Neuro/Cognitive Peptides
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)
Commonly used for
Sleep SupportStress Reduction
What is it?
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring neuropeptide identified from the cerebral venous blood of sleeping rabbits in the 1970s, proposed to play a role in slow-wave (delta) sleep regulation and stress response.
Mechanism of action: Proposed modulation of central nervous system sleep-regulation pathways; Proposed interaction with stress-response (HPA axis) signaling; Exact mechanism remains incompletely characterized
What do people use it for?
Proposed indications: Sleep quality; Stress reduction; Chronic pain (adjunct, research)
How is it used? / Dosing
Reported dosing range*: 25, 50, or 100 nmol/kg, intravenous bolus (anesthesia-adjunct study)
A randomized controlled trial evaluated intravenous bolus doses of 25, 50, or 100 nmol/kg as an adjunct to anesthesia in surgical patients (Pomfrett CJ et al. (2009). Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide Alters Bispectral Index, the Electroencephalogram and Heart Rate Variability When Used as an Adjunct to Isoflurane Anaesthesia. European Journal of Anaesthesiology). This was studied as an anesthesia adjunct in a surgical/clinical context, not as a standalone sleep aid, and does not establish dosing for general wellness use.
*General range reported in available research or other sources -- not an individualized recommendation. Actual use should be supervised by a qualified provider.
Typical clinical dosing schedule: No established clinical dosing. Human use has been limited to early-phase research, largely from decades-old studies.
Administration: Subcutaneous injection or intranasal (research settings) — No established clinical dosing
How does it compare?
Compare with:
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
An "emerging / limited evidence" rating means rigorous research hasn't caught up yet -- not that this peptide doesn't work. Many peptides in this category are newer or simply understudied rather than proven ineffective.
Evidence rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ — Early human studies suggest possible effects on sleep and stress physiology, but modern high-quality trials are lacking and its mechanism remains incompletely understood.
Safety & side effects
Common side effects: Human safety profile remains incompletely characterized.
Serious risks: Unknown long-term safety; human studies are largely older, small studies conducted before contemporary trial/reporting standards.
Legal & regulatory status
Legal status: Not FDA-approved for human use. This is a research compound, not a medication — any use should only occur under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider, and its legal availability varies and changes frequently. Verify current status independently before considering use.
Regulatory status: Research peptide • Not FDA approved
Who should avoid it?
Contraindications: Not established. Avoid in:; Pregnancy; Active malignancy; Uncontrolled illness outside research settings
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid.