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The Peptide Effect
Dosage Guide

DSIP Dosage Guide: Sleep & Recovery Protocol

Educational reference covering DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) dosage protocols, administration timing, reconstitution instructions, and sleep research. Dosing information discussed in published studies for informational purposes only.

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Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Dosages described reflect ranges discussed in published research and clinical practice literature — they are not recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any peptide. Legality and availability vary by jurisdiction.

Overview

DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a neuropeptide with the amino acid sequence Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu, first isolated from rabbit brain tissue in 1977 by Swiss researchers Schoenenberger and Monnier. It was named for its ability to induce delta-wave (slow-wave) sleep in animal models, though subsequent research has revealed a broader range of neuromodulatory activities. DSIP has been discussed in research literature for its effects on sleep architecture, stress response, cortisol regulation, and pain modulation. Unlike sedative or hypnotic drugs, DSIP appears to modulate sleep patterns without causing sedation, and studies have reported that it may normalize disturbed sleep cycles rather than simply inducing unconsciousness. The peptide crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been detected in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, suggesting multiple sites of action.

Dosing Protocols

Standard Sleep Support Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous injection
Dose: 100–200 mcg
Frequency: Once daily, 30–60 minutes before bedtime
Duration: 2–4 weeks per course

This is the most commonly discussed protocol for sleep support. The peptide is administered before bedtime to align with natural sleep onset. Some users report improved sleep quality within the first few nights, while others describe a cumulative effect over 1–2 weeks. Starting at the lower end of the dose range (100 mcg) is commonly suggested.

Stress and Cortisol Management Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous injection
Dose: 100 mcg
Frequency: 1–2 times daily (morning and/or evening)
Duration: 2–4 weeks

DSIP has been discussed in research literature for its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol regulation. This protocol addresses stress-related applications and may include morning dosing for daytime cortisol modulation. Twice-daily dosing has been referenced in some study designs.

Cycle Protocol for Chronic Sleep Issues

Route: Subcutaneous injection
Dose: 100–200 mcg
Frequency: Once nightly for 2–4 weeks
Duration: 2–4 week course, followed by 2–4 weeks off

A cycling approach discussed in contexts involving chronic sleep disturbances. The off period allows assessment of whether sleep improvements persist after discontinuation, as some studies have reported lasting effects beyond the active dosing period.

Reconstitution & Storage

Vial sizes5 mg lyophilized powder per vial
Recommended water volume2 mL bacteriostatic water (BAC water), yielding 2.5 mg/mL (2,500 mcg/mL)
StorageStore unreconstituted vials refrigerated at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F). Protect from light.
Stability once reconstitutedReconstituted solution should be refrigerated and used within 30 days. DSIP is reported to be relatively stable in solution compared to some other peptides.

Use our reconstitution calculator to determine exact syringe units for your dose.

Cycle Guidance

DSIP is commonly discussed in 2–4 week courses rather than continuous long-term use. This approach reflects the observation in some studies that DSIP's effects on sleep architecture may persist beyond the active dosing period, suggesting a regulatory or normalizing effect rather than a direct sedative action. After a 2–4 week course, a washout period of similar length is often discussed to assess baseline sleep quality before considering additional courses. Some published case series have reported that repeated courses at intervals of several months were well tolerated. Tolerance development has not been prominently discussed as a concern in the DSIP literature, in contrast to conventional sleep medications.

Stacking Considerations

  • DSIP is sometimes discussed alongside melatonin for comprehensive sleep support, though the interaction between the two has not been well characterized in controlled studies.
  • Some protocols discussed in research communities combine DSIP with Selank for combined sleep and anxiolytic effects, as Selank targets anxiety-related pathways that can contribute to insomnia.
  • Concurrent use with benzodiazepines or other sedative-hypnotic medications has not been studied and is generally not recommended due to unknown interaction potential.
  • DSIP has been discussed in the context of growth hormone secretion during sleep, and some protocols mention combining it with GH secretagogues such as ipamorelin, though controlled data on this combination is absent.

Potential Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions (mild redness or discomfort at the injection site)
  • Transient drowsiness or grogginess — typically reported as mild and consistent with the peptide's sleep-modulating properties
  • Headache — reported infrequently in published studies
  • Vivid dreams — reported anecdotally by some users, possibly related to effects on sleep architecture and REM cycling
  • Mild hypotension — reported rarely, consistent with DSIP's effects on autonomic regulation
  • The published safety profile is generally favorable, though human studies have been small and of limited duration

Contraindications & Cautions

  • Known hypersensitivity to DSIP or any formulation component
  • Concurrent use of sedative-hypnotic medications, opioids, or CNS depressants — potential for additive effects on the central nervous system
  • Severe hypotension or conditions involving autonomic instability
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding — no safety data available for these populations
  • Major depressive disorder — caution warranted as DSIP's effects on neurotransmitter systems in the context of clinical depression have not been adequately studied

Related

References

  1. Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): a review (1984)PubMed
  2. Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): an update (1988)PubMed
  3. The delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): a still unresolved riddle (2000)PubMed
  4. Delta-sleep-inducing peptide: clinical pharmacology and possible CNS actions (1986)PubMed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DSIP and how does it differ from conventional sleep aids?
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring neuropeptide that modulates sleep architecture, particularly slow-wave (delta) sleep. Unlike benzodiazepines or Z-drugs, DSIP does not act as a sedative or hypnotic. Research literature suggests it works by normalizing sleep patterns and promoting natural sleep onset rather than pharmacologically inducing unconsciousness, which is why it has not been associated with the dependence potential seen with conventional sleep medications.
When should DSIP be administered for optimal sleep effects?
DSIP is most commonly discussed as being administered 30–60 minutes before the intended bedtime via subcutaneous injection. This timing allows the peptide to begin exerting its sleep-modulating effects as the body transitions toward sleep. For the stress/cortisol management protocol, morning dosing has also been discussed in some research contexts.
How long does it take for DSIP to show effects on sleep quality?
Some individuals report improvements in sleep quality within the first few nights of use, while others describe a more gradual effect that develops over 1–2 weeks of consistent nightly administration. The variability in onset may reflect individual differences in baseline sleep disturbance severity and neuroendocrine status. Published case reports suggest that the effects may persist for some time after discontinuation.
Is DSIP habit-forming or does tolerance develop?
Tolerance and dependence have not been prominently discussed as concerns in the published DSIP literature, which contrasts with many conventional sleep medications. DSIP appears to modulate sleep regulatory mechanisms rather than acting on GABA receptors or other targets associated with sedative dependence. However, long-term studies with rigorous tolerance assessments are lacking.
Can DSIP be combined with melatonin?
DSIP and melatonin are sometimes discussed together in sleep support contexts, as they affect different aspects of sleep regulation. Melatonin primarily influences circadian rhythm signaling, while DSIP modulates sleep architecture and slow-wave sleep. However, controlled studies evaluating this combination are not available, so the interaction profile remains uncharacterized.