DSIP
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide — 9-amino-acid neuropeptide
A 9-amino-acid neuropeptide originally isolated from rabbit brain in the 1970s — named for its observed effect on EEG delta-wave sleep induction. Modulates cortisol release patterns and supports deep sleep architecture. Practitioner use centers on insomnia, shift-work sleep disruption, and recovery contexts.
Quick reference
How DSIP works
DSIP was discovered in 1974 by Schoenenberger et al. — they observed that injection of cerebrospinal fluid from sleeping rabbits into other rabbits induced delta-wave EEG patterns. The active fragment was isolated and characterized as a 9-amino-acid peptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu).
Primary mechanism: delta-wave sleep promotion via modulation of GABAergic and adenosinergic pathways, plus cortisol regulation (specifically: blunts the cortisol awakening response in over-reactive HPA axis contexts). Unlike GABA-receptor agonists (benzodiazepines, Z-drugs), DSIP doesn't bind GABA receptors directly — it modulates upstream pathways.
Why it's in modern protocols: improved deep N3 sleep is the underrated lever for recovery, mitochondrial repair, and growth hormone pulse architecture. DSIP at 100-400 mcg before bed reliably increases N3 minutes in practitioner reports. Pairs well with CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin (which increase GH pulse height during the now-deeper N3 sleep).
In the DoseCraft framework, DSIP targets ATP Shortage (deep sleep → mitochondrial recovery) and Inflammation (cortisol regulation reduces inflammatory load).
Reconstitution math
- Remove the flip-off cap from the 2-5 mg vial.
- Draw 1-2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall.
- Swirl gently. For intranasal use, transfer to a nasal spray bottle.
- Refrigerate. Stable approximately 30 days.
Dose math
5 mg vial + 1 mL bac water → 5,000 mcg/mL.
On a 100-unit insulin syringe (1 IU = 0.01 mL):
- • 2 IU = 100 mcg
- • 4 IU = 200 mcg
- • 8 IU = 400 mcg
Safety + side-effect profile
Generally well-tolerated. The very short half-life (~7 minutes) means accumulation is impossible — what you inject clears within an hour.
Not documented at standard doses: hepatotoxicity, hormonal disruption, cardiovascular effects, addiction, withdrawal. Contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, untreated severe depression (data limited; theoretically may worsen via cortisol-blunting in cortisol-deficient depression contexts).
Interaction notes: stacks well with CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin (improved sleep architecture amplifies GH pulse). Avoid stacking with high-dose benzodiazepines or Z-drugs — mechanistically distinct but additive sedation possible. Caution with melatonin (additive, but can produce excessive grogginess at higher melatonin doses).
- • Vivid dreams during dosing (intended effect, REM amplification)
- • Occasional mild morning grogginess at higher doses (>400 mcg)
- • Rare injection-site soreness (subQ route)
- • Mild nasal irritation (intranasal route)
Frequently asked
What is DSIP?
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a 9-amino-acid neuropeptide originally isolated from rabbit brain in 1974 — named for its observed effect on EEG delta-wave sleep induction. Modulates cortisol release patterns and supports deep sleep architecture.
What is the typical DSIP dose?
Standard practitioner protocol: 100-400 mcg subcutaneous or intranasal, 30-60 minutes before bed, 5 days on / 2 days off. Cycle 4-6 weeks. Lower end (100 mcg) for mild sleep depth improvement; higher end (400 mcg) for active insomnia or shift-work contexts.
How do I reconstitute DSIP?
5 mg vial + 1 mL bacteriostatic water → 5,000 mcg/mL. On a 100-unit insulin syringe, 2 IU = 100 mcg, 8 IU = 400 mcg. Refrigerate after reconstitution; stable approximately 30 days.
Will DSIP make me sleepy during the day?
No. DSIP's half-life is ~7 minutes — what you inject before bed clears within the first hour of sleep. Daytime sedation is essentially impossible with proper before-bed dosing.
DSIP vs melatonin — when to use which?
Melatonin: circadian phase regulation, easier to find, cheaper, well-studied. DSIP: deep N3 sleep depth, cortisol regulation, useful when melatonin alone isn't deepening sleep architecture. Many practitioners use both — melatonin for circadian alignment, DSIP for sleep depth.
Should I cycle DSIP?
Yes. Standard cycling: 4-6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. The 5-on-2-off weekly pattern within each cycle aligns with practitioner consensus that pulsatile administration prevents tolerance development. Continuous use beyond 8 weeks is less-validated.
Is DSIP addictive or habit-forming?
No documented addiction or dependency. Mechanistically distinct from benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (which carry addiction risk via direct GABA receptor binding). DSIP modulates upstream pathways — no withdrawal documented when discontinued.
Can I stack DSIP with CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin?
Yes — this is a common practitioner pairing. DSIP improves sleep depth (deeper N3), which is when GH pulse occurs. CJC + Ipa amplify pulse height during that deeper sleep window. The combined effect is meaningful improvement in sleep-driven recovery and IGF-1 elevation vs either alone.
Protocols using DSIP
Outcome-driven stacks with phased dose schedules and cited PMIDs.
Related compounds
Often researched, stacked, or compared with DSIP.
Cited research
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