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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

DSIP Dosing Protocol: 5 mg Vial — Delta Sleep & Cortisol Modulation Guide

Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP) dosing guide for the 5 mg vial — nightly subcutaneous injection for sleep quality improvement and HPA axis normalization.

Quickstart highlights

DSIP (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) is a naturally occurring nonapeptide originally isolated from the rabbit brain venous blood during electrically induced delta-wave sleep (Schoenenberger et al., 1977).

  • Concentration: 2 mg/mL (5 mg vial + 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water).
  • At 2 mg/mL: 25 µg = 1.25 units, 100 µg = 5 units nightly.
  • Schneider-Helmert 1985: DSIP increased sleep efficiency and delta-wave sleep versus placebo in chronic insomnia.
  • Inject 30 minutes before bed — does not cause sedation; acts on sleep architecture mechanisms.
  • One 5 mg vial provides 50 nightly doses at 100 µg — approximately 7 weeks.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-2251.25Once nightly (30 min before bed)25 µg — 1.25 units; minimal starting dose; one 5 mg vial provides 200 doses at this level
3-121005Once nightly (30 min before bed)100 µg — 5 units; standard sleep-promoting dose; 50 doses per vial

Reconstitution steps

  1. Draw 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water; inject slowly down the vial wall.
  2. Swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake.
  3. Final concentration: 2 mg/mL. At 2 mg/mL: 25 µg = 1.25 units, 100 µg = 5 units.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Use within 28 days.

Supplies needed

4-week plan

  • 1 vial
  • 28 syringes
  • 3 mL bac water
  • 28 alcohol swabs

12-week plan

  • 3 vials
  • 84 syringes
  • 8 mL bac water
  • 84 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Improve sleep quality and reduce cortisol-mediated nighttime arousal through nightly DSIP subcutaneous injections 30 minutes before sleep, targeting delta-wave promotion and ACTH/cortisol normalization.

Cycle length: 12 weeks on.

Off-cycle: 4 weeks off; assess baseline sleep quality before resuming.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store below 25 °C. Reconstituted at 2 mg/mL: refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28 days. At 100 µg/night, one 5 mg vial provides 50 nightly doses — approximately 7 weeks.

Injection & tracking tips

  • Inject subcutaneously 30 minutes before intended sleep time — DSIP's mechanism involves directly influencing sleep architecture rather than producing sedation.
  • DSIP does not cause sedation or hangover in the morning at standard doses — unlike benzodiazepines or antihistamines.
  • Best results are reported when DSIP is combined with consistent sleep hygiene: consistent bedtime, dark room, no screens 1 hour before sleep.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • Track sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) weekly.
  • Record total sleep time and number of nighttime awakenings using a sleep tracker or sleep diary daily.
  • Log morning cortisol-related symptoms (anxiety on waking, fatigue, brain fog) weekly to assess HPA normalization.
Log your cycle in the calculator →

How this works & references

DSIP (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) is a naturally occurring nonapeptide originally isolated from the rabbit brain venous blood during electrically induced delta-wave sleep (Schoenenberger et al., 1977). It promotes NREM (non-rapid eye movement) delta-wave sleep, reduces ACTH secretion, normalizes circadian cortisol rhythm, and modulates opiate receptor sensitivity. Endogenous DSIP shows anti-stress properties by reducing elevations of cortisol associated with sleep deprivation. Human studies (Schneider-Helmert, 1985) demonstrated DSIP (30 nmol/kg IV) significantly increased sleep efficiency and delta-wave activity versus placebo in chronic insomniacs.

Frequently asked questions

How is DSIP different from melatonin for sleep?
Melatonin signals circadian darkness and advances sleep timing but does not directly promote delta-wave sleep quality. DSIP acts on sleep architecture itself — specifically increasing slow-wave (delta) sleep percentage and reducing nighttime arousal. DSIP is appropriate for patients who fall asleep normally but experience poor sleep quality (light sleep, multiple awakenings); melatonin is better for circadian timing disorders.
Does DSIP cause morning grogginess?
No — DSIP at standard subcutaneous doses (25–100 µg) does not cause sedation or next-day grogginess. Users typically report feeling more refreshed in the morning and having better daytime cognitive function compared to sedative sleep aids. This clean sleep quality improvement distinguishes it from benzodiazepine hypnotics.
Can DSIP help with stress-related insomnia?
Yes — DSIP's ACTH/cortisol-lowering effects are particularly relevant for stress-induced insomnia, where elevated nighttime cortisol prevents deep sleep. DSIP reduces ACTH secretion by approximately 20–30% at therapeutic doses, normalizing the sleep-cortisol axis. It pairs well with Selank for patients with comorbid anxiety and insomnia.
What is the shelf life of DSIP in solution?
DSIP in solution (bacteriostatic water) is stable for approximately 28 days refrigerated. Lyophilized DSIP stored below 25 °C (or frozen at -20 °C) retains potency for years. Always use reconstituted DSIP within 28 days and store at 2–8 °C.
How many weeks of nightly use does one 5 mg vial cover?
At 100 µg/night: 5 mg ÷ 0.1 mg/dose = 50 doses = 50 nights = approximately 7 weeks. At 50 µg/night: 100 doses = approximately 14 weeks from a single vial.

Related protocols

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.