DSIP Research History: A Cited Timeline

DSIP research began in 1977 and produced a burst of animal and small human studies through the 1980s and early 1990s. A 2006 review described the sleep hypothesis as still unresolved.

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Timeline

  1. 1977

    Historical finding

    Schoenenberger and Monnier characterize a peptide that enhances delta and spindle EEG activity after intraventricular infusion in rabbits.[1]

  2. 1981

    Human research

    Acute intravenous DSIP (25 nmol/kg) is tested in six middle-aged chronic insomniacs; authors report longer, higher-quality sleep.[3]

  3. 1984

    Historical finding

    A review summarizes DSIP as a nonapeptide of MW 849 that induced mainly delta sleep in rabbits, rats, mice and humans. An open clinical series in seven severe insomniacs is also published.[2], [4]

  4. 1986

    Historical finding

    An updated review covers the growing literature on DSIP.[5]

  5. 1987

    Conflicting / inconclusive evidence

    A double-blind crossover study finds no significant difference from placebo nights, while a placebo-controlled study of 14 insomniacs reports improved sleep and daytime function.[6], [7]

  6. 1992

    Conflicting / inconclusive evidence

    A double-blind study of 16 insomniacs finds weak effects and concludes short-term DSIP treatment is not likely to be of major therapeutic benefit.[8]

  7. 2006

    Historical finding

    A review calls the DSIP sleep hypothesis "extremely poorly documented and still weak" and notes the absence of an identified gene, protein precursor or receptor.[9]

Why was it named Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide?

It was named for the delta EEG enhancement seen after infusing the synthetic peptide in rabbits in 1977.[1], [9]

The name was given before the peptide's natural function was understood, and later work has not confirmed a defined physiological role in sleep.

Cited sources are listed on the references page.

Research Use Only

For educational and research reference only. Not medical advice. Not for human or animal use. Research peptides are Research Use Only (RUO).