The Recovery Stack: BPC-157 + TB-500 + DSIP
Last updated: 2026-02-20
The BPC-157, TB-500, and DSIP recovery stack is designed for comprehensive 24-hour recovery support. By combining two of the most well-studied healing peptides (BPC-157 and TB-500) with a sleep-promoting neuropeptide (DSIP), this protocol addresses tissue repair during waking hours and enhances the deep restorative sleep that is critical for overnight recovery and adaptation.
BPC-157 and TB-500 are individually among the most researched peptides for tissue repair, and their combination is covered extensively in our Healing Stack guide. The addition of DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) adds a third dimension: optimizing sleep architecture to maximize the body's natural recovery processes that occur primarily during slow-wave (delta) sleep, including growth hormone release, immune function restoration, and tissue remodeling.[1]
This guide covers the complete protocol including dosage schedules, timing rationale, synergy mechanisms, safety considerations, and research evidence. All information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any peptide protocol.
Compounds in This Stack
BPC-157
Localized tissue repair, angiogenesis, cytoprotection
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It serves as the primary localized healing agent in this stack, promoting angiogenesis, modulating the nitric oxide system, and upregulating growth factor expression at injury sites.[1]
Mechanism in this stack: BPC-157 works during waking hours to accelerate tissue repair at specific injury sites. It upregulates VEGF for new blood vessel formation, activates EGR-1 for collagen remodeling, and provides cytoprotective effects against further tissue damage. Its stability in gastric acid also allows oral administration for gut-related recovery needs.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Research Dosage | 250–500 mcg per day |
| Frequency | Once or twice daily (morning and/or midday) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous, near injury site |
| Half-Life | Estimated 4–6 hours |
TB-500
Systemic tissue regeneration, anti-inflammation, cell migration
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 (amino acids 17–23), a ubiquitous protein involved in cell migration, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Unlike BPC-157, TB-500 distributes systemically regardless of injection site, providing whole-body healing support.[2]
Mechanism in this stack: TB-500 complements BPC-157 by providing systemic repair coverage. It binds G-actin to regulate actin polymerization, driving the migration of repair cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes) toward injury sites throughout the body. It also reduces NF-κB-mediated inflammation and may recruit stem and progenitor cells to damaged tissue.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Loading Dosage | 2–5 mg twice per week (first 4–6 weeks) |
| Maintenance Dosage | 2 mg twice per month |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intramuscular (any site; systemic distribution) |
| Frequency | Twice weekly during loading, administered in the morning |
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)
Deep sleep enhancement, overnight recovery optimization, stress modulation
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) first isolated from rabbit brain tissue in 1977. It modulates sleep architecture by promoting delta-wave (slow-wave) sleep, the deepest stage of non-REM sleep during which the majority of physical recovery processes occur, including growth hormone release, immune restoration, and tissue repair.[3]
Mechanism in this stack: DSIP enhances the overnight recovery window by increasing the duration and quality of slow-wave sleep. During delta sleep, GH secretion peaks (up to 70% of daily GH is released during sleep), immune cells are most active in tissue repair, and protein synthesis rates increase. By optimizing this recovery window, DSIP amplifies the healing effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 that are initiated during the day. DSIP also modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, potentially reducing cortisol levels that inhibit tissue repair.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Research Dosage | 100–300 mcg before bed |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intranasal |
| Timing | 30–60 minutes before bed |
| Half-Life | ~15–25 minutes (effects persist through the sleep period) |
How They Work Together
The BPC-157, TB-500, and DSIP recovery stack creates a 24-hour recovery cycle by combining daytime tissue repair with nighttime sleep optimization. This around-the-clock approach reflects the biological reality that recovery is a continuous process involving both active repair during waking hours and consolidation during sleep.
Daytime Repair: BPC-157 + TB-500
The BPC-157 and TB-500 pairing is well-established in the peptide research community. BPC-157 provides localized healing through angiogenesis (VEGF pathway) and tissue remodeling (EGR-1 pathway), while TB-500 provides systemic support through cell migration (actin sequestration) and inflammation reduction (NF-κB inhibition). This combination is detailed in our Healing Stack guide, where we discuss how these complementary mechanisms create a synergistic healing effect.[1][2]
Nighttime Recovery: DSIP's Sleep Optimization
DSIP adds a dimension that the healing stack alone does not address: sleep quality. Sleep is not merely rest—it is an active recovery state during which critical processes occur:
- Growth hormone release: Up to 70% of daily GH secretion occurs during slow-wave sleep. GH drives protein synthesis, cell reproduction, and tissue repair.
- Immune function: Immune cells are most active during sleep, clearing cellular debris and fighting infection at injury sites.
- Cortisol regulation: Cortisol (a catabolic, anti-repair hormone) reaches its lowest levels during deep sleep. DSIP may further modulate the HPA axis to suppress cortisol, creating an optimal anti-catabolic environment for healing.[3]
- Protein synthesis: Muscle protein synthesis and collagen deposition rates increase during sleep, building upon the repair scaffolding established by BPC-157 and TB-500 during the day.
The 24-Hour Recovery Cycle
The stack creates a complementary temporal pattern: BPC-157 and TB-500 administered in the morning initiate and accelerate tissue repair processes during the day, while DSIP administered at night ensures that the body enters the deep restorative sleep required to consolidate and extend those repair gains overnight. The next morning, BPC-157 and TB-500 resume active repair on tissue that has been further healed during sleep. This cyclical pattern compounds recovery gains day over day.
Stress and Pain Modulation
Both BPC-157 and DSIP have been studied for their effects on the stress response. BPC-157 has demonstrated anxiolytic properties in animal models through modulation of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, while DSIP directly modulates the HPA axis. For individuals recovering from injury, pain and stress are significant barriers to sleep quality—and poor sleep impairs healing. By addressing both tissue repair and stress/sleep, this stack targets a common negative feedback loop that slows recovery.
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Protocol & Dosage Schedule
Dosage Schedule
| Compound | Dosage | Timing | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | 250–500 mcg/day | Morning (near injury site) | Daily |
| TB-500 | 2–5 mg (loading) / 2 mg (maintenance) | Morning (any injection site) | 2x/week (loading) then 2x/month |
| DSIP | 100–300 mcg | 30–60 minutes before bed | Nightly or 5 nights/week |
Cycle Length
8–12 weeks is the recommended cycle for this recovery stack. BPC-157 and TB-500 follow the same cycling pattern as the healing stack (4 weeks loading + 4 weeks active + optional 4-week maintenance). DSIP can be used for the full duration of the cycle or as needed for sleep support. A minimum 4-week break between full cycles is recommended. For chronic injuries requiring extended support, consult a healthcare professional about longer-term use.
Timing & Administration
BPC-157 timing: Administer subcutaneously in the morning, as close to the injury site as practical. For twice-daily dosing, add a midday dose (at least 8 hours after the morning dose). BPC-157 can be taken with or without food.
TB-500 timing: Administer subcutaneously in the morning on scheduled days (e.g., Monday and Thursday during loading). Injection site is not critical since TB-500 distributes systemically. Can be administered at the same time as BPC-157 but in a separate injection site.
DSIP timing: Administer subcutaneously or intranasally 30–60 minutes before planned sleep time. Maintain consistent sleep and wake times for best results. Avoid stimulants (caffeine, screens) for at least 1 hour before DSIP administration. DSIP is not a sedative—it modulates sleep architecture rather than forcing sleep onset.
Sample daily schedule:
- 7:00 AM – BPC-157 250–500 mcg subcutaneous (near injury site)
- 7:00 AM – TB-500 2.5 mg subcutaneous (on scheduled days only)
- 10:00 PM – Begin wind-down routine (dim lights, no screens)
- 10:30 PM – DSIP 100–300 mcg subcutaneous or intranasal
- 11:00 PM – Sleep
What to Expect
This stack produces both rapid recovery improvements (from BPC-157/TB-500) and sleep quality enhancement (from DSIP). The combination of better daytime repair and better nighttime recovery creates compounding benefits over the cycle.
| Timeframe | Expected Observations |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Improved sleep onset and depth from DSIP. Reduced inflammation and pain at injury site from BPC-157. Feeling more rested upon waking. |
| Weeks 1–2 | Noticeable reduction in inflammation and pain. Improved sleep quality and duration. Feeling of accelerated recovery between training sessions. Improved mood from better sleep and reduced pain. |
| Weeks 3–4 | Significant healing progress on acute injuries. Improved range of motion and flexibility at injury sites. Consistently deeper sleep with more vivid dreams. Reduced reliance on sleep aids or pain management. |
| Weeks 5–8 | Substantial tissue repair for moderate injuries. Improved exercise capacity and training recovery. Chronic injuries showing meaningful improvement. Sleep architecture well-optimized. Overall sense of enhanced recovery and well-being. |
| Weeks 8–12 | Consolidation of healing gains during maintenance phase. Full recovery from many moderate injuries. Assessment point for cycle completion or continuation. Sleep quality maintained with or without continued DSIP use. |
Safety & Contraindications
Known Side Effects
BPC-157 and TB-500 side effects: These are well-documented in our Healing Stack guide. In brief: mild injection site reactions, occasional nausea (BPC-157 oral), temporary fatigue or lightheadedness (TB-500). Both have favorable preclinical safety profiles.
DSIP reported side effects:
- Morning grogginess if dose is too high (reduce dose)
- Mild headache (infrequent)
- Vivid or unusual dreams
- Injection site irritation
- Tolerance development with continuous daily use (some protocols use 5 on / 2 off to mitigate)
Contraindications and Cautions
- Cancer history: BPC-157 and TB-500 promote angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Avoid this stack in individuals with active cancer or a history of malignancy.
- Sleep disorders: DSIP modulates sleep architecture but is not a treatment for diagnosed sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or chronic insomnia. These conditions require medical evaluation and treatment.
- Central nervous system medications: DSIP may interact with sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants, or other CNS-active medications. Consult a healthcare provider before combining.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data exists for any of these peptides during pregnancy or lactation. Avoid use entirely.
- Autoimmune conditions: TB-500 has immune-modulating properties. Exercise caution if you have an autoimmune condition.
- Driving and machinery: DSIP should be taken only at bedtime. Do not drive or operate machinery after administration.
Quality and Sourcing
Peptide quality is critical for all three compounds. Verify third-party purity testing (HPLC analysis showing 98%+ purity) and certificate of analysis (COA) documentation from the supplier. DSIP in particular can degrade if not stored properly—keep reconstituted DSIP refrigerated and use within 3–4 weeks.
Important: None of these peptides are FDA-approved for recovery or sleep enhancement. BPC-157, TB-500, and DSIP are research compounds. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any peptide protocol.
Where to Buy These Peptides
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Frequently Asked Questions
References
- Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, et al.. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2011.
- Sosne G, Qiu P, Goldstein AL, Wheater M. Biological activities of thymosin beta-4 defined by active sites in short peptide sequences. FASEB Journal, 2010.
- Graf MV, Kastin AJ. Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): a review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 1984.
- Schneider-Helmert D, Schoenenberger GA. Effects of DSIP in man: multifunctional psychophysiological properties besides induction of natural sleep. Neuropsychobiology, 1983.
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Our content is reviewed for accuracy and grounded in peer-reviewed research where available. We do not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.