DSIP

In simple words

DSIP is a small peptide discovered in 1977 that is linked to deep sleep. It is studied as something that does not force sleep but helps restore normal sleep, and also in opioid withdrawal and chronic pain.

What this molecule is

Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu — 9 aa. ~849 Da. Discovered in 1977 (Schoenenberger, Monnier). One of the few sleep peptides with genuine double-blind RCTs.

Why it is studied

Sleep modulator without a sedative effect — it normalizes rather than suppresses. 4 double-blind RCTs in humans (1983-1998): ↑slow-wave sleep (stage IV), ↓sleep-onset latency in chronic insomnia. Detoxification: 97% relief of opioid withdrawal (RCT). Chronic pain.

How it works

The receptor has not been identified (“DSIP: still unresolved riddle,” 2006). What is known: ↑GABAergic transmission → ↑delta sleep. ↓cortisol stress response (HPA normalization). ↑β-endorphin → analgesia. It is not a hypnotic — rather a sleep normalizer.

Doses used in studies

RCTs used IV 25 nmol/kg (~21 mcg/kg) × 7 nights. Researchers' practice describes 100-300 mcg SC or intranasally 30-60 min before sleep, in a 10-14-day course.

Combined with in studies

• Epitalon — melatonin + DSIP = dual sleep normalization
• Selank — ↓anxiety component of insomnia
• Pinealon — neuroprotection + sleep

Level of evidence

Level B Human observational data. There are studies in humans, but they are small, uncontrolled, or cohort studies. The data are encouraging but need confirmation. 4 double-blind studies in humans. The best clinical evidence base among sleep peptides.

Important to know

⚠️ Studies from 1983-1998, small samples (6-20 people). Receptor unknown. T½ ~7-15 min — rapid degradation. Research only.

Studies in PubMed

1. Effects of delta sleep-inducing peptide on sleep of chronic insomniac patients. A double-blind study. (Neuropsychobiology, 1992)
2. Acute and delayed effects of DSIP (delta sleep-inducing peptide) on human sleep behavior. (Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol, 1981)
3. Study of delta sleep-inducing peptide efficacy in improving sleep on short-term administration to chronic insomniacs. (Int J Clin Pharmacol Res, 1987)
4. Opioid detoxification with delta sleep-inducing peptide: results of an open clinical trial. (J Clin Psychopharmacol, 1998)
5. Therapeutic effects of delta-sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) in patients with chronic, pronounced pain episodes. A clinical pilot study. (Eur Neurol, 1984)
6. Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): a still unresolved riddle. (J Neurochem, 2006)