VialOwlLibrary / Sleep
DSIP
Also known as Delta sleep-inducing peptide, Emideltide
Human trials
Nonapeptide first isolated from rabbit brain during sleep. Small human studies from the 1980s produced inconsistent results and its biological role remains unclear.
Not an approved medicine. DSIP is not an approved medicine for this use in Australia or the United States. This page summarises published research for information only. It is not a recommendation to use DSIP, and VialOwl does not sell or supply it.
Background
A nine amino acid peptide first isolated in 1977 by the Schoenenberger and Monnier group in Basel, Switzerland, from the blood of sleeping rabbits. It was named for its apparent ability to induce deep (delta wave) sleep.
How it is thought to work
Its biological role is still unclear. No gene, precursor protein or specific receptor for DSIP has been found, and reviewers call its link to sleep weak.
What is claimed, and the evidence
| Claim | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Improving sleep in chronic insomnia | Human trials Mixed results | Small 1980s studies gave mixed results. A 16 person double blind trial found weak effects and concluded it is unlikely to be of major benefit. |
| Easing opioid or alcohol withdrawal and pain | Small human studies | Explored in small 1980s studies; not confirmed. |
| Deeper sleep, stress relief and recovery | No published evidence | Common online claims; not supported by modern evidence. |
Side effects
| Effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Side effects in humans | Frequency unknown | Old small studies did not establish a safety profile. The FDA says it has not identified safety information for the proposed route of use. |
Warnings
- Evidence for sleep benefit is weak and dates mostly from the 1980s.
- The FDA notes possible immune reactions and impurity concerns with compounded versions.
- Unapproved products bought online are not checked by any regulator for purity, sterility or strength; they may be contaminated, underdosed, overdosed or contain a different substance to the label.
Regulatory status
- Australia
- Not included on the ARTG (unapproved). Not specifically listed in the Poisons Standard (June 2026).
- United States
- Not FDA approved. Nomination withdrawn and removed from 503A Category 2 in April 2026. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted 6 to 7 against recommending it for the 503A bulks list.
Sources
- Kovalzon and Strekalova 2006, Delta sleep inducing peptide (DSIP): a still unresolved riddle (PubMed)
- Bes et al. 1992, Effects of DSIP on sleep of chronic insomniac patients: a double blind study (PubMed)
- Graf and Kastin 1986, Delta sleep inducing peptide (DSIP): an update (PubMed)
- FDA: Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks
- FDA: Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee meeting, 23 to 24 July 2026
From the VialOwl library, reviewed 26 September 2026. For education and general information. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use DSIP.