DSIP (delta sleep-inducing peptide): research, side effects and dosage in studies
In short
DSIP is a peptide of nine amino acids isolated from rabbits in the 1970s, and it has no marketing authorisation as a medicine in the EU [3]C [15]regulator. Small human studies in insomnia gave conflicting results [8, 9]B [10]A.
- DSIP increased the delta rhythm typical of deep sleep in the rabbit EEG, which is where its name comes from [3]C. No gene or receptor for it has been found, so its role in the body is unclear [4].
- For insomnia there are only small studies from the 1980s and 1990s: some reported benefit [7, 8]B, but in two double-blind trials the effect was of little clinical significance [9]B [10]A.
- According to their abstracts, the withdrawal studies had no comparison group [11, 12]B.
- The FDA lacks sufficient information to know whether DSIP would cause harm in humans [2]regulator.
- In Finland DSIP has no marketing authorisation [15, 18]regulator. The WADA Prohibited List does not name DSIP. Class S0 prohibits substances with no approval by any government health authority for human therapeutic use [14]regulator, but a DSIP product, Deltaran, is registered in Russia [22]E, not peer-reviewed, so it is unclear whether S0 applies to DSIP.
What is DSIP?
DSIP (delta sleep-inducing peptide) is a nine-amino-acid peptide with the sequence Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu. A research group in Basel isolated it from venous blood leaving the brain of rabbits whose brains had been electrically stimulated in a sleep-inducing way [3]C [4].
The name means a peptide that induces deep delta sleep. According to a review, the link between DSIP and sleep has not been described further since then, because no gene, protein or receptor for DSIP has been found. Its natural occurrence and biological role remain unclear [4].
In the United States, DSIP has been assessed under the name emideltide as a substance nominated for pharmacy compounding [2]regulator. Basics: What are peptides?. All substances: Peptides A-Z.
Evidence at a glance
Each cell gives the kind of study and its source. The letter is the evidence level, not the result.
| Claimed effect | Humans | Animals | Cells |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep sleep (delta rhythm) | Under anaesthesia the delta rhythm decreased instead [13]A | In rabbits, given into a brain ventricle, the delta rhythm rose by 35% on average [3]C | - |
| Insomnia | In small studies some benefited [7, 8, 20]B; in two double-blind trials the effect was of little clinical significance [9]B [10]A | - | - |
| Sleep in healthy people | 6 volunteers: more sleep in the 130 minutes after the infusion than with placebo [19]B | - | - |
| Withdrawal symptoms | 67 and 107 patients, no comparison group [11, 12]B | - | - |
| Stress hormone ACTH | In 11 healthy men ACTH-like immunoreactivity in blood fell for at least 3 hours [21]A | - | - |
| Safety | Few harms in small, short studies, headache in a few [11, 12]B; heart rate rose under anaesthesia [13]A. The FDA lacks sufficient information [2]regulator | - | - |
"-" = no such study is known.
What is DSIP studied for?
In the 1980s, besides sleep experiments in animals, DSIP was studied as a possible treatment for insomnia, pain and withdrawal [5]. None of these has led to an approved medicine [15, 18]regulator.
- Insomnia: small sleep laboratory studies from 1981-1992 with conflicting results [7, 8, 9, 20]B [10]A.
- Alcohol and opioid withdrawal: two 1980s studies without a comparison group [11, 12]B.
- Anaesthesia: one 2009 study in which DSIP was given as an add-on to anaesthesia [13]A.
Online claims. The claim that DSIP deepens sleep rests on a rabbit experiment [3]C and small, mostly 1980s sleep studies with conflicting results [19, 20, 9]B [10]A. In the anaesthesia study the delta rhythm decreased instead [13]A.
How does DSIP work?
How DSIP works is not known. No receptor for DSIP has been found, and a 2006 review still calls DSIP an unresolved riddle [4]. A 1997 review said its role in regulating human sleep was not yet clear [6].
There are some hints. In healthy men, DSIP given into a vein reduced ACTH-like immunoreactivity in blood for at least three hours, while cortisol did not change [21]A. The study measured hormones of the stress hormone system (hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands), and the researchers say the result points to DSIP inhibiting ACTH release [21]A. The title of a 1983 withdrawal study describes DSIP as a peptide with potential activity at opioid receptors [11]B; studies have not shown this.
Even a small chemical difference can change the effect: in rabbit experiments only the pure alpha-aspartyl form was highly active, not its beta-aspartyl form [3]C.
Has DSIP been studied in humans?
Yes, but little. The human studies are small and old, and the controlled sleep studies we found date from the 1980s and 1990s [8, 9]B [10]A. In all of them DSIP was given into a vein under supervision [7, 9, 11]B [10, 13]A.
Insomnia
- Early positive results (1981). In six healthy volunteers, sleep in the 130 minutes after the infusion was 59% longer than with placebo [19]B. In six people with chronic insomnia, sleep was longer with fewer interruptions [20]B. In the same year Schneider-Helmert, together with Schoenenberger who discovered DSIP, reported that synthetic DSIP improved sleep in insomniacs [17]B.
- Sleep laboratory (1986). The sleep of 18 patients with chronic insomnia normalised over a week of treatment and a week of follow-up [7]B.
- Double-blind, 14 patients (1987). Seven nights of treatment improved sleep as well as daytime alertness and performance compared with placebo [8]B.
- Double-blind crossover (1987). The differences between DSIP and placebo already existed at baseline, and the researchers judged the improvement in sleep to be of little clinical significance [9]B.
- Double-blind, 16 patients (1992). In a Dutch study the effects were weak and partly explained by a chance change in the placebo group, and perceived sleep quality did not change. According to the researchers, short-term treatment is unlikely to be of major benefit [10]A.
Withdrawal symptoms
In a 1983 study, DSIP was given as the sole treatment to 67 patients withdrawing from alcohol or opioids. 27% of patients were lost or unsuitable for evaluation, and benefit was recorded in 48 of the 49 evaluated [11]B. In a 1984 study of 107 inpatients, symptoms eased in most according to the judgement of nursing staff and the physician [12]B. According to their abstracts, neither study had a comparison group [11, 12]B.
Anaesthesia
In a 2009 randomised study of 24 female patients, 12 received saline and 12 DSIP as an add-on to anaesthesia. DSIP raised heart rate, reduced heart rate variability and lightened the depth of anaesthesia, although the researchers had expected it to deepen it [13]A. The fall in delta rhythm and the lightening of anaesthesia were reported at 25 nmol/kg [13]A.
Who studies DSIP?
We found no active DSIP research. Most of the human studies are from the 1980s, and many of them come from the Basel group that discovered DSIP (Schoenenberger, Schneider-Helmert) [3]C [7, 17, 19, 20]B. The newest human study we found is the 2009 anaesthesia study [13]A.
Author of this page: the editorial team
This page was written by the Molecular Recovery editorial team. The draft was made with the help of AI, and the claims were checked against the sources (AI policy). The page has not been medically reviewed. How we work: About us.
What are the side effects of DSIP?
Few harms of DSIP have been reported, but the studies were small and short. In the withdrawal studies no major side effects were seen, and a few patients reported headaches [11, 12]B. No side effects were observed in healthy volunteers [19]B.
What users report. In the Reddit accounts we compiled (not research), 27 of 65 people (42%) reported some harm, most often: insomnia or worse sleep (18, 28%), grogginess or fatigue (5, 8%) and disturbing dreams or nightmares (4, 6%). People tend to post when something goes wrong, so this share does not tell how common harms are. The effect on sleep split in two: 18 (28%) reported better sleep and 18 (28%) insomnia or worse sleep. 31 people (48%) used other substances at the same time. The harms in detail: DSIP user experiences.
Heart and anaesthesia
In the anaesthesia study DSIP raised heart rate and reduced heart rate variability, which the researchers say points to reduced parasympathetic tone [13]A.
Risks in products
The FDA says products containing emideltide (DSIP) may carry a risk of immune reactions by certain routes of administration, and there may be complexities with peptide impurities and characterising the active substance [2]regulator.
According to Fimea, impurities such as endotoxins in injectable products raise the risk of serious health hazards [1]regulator.
What has not been studied
- Repeated or long-term use: the longest treatment we found lasted one week [7]B. The FDA lacks sufficient information to know whether the substance would cause harm in humans [2]regulator.
- Routes other than a vein: in every human study we found, DSIP was given into a vein [7, 9, 11]B [10, 13]A.
More: Side effects and safety.
Interactions and who has no data
There is one observation on interactions: DSIP given as an add-on to anaesthesia lightened the depth of isoflurane anaesthesia and raised heart rate [13]A. There are no study data on other medicines.
The studies were done in adults. There are no data from pregnancy, breastfeeding or children, and the FDA lacks sufficient safety information [2]regulator.
What speaks against it and what is unknown
There is counter-evidence: in the best-controlled sleep studies the effect was small [9]B [10]A, and a role for DSIP in sleep has not been shown [4].
Counter-evidence
- Monti et al. (1987) found no difference from placebo in awakenings or time awake, and the sleep improvement was of little clinical significance [9]B.
- Bes et al. (1992) found only weak effects, and perceived sleep quality did not change [10]A.
- In the anaesthesia study DSIP reduced the delta rhythm and lightened anaesthesia, although it was expected to deepen it [13]A.
What the evidence does not support
- "DSIP is the body's own sleep hormone": this has not been shown. The gene for DSIP, its precursor protein or a receptor have not been found, and a review says the idea of DSIP as a sleep-regulating factor is very poorly documented [4].
- "DSIP helps with insomnia": the results are conflicting. In one double-blind study of 14 patients sleep improved substantially [8]B, but in two others the effect was judged to be of little clinical significance [9]B [10]A.
- "DSIP treats alcohol and opioid withdrawal symptoms": the positive results come from 1980s studies with no comparison group, in which the effect was judged by nursing staff and physicians [11, 12]B.
- "DSIP always calms you and deepens sleep": not necessarily. In the anaesthesia study DSIP reduced the delta rhythm, raised heart rate and lightened anaesthesia [13]A.
What is unknown
- Whether DSIP is a substance of the body with a role in sleep: its gene and receptor have not been found [4].
- Whether DSIP helps with insomnia: the double-blind trials were small and their results conflicting [8, 9]B [10]A.
- Whether DSIP is safe in repeated use: the FDA lacks sufficient information [2]regulator.
DSIP dosage in studies
There is no approved dosage, because DSIP has no marketing authorisation [15, 18]regulator. Below are the doses used in studies. In every human study DSIP was given into a vein under supervision, most often at 25 nmol per kg of body weight.
| Study | Who | Dose and route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schoenenberger et al. 1978 | rabbits (animal dose) | 6 nmol/kg into a brain ventricle | single dose [3]C |
| Schneider-Helmert et al. 1981 | 6 healthy volunteers | 25 nmol/kg as a slow infusion into a vein in the morning, compared with placebo | single dose [19]B |
| Schneider-Helmert and Schoenenberger 1981 | 6 people with chronic insomnia | 25 nmol/kg into a vein | single dose [20]B |
| Dick et al. 1983 | 67 withdrawal patients, 49 evaluated | 25 nmol/kg into a vein as the only treatment | not stated in the abstract [11]B |
| Schneider-Helmert 1986 | 18 people with chronic insomnia | 30 nmol/kg into a vein 6 times over one week | 1 week plus one week of follow-up [7]B |
| Monti et al. 1987 | people with chronic insomnia (number not given in the abstract) | 25 nmol/kg into a vein, compared with placebo | 4 nights [9]B |
| Bjartell et al. 1989 | 11 healthy men | 25 nmol/kg into a vein, compared with saline | single dose [21]A |
| Bes et al. 1992 | 16 people with chronic insomnia, half given placebo | 25 nmol/kg into a vein in the afternoon | 3 days [10]A |
| Pomfrett et al. 2009 | 24 women undergoing anaesthesia, half given saline | 25, 50 or 100 nmol/kg into a vein twice: once awake and once after induction of anaesthesia | one anaesthesia [13]A |
What the figures do not tell you. They are not instructions or recommendations. They come from small, mostly 1980s studies in which the substance was given into a vein under supervision, and the content of a product sold online is not known [1]regulator [10]A. An amount given into a rabbit's brain ventricle does not carry over to humans [3]C.
More detail: DSIP doses in studies. The calculator has no ready-made preset for DSIP: calculator.
Situation in the United States
In the United States, the FDA page lists emideltide (DSIP) among substances that had been placed in compounding category 2 because of safety risks and whose nomination was later withdrawn by the nominator. The FDA risk assessment remains on the page (updated 22 Apr 2026). The FDA has not identified safety information for the proposed route of administration [2]regulator.
Is DSIP legal in Finland?
DSIP has no marketing authorisation as a medicine in the EU or EEA, and it is not named in the Finnish medicines list [15, 16, 18]regulator.
- Marketing authorisation. On 12 Oct 2026 the EMA data on centrally authorised medicines contained no medicine with DSIP or emideltide [15]regulator, and the EMA Article 57 database, which must list every human medicine authorised in the EU and EEA, had no such product in any country (data as of 21 Sep 2026) [18]regulator.
- Medicines list. The Finnish medicines list (230/2025) does not name DSIP or emideltide, including in annex 1 A (as of 12 Oct 2026) [16]regulator.
- Fimea warning, 29 June 2026. Fimea warned about injectable peptides bought online and advises buying medicines only from legal pharmacies. According to Fimea, a "for research use only" label means the product is not intended for humans [1]regulator.
- Import. Ordering medicines from outside the EU is covered on Peptides and the law in Finland. Bringing them back from trips: Travelling with peptides.
This is not legal advice. Disclaimer.
Is DSIP doping?
The Prohibited List does not name DSIP. Class S0 of the WADA 2026 Prohibited List prohibits at all times any pharmacological substance not covered by the other classes and with no current approval by any government health authority for human therapeutic use [14]regulator. Class S0 substances are prohibited out of competition too [14]regulator. DSIP has no marketing authorisation in the EU [15, 18]regulator, but a DSIP product, Deltaran (a powder for nasal use), is registered in Russia [22]E, not peer-reviewed. It is therefore unclear whether class S0 applies to DSIP. Athletes should check with their national anti-doping organisation (in Finland, the Finnish Center for Integrity in Sports, SUEK).
How is a DSIP product assessed?
You cannot be sure what a product contains. According to Fimea, an unauthorised product may contain a different substance than the packaging states [1]regulator. For DSIP the FDA points to peptide-related impurities and difficulty characterising the active substance [2]regulator.
Even a small chemical difference can change the effect: in rabbit experiments only the pure alpha-aspartyl form was highly active, not its beta-aspartyl form [3]C. A certificate of analysis (COA) does not by itself show that a product is the right form, pure or sterile, and for injectables Fimea names endotoxins as a particular risk [1]regulator. More: How to read a COA and check a test result. Handling: Mixing and handling.
FAQ
What is DSIP?
A nine-amino-acid peptide isolated from rabbits in the 1970s that increased the delta rhythm of the rabbit EEG [3]C. Its role in the human body is unclear [4].
Does DSIP help with insomnia?
It is not known. Some small studies from the 1980s reported benefit [7, 8]B, but in two double-blind trials the effect was of little clinical significance [9]B [10]A.
DSIP experiences: what do studies say?
The studies are small, and their results vary by research group [7, 9]B [10]A. We found no newer controlled sleep studies.
What do users themselves report about DSIP?
In the Reddit accounts of 65 people we compiled (not research), 38 (58%) reported some benefit and 27 (42%) some harm. The accounts are self-selected and prove neither that it works nor that it is safe: DSIP user experiences.
DSIP side effects: what is known?
Little. Small studies reported headaches among other things [12]B, and in the anaesthesia study heart rate rose [13]A. The FDA lacks sufficient safety information [2]regulator.
DSIP dosage: is there a dose studied in humans?
There is no approved dose. Studies most often used 25 nmol/kg into a vein under supervision: DSIP dosage in studies. The figures are not a recommendation [9]B [10]A.
DSIP in Finland: is it legal?
DSIP has no marketing authorisation as a medicine [15]regulator, and it is not named in the medicines list [16]regulator. Fimea warns against injectable peptides bought online [1]regulator. This is not legal advice.
Is DSIP a doping substance?
This is not certain. The Prohibited List does not name DSIP. Class S0 prohibits substances with no approval by any government health authority for human therapeutic use [14]regulator, but a DSIP product is registered in Russia [22]E, not peer-reviewed. Athletes should ask their national anti-doping organisation.
Read the research yourself: sources
Every source opens the original publication or the regulator's page. The level shows what the source itself reports.
- Fimea. Fimea varoittaa: älä käytä verkosta ostettuja pistettäviä peptidejä / Fimea warns: do not use injectable peptides purchased online. 29 Jun 2026. Fimea regulator
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks, section Bulk drug substances nominated but withdrawn: Emideltide (DSIP) (content current as of 22 Apr 2026). FDA regulator
- 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;376:119-29. PMID 568769 C
- Kovalzon VM, Strekalova TV. Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): a still unresolved riddle. J Neurochem. 2006;97:303-9. PMID 16539679 (review)
- Graf MV, Kastin AJ. Delta-sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): an update. Peptides. 1986;7:1165-87. PMID 3550726 (review)
- Steiger A, Holsboer F. Neuropeptides and human sleep. Sleep. 1997;20:1038-52. PMID 9456470 (review)
- Schneider-Helmert D. Efficacy of DSIP to normalize sleep in middle-aged and elderly chronic insomniacs. Eur Neurol. 1986;25:448-53. PMID 3792404 B
- Schneider-Helmert D. Effects of delta-sleep-inducing peptide on 24-hour sleep-wake behaviour in severe chronic insomnia. Eur Neurol. 1987;27:120-9. PMID 3622582 B
- Monti JM, Debellis J, Alterwain P, Pellejero T, Monti D. Study of delta sleep-inducing peptide efficacy in improving sleep on short-term administration to chronic insomniacs. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1987;7:105-10. PMID 3583493 B
- Bes F, Hofman W, Schuur J, Van Boxtel C. Effects of delta sleep-inducing peptide on sleep of chronic insomniac patients. A double-blind study. Neuropsychobiology. 1992;26:193-7. PMID 1299794 A
- Dick P, Grandjean ME, Tissot R. Successful treatment of withdrawal symptoms with delta sleep-inducing peptide, a neuropeptide with potential agonistic activity on opiate receptors. Neuropsychobiology. 1983;10:205-8. PMID 6328354 B
- Dick P, Costa C, Fayolle K, Grandjean ME, Khoshbeen A, Tissot R. DSIP in the treatment of withdrawal syndromes from alcohol and opiates. Eur Neurol. 1984;23:364-71. PMID 6548969 B
- Pomfrett CJ, Dolling S, Anders NR, Glover DG, Bryan A, Pollard BJ. Delta sleep-inducing peptide alters bispectral index, the electroencephalogram and heart rate variability when used as an adjunct to isoflurane anaesthesia. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2009;26:128-34. PMID 19142086 A
- World Anti-Doping Agency. The 2026 Prohibited List, class S0 Non-approved substances (in effect from 1 Jan 2026). WADA regulator
- European Medicines Agency. Medicine data (data set of 12 Oct 2026): no medicine with DSIP or emideltide. EMA regulator
- Finland. Lääkeluettelo (Fimea medicines list), 230/2025, annexes 1 and 1 A: DSIP and emideltide not named. Finlex regulator
- Schneider-Helmert D, Graf M, Schoenenberger GA. Synthetic delta-sleep-inducing peptide improves sleep in insomniacs. Lancet. 1981;1:1256-7. PMID 6112579 B
- European Medicines Agency. Article 57 product data (EMA/518502/2018 Rev.89, data as of 21 Sep 2026): no product with DSIP or emideltide in any EU/EEA country. EMA regulator
- Schneider-Helmert D, Gnirss F, Monnier M, Schenker J, Schoenenberger GA. Acute and delayed effects of DSIP (delta sleep-inducing peptide) on human sleep behavior. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1981;19:341-5. PMID 6895513 B
- Schneider-Helmert D, Schoenenberger GA. The influence of synthetic DSIP (delta-sleep-inducing-peptide) on disturbed human sleep. Experientia. 1981;37:913-7. PMID 7028502 B
- Bjartell A, Ekman R, Bergquist S, Widerlöv E. Reduction of immunoreactive ACTH in plasma following intravenous injection of delta sleep-inducing peptide in man. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 1989;14:347-55. PMID 2554357 A
- RLS (Register of Medicines of Russia, rlsnet.ru). Deltaran (delta sleep-inducing peptide), lyophilisate for nasal solution; registration no. LP-(016126)-(RG-RU), holder OOO NITs KOMKON; page updated 22 Sep 2026. rlsnet.ru E, not peer-reviewed (secondary)
Sources checked 12-13 Oct 2026.
Evidence levels: A = randomised human trial or meta-analysis · B = observational human study or case series · C = animal study · D = cell or laboratory study · E = not peer-reviewed · regulator = a regulator's assessment or decision, not research evidence. The marker official means official product information (summary of product characteristics or label); it is not research evidence. For a review, the level shows what kind of research the statement rests on. No level: statements that something has not been studied, reviews' interpretations, named hypotheses and the general rules in our certificate-of-analysis guide.
Content is general information about research, not medical advice. If you have symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.