Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) is a naturally occurring peptide that is normally synthesized in the hypothalamus and targets multiple sites, including some within the brainstem.
DSIP has been described as a sleep promoting substance rather than a sedative. There is a modulating effect on sleep and wake functions with more significant activity in circumstances where sleep is disturbed.
When single and multiple injections of DSIP were given in a controlled double blind study, disturbed sleep was normalized, and better performance and increased alertness were seen during awake cycles along with improved stress tolerance and coping behavior.