DSIP (delta sleep-inducing peptide) is a naturally occurring nonapeptide first isolated in the 1970s by Monnier and Schoenenberger from the cerebral venous blood of rabbits whose intralaminar thalamus had been electrically stimulated to induce slow-wave sleep1. Its name reflects an observation in that rabbit model, not an established function in humans. The published human literature is small, several decades old, and was reported by overlapping research groups; some findings were not replicated by others, so the clinical picture remains unsettled3. DSIP is sold for laboratory research use only and is not an approved drug in Canada or elsewhere. This page summarizes what studies have reported and is not a recommendation for any use in humans or animals.
Sequence & identity
Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu · C₃₅H₄₈N₁₀O₁₅ · 848.8 g/mol
A linear nonapeptide (H-Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu-OH). Chemical identity verified against PubChem CID 68816, InChIKey ZRZROXNBKJAOKB-GFVHOAGBSA-N2.
Mechanisms studied
A specific receptor and a definitive mechanism of action for DSIP have not been established. Reviews describe DSIP-like immunoreactivity in brain regions including the hypothalamus and pituitary as well as in peripheral tissues, and report associations with electrophysiological activity, brain neurotransmitter levels, circadian and locomotor patterns, and hormone levels in animal models4. These are described as observed correlations rather than a confirmed signaling pathway. In vitro, DSIP shows low metabolic stability, with reports of a tryptophan split-off half-life of roughly 15 minutes attributed to aminopeptidase-like enzyme activity5.
Dosing in the research literature
The figures below summarise regimens as reported in published research — they are not recommendations or directions for use.
| Source / model | Regimen reported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schneider-Helmert & Schoenenberger 1981 (Experientia) | Single intravenous dose of 25 nmol/kg in 6 middle-aged chronic insomniacs | As reported in the study: longer sleep duration and fewer interruptions in the second hour after injection, with a slight arousing effect in the first hour and no daytime sedation2. Reported, not a usage instruction. |
| Schneider-Helmert 1987 (European Neurology) | Injections on seven consecutive nights in 14 chronic-insomnia subjects (double-blind, placebo-controlled) | As reported: night sleep improved with the first and with repeated doses; sleep efficiency reportedly reached normal-control levels3. Single-group authorship; not independently replicated. |
Effects observed in research
In small human studies, researchers reported improved sleep duration and continuity and improved daytime alertness in chronic insomniacs23. A review notes that across animal species DSIP was associated with enhanced delta (slow-wave) sleep in rabbits, rats, mice and humans and more pronounced REM effects in cats, with a reported U-shaped dose-response4. The same review emphasizes that effects were variable and species-dependent, and other investigators were unable to reproduce some of the human sleep findings, so the evidence is best read as limited and inconsistent rather than conclusive3.
Strength of evidence
Grade C. Human data exist but are limited: the controlled trials were small (single-digit to low-double-digit subject counts), several decades old, and largely reported by overlapping research groups, with replication failures noted in the literature34. Long-term safety in humans has not been established. DSIP is not an approved therapeutic in Canada or other major jurisdictions and is offered for laboratory research use only.
Reconstitution & storage
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Store lyophilised material frozen and reconstituted material refrigerated. Use Peptigo’s reconstitution calculator and storage cheat sheet for working figures.
References
- Schoenenberger GA, Maier PF, Tobler HJ, Wilson K, Monnier M. The delta EEG (sleep)-inducing peptide (DSIP). XI. Amino-acid analysis, sequence, synthesis and activity of the nonapeptide. Pflugers Arch. 1978;376(2):119-29.
- Schneider-Helmert D, Schoenenberger GA. The influence of synthetic DSIP (delta-sleep-inducing-peptide) on disturbed human sleep. Experientia. 1981;37(9):913-7.
- Schneider-Helmert D. Effects of delta-sleep-inducing peptide on 24-hour sleep-wake behaviour in severe chronic insomnia. Eur Neurol. 1987;27(2):120-9.
- Graf MV, Kastin AJ. Delta-sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): a review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 1984;8(1):83-93.
- PubChem Compound Summary for CID 68816, Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Reports CAS 62568-57-4, formula C35H48N10O15, InChIKey ZRZROXNBKJAOKB-GFVHOAGBSA-N.