DSIP
Neuropeptide / Sleep ModulatorresearchAlso known as: Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide, Delta Sleep Peptide, DSIP Nonapeptide
A naturally occurring nonapeptide that promotes delta-wave deep sleep, modulates stress hormones, and has potential applications in insomnia, pain, and withdrawal syndromes.
Overview
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring nine-amino acid neuropeptide first isolated from rabbit brain in 1977. It was discovered for its ability to induce delta-wave (slow-wave) sleep when injected into recipient rabbits. DSIP is found in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and various peripheral tissues and acts as a sleep-promoting and stress-modulating factor. Beyond sleep, DSIP has shown analgesic properties, ability to normalize blood pressure, modulation of corticotropic activity, and potential benefits for opioid and alcohol withdrawal. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and has unique pharmacological properties including remarkable stability and a paradoxically long biological half-life despite rapid enzymatic degradation. DSIP remains primarily a research peptide with growing interest in the biohacking and sleep optimization communities.
Mechanism of Action
DSIP's mechanism is multifaceted and not fully elucidated: (1) Modulates GABAergic signaling to promote delta-wave sleep architecture; (2) Reduces corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and ACTH, lowering cortisol and stress responses; (3) Stimulates LH release and may modulate growth hormone secretion during sleep; (4) Acts on opioid receptors, providing analgesic effects; (5) Modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission; (6) Influences serotonin and catecholamine metabolism; (7) Shows free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. Its effects appear more regulatory than directly sedative — normalizing disrupted sleep patterns rather than forcing sedation.
Molecular Formula
C35H48N10O15
Molecular Weight
848.8 g/mol
Sequence
Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu
Dosage Protocols
Dose Range
100mcg – 300mcg
Frequency
Once daily (before bed)
Route
subcutaneous or intranasal
Cycle Length
2-4 weeks, cycled
Administer 30-60 minutes before desired sleep time. Intranasal delivery may offer faster onset. Effects are normalizing rather than sedating — may take several days to notice improvement.
Source: Research protocols and community experience
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Drowsiness | mild |
| Vivid dreams | mild |
| Headache | mild |
| Injection site irritation | mild |
| Morning grogginess | mild |
Pros & Cons
Naturally occurring neuropeptide that normalizes sleep architecture rather than forcing sedation
Promotes deep delta-wave sleep, the most restorative sleep phase for physical recovery
Dual benefits of stress modulation (cortisol reduction) alongside sleep improvement
Potential additional applications in pain management and withdrawal syndromes
Generally well-tolerated with mild side effect profile
Mechanism of action not fully understood, and clinical evidence remains limited
Not FDA-approved and lacks large-scale human clinical trials
Rapidly degraded by peptidases, raising questions about effective dosing and bioavailability
Effects can be subtle and may require several days of consistent use to manifest
Research Studies
Legal Status
Not approved by any regulatory agency. Available as a research peptide. Not specifically scheduled in most countries. Not on WADA banned list.
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