Machine-assisted translation — the German original version is authoritative.
Cognition & Neuro
DSIP
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide · Delta-Schlaf-induzierendes Peptid
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a neuropeptide of nine amino acids, isolated in 1974 from the blood of sleeping rabbits. It is credited with effects on deep sleep (delta sleep), the stress axis, and the mitochondria — the evidence, however, is contradictory, and it is not approved as a medicine.
Regulatory status
Not approved for humans
Not approved; sleep and stress research with contradictory evidence.
Drug class
Neuropeptide (9 amino acids)
Half-life (informative)
Very short (in the range of minutes).
Studied in the literature
In studies subcutaneously or intravenously.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action is not conclusively understood. Discussed are interactions with GABA- and NMDA-mediated excitability as well as a dampening of the stress-hormone axis (including a lowering of corticotropin release). Some works also describe antioxidant or mitochondrial effects.
The mechanism of action and clinical benefit remain uncertain.
Research history
DSIP was described in 1974 by Swiss researchers (Monnier and Schoenenberger). Since then the findings on sleep and stress have remained inconsistent.
Regulatory status by region
No approval for human use.
Research areas
- Sleep regulation (delta/deep sleep)
- Stress and the HPA axis
- Pain and withdrawal (older research); neuroprotective effects (preclinical)
Documented effects (from the literature)
- In studies mostly well tolerated.
- Occasionally transient headache, nausea, dizziness.
Safety concerns & caution
- Efficacy in sleep disorders is not established; the evidence is inconsistent and in part old.
- There is no standardized use.
Risks of gray-market purchase
- Marketed as a "sleep peptide" despite weak evidence; purity and identity are untested.
- Can mask a sleep disorder that is actually treatable.
Frequently asked questions
Does DSIP reliably help with sleep?
The evidence is contradictory. Some works describe more deep sleep, others find no clear effect. There is no established, approved benefit.
Sources
Primary and reference sources for your own reading.
Related substances
Unfamiliar terms? Look them up in the glossary or read the fundamentals.
This profile is for information and education only. It is not medical advice and deliberately contains no dosing or usage details. Decisions about use belong in a doctor’s hands.