Compounds / Sleep

DSIP

Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu)

Nonapeptide first isolated by Schoenenberger and Monnier (Switzerland, 1974) from cerebral venous blood of rabbits in induced sleep states. Used for treatment-resistant insomnia, jet lag, opioid/alcohol withdrawal sleep disturbance, and stress-related sleep fragmentation.

At a glance

Half-life

~15 min In-vitro plasma t½ ~15 min (aminopeptidase-mediated cleavage). Behavioral effect persists hours longer than peptide: metabolite fragments or carrier-protein complexing presumed. No published human SC PK study; this value is from in-vitro biochemistry (PMID 16539679 review).

Routes

SubQ

Vial sizes

2 mg · 5 mg

Evidence base

3 studies 2 human · 1 review

Mechanism

Mechanism is genuinely unknown despite 50+ years of work: labelled 'a still unresolved riddle' with receptor unidentified and replication inconsistent. Candidate pathways: NMDA-receptor modulation, α1-adrenergic stimulation of melatonin synthesis, MAPK signaling, HPA-axis modulation. Early human IV trials showed sleep effects with confounding psychophysiological changes; IV DSIP improved sleep latency and continuity in chronic insomniacs but effect was statistically weak: authors concluded it 'is not likely to be of major therapeutic benefit' as monotherapy. Behavioral effects in animals include SWS promotion, narcolepsy attenuation, opioid-withdrawal symptom reduction, and anti-stress activity, but not all effects replicate across labs.

Dosing

Published evidence

1. Human pilot 1983

   Effects of DSIP in man: multifunctional psychophysiological properties besides induction of natural sleep

   Schneider-Helmert D, Schoenenberger GA Neuropsychobiology

   Early human IV trial: sleep effects observed but with confounding psychophysiological changes (mood, autonomic).

   PMID 6689058

2. Human pilot 1981

   Acute and delayed effects of DSIP on human sleep behavior

   Schneider-Helmert D, Gnirss F, Monnier M, Schenker J, Schoenenberger GA Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol

   IV DSIP improved sleep latency and continuity in chronic insomniacs but the effect was statistically weak: authors concluded DSIP 'is not likely to be of major therapeutic benefit' as monotherapy.

   PMID 7028502

3. Review 2006

   Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): a still unresolved riddle

   Kovalzon VM, Strekalova TV J Neurochem

   Foundational modern review. Concludes DSIP-sleep link is 'still weak': receptor unidentified, replication inconsistent. The sleep-promoting hypothesis remains poorly documented after 30+ years.

   PMID 16539679

Reported side effects

Vivid dreams

Common Mild · Reported by 20-30% of community users. Dose-related; typically resolves with reduction or tolerance in 1-2 weeks.

Headache

Occasional Mild · Most-reported side effect. Generally signals dose too high: reduce by 50 mcg.

Morning grogginess

Occasional Mild · Higher doses (>200 mcg) more likely to produce next-morning sedation. Dose down or move timing earlier.

Injection site reactions

Occasional Mild · Mild redness, transient.

Long-term safety unknown

Unknown Mild · No human chronic-use safety study. Most clinical trial data is single-dose or short-course (3-10 days).

Interactions

• Epithalon Synergy

  Both pineal-axis peptides: anecdotally paired for sleep architecture + circadian restoration in Khavinson-style longevity protocols.

• Melatonin Caution

  Both potentially work via overlapping HPA-axis / pineal pathways. Theoretical additive sedation / morning grogginess.

Reconstitution and storage

2 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL = 100 mcg per 0.1 mL (10 units on insulin syringe). 5 mg + 2 mL = 2.5 mg/mL = 250 mcg per 0.1 mL.

Lyophilized: freezer (-20°C). Reconstituted: refrigerate 2-8°C, use within 28 days. Protect from light.

Open the reconstitution calculator for DSIP