DSIP dosage and protocol
Last reviewed Oct 7, 2026. Editorial policy
US regulatory status: Advisory panel voted against
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP) is a neuromodulatory peptide that promotes deep sleep, stress reduction, and GH release. It has been studied for its role in sleep regulation, stress adaptation, and anti-aging. May reduce cortisol and normalize sleep architecture.
- Vial size: 5 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 1.67 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Sleep Quality
- Stress Reduction
- Growth Hormone
- Anti-Aging
- Neuroprotection
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water to the 5 mg vial for about 1.67 mg/mL
- Typical dose: 100 mcg in the evening, titrated to 250–300 mcg over four weeks
- Easy measuring: At 1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit (0.01 mL) is about 16.7 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so 100 mcg is 6 units and 300 mcg is 18 units
- Storage: Lyophilized at −20°C; refrigerate after mixing
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 100 mcg | Once daily (SC) | 0.06 mL (6 units) |
| Week 2 | 150 mcg | Once daily (SC) | 0.09 mL (9 units) |
| Week 3 | 200 mcg | Once daily (SC) | 0.12 mL (12 units) |
| Weeks 4–8 | 250–300 mcg | Once daily (SC) | 0.15–0.18 mL (15–18 units) |
How it works
Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) is a nine-amino-acid neuropeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) first isolated in 1977 from the blood of rabbits during induced slow-wave sleep. Despite decades of study, no specific receptor has been identified. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic (NMDA) transmission, interaction with opioid systems, and effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In animal studies DSIP has been reported to promote delta (slow-wave) sleep under some conditions, reduce stress-related responses, lower basal corticotropin (ACTH) release, and influence luteinizing hormone and growth hormone secretion. Some studies also suggest antioxidant and stress-protective effects at the cellular level. Results across laboratories have been inconsistent, and the effect on sleep appears to depend strongly on timing, dose and species. Small human studies from the 1980s in people with insomnia and in withdrawal from alcohol or opioids reported modest improvements in sleep quality or withdrawal symptoms, but the trials were small and outcomes were mixed. DSIP is not approved for any medical use, and modern controlled trials are lacking. Its short half-life in blood is also a limitation for interpreting injected effects.
Units chart for a 5 mg vial
| Water added | Strength | 1 unit = | 100 mcg | 150 mcg | 200 mcg | 250 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 50 mcg | 2 units | 3 units | 4 units | 5 units |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 25 mcg | 4 units | 6 units | 8 units | 10 units |
| 3 mL | 1.67 mg/mL | 16.7 mcg | 6 units | 9 units | 12 units | 15 units |
Units on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL).
Pages for each vial size and water volume
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light
Storage
Evidence: Common practice. What vendors and users usually do. No published stability testing supports a specific number.
- Powder or unopened: Sealed powder: freezer (about −20 °C) for long-term storage, refrigerator for weeks. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening.
- Mixed or in use: Refrigerator, 2–8 °C. Do not freeze and thaw repeatedly.
- Use within: no tested number
- Light: Keep it in the box or another dark container.
Most reconstituted peptides are kept in the refrigerator (2–8 °C) and used within about 28 days. That is a convention, not tested data: the 28 days comes from the USP <797> limit for opened multiple-dose containers, which is about sterility, not about whether the peptide stays intact.
Sources: Crestigen: Peptide storage and handling guide; USP General Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding: Sterile Preparations
Store lyophilized at -20°C. Refrigerate after reconstitution.
Important notes
- Research use only
- Best taken 20-30 minutes before bed
- May reduce cortisol and improve sleep architecture
- Has been studied for addiction treatment and chronic pain
Supplies
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs