Longevity, sleep & cognition

DSIP

Delta sleep-inducing peptide: a nine-amino-acid peptide first identified through changes in sleep-related brain waves.

The peptide behind the initials.

DSIP takes its name from early experiments that increased slow, delta-wave activity in rabbits. These brain waves are associated with deep sleep. Human studies have also measured sleep duration, sleep quality, and daytime alertness.

How it works.

Nine amino acids: DSIP is a nonapeptide with the abbreviated sequence WAGGDASGE.
Delta-wave activity: Delta waves are slow electrical oscillations associated with deep non-REM sleep.
Sleep measurement: EEG recordings measure changes in brain-wave activity across waking and sleep stages.

Useful terms

Nonapeptide: A peptide containing nine amino acids.
EEG: Electroencephalography: a recording of electrical activity in the brain.
Sleep architecture: The structure and sequence of sleep stages during a sleep period.

Results.

Small controlled human studies

Changes in sleep and daytime alertness.

A 1987 study of 14 people reported better sleep and daytime performance after seven nights of treatment. A 1992 study of 16 people found small changes in measured sleep efficiency and time to fall asleep, but no improvement in self-rated sleep quality.

Seven-night study · Schneider-Helmert, 1987 Five-night study · Bes et al., 1992

Risks, concerns & drawbacks.

Consistency: The small trials produced different results. A change in recorded brain waves or sleep efficiency may not match how rested a person feels.
Repeated use: The studies above followed treatment over days. Side-effect frequencies and effects over months of repeated use remain poorly described.

Controlled sleep-study details