DSIP: Complete Guide
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a nine-amino-acid neuropeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) originally isolated from rabbit cerebral venous blood in 1977. Contrary to its name, DSIP's effects extend beyond sleep induction — it modulates stress responses, pain perception, hormonal regulation, and body temperature. Research has focused on its ability to normalize disturbed sleep architecture, reduce stress-related hormonal disruption, and modulate opioid signaling.
Last updated: 2026-01-28
Quick Facts
- Category
- nootropic
- Also Known As
- Delta Sleep Inducing Peptide
- Related Goals
- sleep
Who Researches DSIP?
DSIP is researched by people struggling with sleep quality — particularly those who want deeper, more restorative sleep without the dependency risks of prescription sleep medications. It's also studied for stress management and chronic pain. If you've tried melatonin, magnesium, and other sleep supplements without results, DSIP represents a more targeted approach that modulates sleep architecture (delta wave activity) rather than just inducing drowsiness. It's a niche peptide best suited for people who have already optimized sleep hygiene and are looking for additional support.
Related Resources
- Stacks: Recovery Stack
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What Is DSIP?
DSIP was discovered by Swiss researchers Schoenenberger and Monnier in 1977 when they identified a peptide in the cerebral venous blood of rabbits during electrically-induced sleep that could promote delta-wave (deep) sleep when injected into recipient animals. The peptide was named Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide based on this initial finding.
Subsequent research revealed that DSIP's effects are more nuanced than simple sleep induction. It appears to act as a sleep-wake modulator that normalizes disrupted sleep patterns rather than directly causing sedation. It also influences stress physiology, pain processing, and hormonal regulation through mechanisms that are still being fully characterized.
Research Applications
- Sleep normalization: Research shows DSIP promotes delta-wave (deep) sleep and normalizes sleep architecture in subjects with disrupted sleep patterns
- Stress modulation: Reduces stress-induced cortisol elevation and normalizes ACTH levels
- Pain modulation: Interacts with opioid systems, showing analgesic effects in some studies
- Withdrawal support: Some research explored DSIP for alcohol and opioid withdrawal symptom management
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Dosage Overview
- Subcutaneous: 100–300 mcg before bedtime
- IV (research only): 25–100 mcg/kg
- Cycle: 10–14 days, often with breaks between courses
Use the peptide calculator for reconstitution volumes.
Side Effects & Safety
- Generally well-tolerated in published studies
- Not a sedative: Does not cause drowsiness during daytime or impair alertness
- Injection site reactions: Mild
- Limited modern research: Most studies date from the 1980s-2000s with limited recent Western research