutes before desired sleep)
Timing
Evening administration; 30-60 minutes before bedtime
Cycle Length
5-14 day courses; some protocols use intermittent ongoing dosing
Research Notes
- 1DSIP does not cause sedation — it modulates sleep architecture.
- 2Effects may not be apparent on the first night; sleep quality typically improves over several days.
- 3Not habit-forming based on available research; no dependency or tolerance reported.
- 4Evening dosing aligns with the natural circadian DSIP rhythm.
- 5Very short plasma half-life but prolonged biological effects (hours).
- 6Not FDA-approved, unregulated research peptide.
Reconstitution Guide
Standard Reconstitution
Vial Size
5 mg
Bacteriostatic Water
2 mL
Concentration
25 mcg
per 0.1 mL (10 units)
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Materials
DSIP vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.
Equilibrate Temperature
Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).
Sanitize
Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.
Draw Water
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.
Add Water to Vial
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.
Mix Gently
Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.
Store Properly
Refrigerate at Refrigerated (2-8°C) after reconstitution. Up to 21 days refrigerated.
Storage Temperature
Refrigerated (2-8°C) after reconstitution
Shelf Life
Up to 21 days refrigerated
Important Notes
- •Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water.
- •Relatively stable nonapeptide.
- •Store lyophilized powder refrigerated.
- •Protect from light.
DSIP Dosing Calculator
Calculate daily intake, cycle totals, and vials needed with pre-filled protocols →
DSIP Reconstitution Calculator
Calculate concentration, syringe units, and doses per vial with auto-filled values →
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- !Mild warmth or flushing after injection (transient)
- !Headache (uncommon)
- !No sedation or hangover effects reported
- !No respiratory depression (unlike sedative-hypnotics)
- !No dependency or withdrawal effects reported
- !Generally well tolerated in published clinical studies
Potential Interactions
- ⚡May potentiate effects of other sleep-promoting agents (melatonin, GABA agonists).
- ⚡Interaction with HPA axis — caution with corticosteroid therapy.
- ⚡Endogenous opioid modulation, theoretical interaction with opioid medications.
- ⚡No significant adverse interactions identified in published literature.
- ⚡Compatible with standard sleep hygiene practices.
Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Research Studies
The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.
Delta sleep-inducing peptide: isolation and characterization
Original discovery paper isolating DSIP from rabbit cerebral venous blood during electrically induced slow-wave sleep, characterizing its sleep-inducing properties.
DSIP for chronic insomnia: clinical trial
Clinical trial in chronic insomnia patients showing DSIP improved sleep quality, increased delta sleep proportion, and normalized sleep architecture without sedation or hangover.
DSIP modulates HPA axis and stress response
Demonstrated DSIP modulates ACTH and cortisol secretion, suppressing HPA axis hyperactivation and reducing physiological stress response.
DSIP in opioid withdrawal management
Clinical study showing DSIP reduced withdrawal symptom severity and improved sleep in patients undergoing opioid withdrawal.
DSIP analgesic effects in chronic pain
Demonstrated DSIP's analgesic properties in chronic pain models, with modulation of endogenous opioid pathways and central pain processing.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.
Frequently Asked Questions
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring 9-amino acid peptide that modulates sleep architecture, promoting restorative slow-wave (delta) sleep without sedation. It also modulates stress response, pain processing, and circadian rhythms.
No. Unlike sleeping pills (benzodiazepines, Z-drugs), DSIP does not force sedation. It normalizes sleep architecture; promoting natural delta sleep patterns, improving sleep quality rather than inducing unconsciousness. There is no hangover, no respiratory depression, and no reported dependency.
DSIP's effects on sleep quality often develop over several days rather than immediately. The first night may show subtle changes, but optimal sleep architecture normalization typically occurs over a 5-14 day course.
No dependency or tolerance has been reported in published research. DSIP does not bind GABA-A receptors (the mechanism behind benzodiazepine dependency) and appears to work through sleep architecture modulation rather than sedation.
This is a key paradox. DSIP likely triggers sustained intracellular signaling cascades and gene expression changes that persist long after the peptide itself is cleared. It functions as a 'signal' that initiates hours-long downstream biological programs.
Research & Educational Use Only
All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.