DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) vs Humanin

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

DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)Humanin
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 100-300 mcg administered before bedtime via subcutaneous injection or intranasal.Research indicates dosing remains experimental. Animal studies use 1-10 mcg/day equivalents. Human protocols are not established.
Timing30-60 minutes before desired sleep onset. Evening only.No established timing protocol. Morning dosing suggested for neuroprotective applications.
Cycle Duration2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods to prevent tolerance.Experimental — no established cycle lengths.
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
B

Humanin

Peptides

Mechanism

Humanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 16S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. It binds IGFBP-3 with high affinity (via Phe-6), interfering with IGFBP-3 binding to importin-beta and suppressing IGFBP-3-mediated apoptosis. It also inhibits the pro-apoptotic protein Bax (Bcl-2 family), preventing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and intrinsic apoptosis. Humanin and IGFBP-3 synergistically protect neurons from amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis, and it activates the STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways for cytoprotection.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates dosing remains experimental. Animal studies use 1-10 mcg/day equivalents. Human protocols are not established.

Timing

No established timing protocol. Morning dosing suggested for neuroprotective applications.

Cycle Duration

Experimental — no established cycle lengths.

Side Effects

  • Limited data on side effects in humans
  • Theoretical: interference with normal apoptotic processes

Contraindications

  • Active cancer (anti-apoptotic effects could support tumor survival)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

MOTS-cEpitalonSS-31

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