Best peptides for sleep
Peptides with proposed sleep-modulating properties act through several different mechanisms — direct delta-wave induction, circadian rhythm regulation via melatonin, and anxiolytic effects that indirectly improve sleep onset. The catalog of well-evidenced sleep peptides is small; most evidence comes from animal studies or small, non-peer-reviewed clinical trials. As we expand the catalog, this list will grow.
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DSIP
Tier 2–3 — Human study dataDSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a nine-amino-acid neuropeptide originally isolated from rabbit cerebral venous blood during slow-wave sleep. Small human studies have shown potential effects on sleep architecture, including increased slow-wave (delta) sleep. Evidence is limited by small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity across the published literature.
Full DSIP profile → - 2
Epitalon
Tier 3–4 — PreclinicalEpitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the pineal gland. Studies — primarily from Russian research groups — have proposed that it regulates melatonin secretion and restores circadian rhythm function in aged animals and humans. Its sleep-relevant mechanism is indirect (melatonin pathway) rather than direct delta-wave induction.
Full Epitalon profile → - 3
Selank
Tier 3–4 — PreclinicalSelank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin. Its proposed sleep benefit is indirect — via anxiolytic and adaptogenic properties that reduce the stress-driven arousal that often impairs sleep onset. Small Russian clinical studies suggest anxiolytic effects. Administered intranasally. Not a primary sleep compound; better characterized as a stress-modulating peptide.
Full Selank profile →
Sleep peptide research is an active but thin field. Evidence tiers reflect our classification of research quality. See our methodology page for how we evaluate evidence.
How we evaluate evidence →