What is DSIP?
DSIP (delta-sleep-inducing peptide) is an endogenous neuropeptide discovered in the 1970s and named for its ability to induce deep sleep (delta sleep) in animal models. It is used with the goal of deepening sleep and stabilizing the day-night rhythm.
How it works
The exact mechanism of DSIP is not fully understood. Described are effects on the sleep rhythm, on brain messengers, on hormone levels and on the stress response. It acts more as a modulator than sedating like a classic sleeping pill.
What you need
- The DSIP vial (lyophilized powder).
- Bacteriostatic water, U-100 insulin syringes, alcohol swabs.
Reconstitution
Use the calculator above. A 5mg vial with 2ml water gives 2500mcg per ml, 200mcg is then 8 units on the U-100 syringe. Just add the water to the vial and let it dissolve.
Dosing
Members only
Dosing recommendations are visible to logged-in members only. Logging in is free.
Injection
Subcutaneous into the subcutaneous fat, in the evening. Disinfect the site, pinch a skin fold, rotate sites.
What the research shows
A detailed review (Graf & Kastin, 1984) summarized DSIP research: effects on deep sleep in several species and in humans, plus effects on hormones and stress. But clinical efficacy in sleep disorders was mixed, a clear therapeutic benefit could not be pinned down.
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated, mainly local reactions at the injection site.
- Occasionally headache, dizziness.
- The effect on sleep varies greatly between individuals.
Practice
- Use in the evening, keep expectations realistic, the data is mixed.
- Sleep hygiene beats any peptide, DSIP is at most an add-on.
Storage
Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.