DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) vs Epitalon (Epithalon)

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

✅ Stacking Partners — These compounds are commonly used together and may have synergistic effects.
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)Epitalon (Epithalon)
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 100-300 mcg administered before bedtime via subcutaneous injection or intranasal.Research indicates 5-10 mg daily via subcutaneous injection for 10-20 day cycles.
Timing30-60 minutes before desired sleep onset. Evening only.Evening administration preferred (aligns with pineal/melatonin function). Some protocols split doses AM/PM.
Cycle Duration2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods to prevent tolerance.10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 4-6 months. Not used continuously.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalanimal_plus_anecdotal

Mechanism

DSIP is a naturally occurring nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) originally isolated from rabbit brain hypothalamus in 1977. It modulates GABAergic neurotransmission by potentiating GABA-activated currents in hippocampal and cerebellar neurons while blocking NMDA-activated potentiation in cortical neurons. It also interacts with opioid-associated receptors, modulates serotonin and dopamine systems (increasing serotonin levels), and promotes delta wave (slow-wave) sleep through mechanisms that remain incompletely characterized.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered before bedtime via subcutaneous injection or intranasal.

Timing

30-60 minutes before desired sleep onset. Evening only.

Cycle Duration

2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods to prevent tolerance.

Side Effects

  • Morning grogginess
  • Vivid dreams
  • Mild headache
  • Transient hypotension

Contraindications

  • Sleep apnea (may worsen)
  • Respiratory depression risk
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

EpitalonSelank

Mechanism

Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly / AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on the natural pineal gland peptide epithalamin. It activates telomerase by inducing expression of the catalytic subunit hTERT, resulting in telomere elongation averaging 33.3% in human somatic cells. Epitalon restores pineal melatonin synthesis and circadian gene expression in aged organisms, increases BDNF, and upregulates CREB1. It also modulates the neuroendocrine system through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and antioxidant enzyme regulation.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 5-10 mg daily via subcutaneous injection for 10-20 day cycles.

Timing

Evening administration preferred (aligns with pineal/melatonin function). Some protocols split doses AM/PM.

Cycle Duration

10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 4-6 months. Not used continuously.

Side Effects

  • Injection site irritation
  • Mild drowsiness (evening dosing)
  • Vivid dreams

Contraindications

  • Active cancer (telomerase activation concern)
  • History of cancer within 5 years
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

GHK-CuMOTS-cHumanin

Not sure which is right for you?

Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.

Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →