DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) vs Ipamorelin

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

DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)Ipamorelin
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 100-300 mcg administered before bedtime via subcutaneous injection or intranasal.Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
Timing30-60 minutes before desired sleep onset. Evening only.Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.
Cycle Duration2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods to prevent tolerance.12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalmoderate_human

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

Ipamorelin

Peptides

Mechanism

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) agonist. Unlike other GHRPs, it selectively stimulates GH release without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — even at doses 200-fold above the ED50 for GH release. This selectivity profile is comparable to GHRH itself but operates through the distinct ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.

Timing

Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.

Cycle Duration

12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.

Side Effects

  • Head rush post-injection
  • Mild hunger increase (less than GHRP-6)
  • Water retention (mild)
  • Tingling in extremities
  • Injection site irritation

Contraindications

  • Active cancer
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

CJC-1295 (no DAC)BPC-157TB-500

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 →