What is Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP)?

From the Research

Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) should not be considered a first-line treatment for sleep issues due to its limited clinical research and restricted availability, and instead, established sleep interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia or physician-prescribed sleep medications should be prioritized. When considering DSIP, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the lack of comprehensive research supporting its use. DSIP is typically administered as an injection at doses ranging from 50-100 mcg, though some oral formulations exist with variable absorption 1. The peptide is thought to work by modulating neurotransmitters involved in sleep regulation, particularly by promoting slow-wave (delta) sleep. However, the most recent and highest quality study on sleep interventions suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) is a highly effective treatment for adults with chronic insomnia, with clinically meaningful effect sizes and no adverse outcomes reported 2.

Key Considerations

• DSIP has limited clinical research supporting its use, and its availability is restricted in many countries.
• Established sleep interventions like improving sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, or physician-prescribed sleep medications should be considered first.
• If pursuing DSIP, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider first, as it may interact with other medications and its long-term safety profile remains unclear.
• CBT-i is a recommended first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, with a better safety profile and longer-term efficacy compared to pharmacological treatments 3, 2, 4.

Recommendations

• Start with established sleep interventions like CBT-i or physician-prescribed sleep medications.
• If considering DSIP, use it no more than 2-3 times weekly to prevent tolerance and monitor effects closely.
• Consult with a healthcare provider before pursuing DSIP, especially if taking other medications or having underlying medical conditions.