Sleep
Research compounds studied for supporting growth hormone release during sleep, restoring circadian rhythm function, and improving sleep architecture and quality.
Most researched for Sleep
Ipamorelin
The most widely used entry point for sleep-focused GH protocols. Selectively stimulates a clean GH pulse via ghrelin receptors without meaningfully raising cortisol or prolactin - making it more precise than older GHRPs. When taken 30 minutes before sleep, the GH pulse aligns with natural slow-wave sleep cycles.
Ibutamoren
aka MK-677, MK-677, Nutrobal
How it works: Selectively binds GHSR-1a; stimulates pituitary GH and IGF-1; oral bioavailability; ~24h action
GH and IGF-1 elevation; muscle mass; recovery; sleep quality; anti-aging
Dosage range
10-25 mg, Once daily (oral)
Administration
Oral
Timing
Evening (aligns with GH pulse and sleep)
Cycle length
8–12 wks on; 4–8 wks off; long-term use debated
CJC-1295 (without DAC) / Modified GRF 1-29
aka CJC-1295 no DAC, Mod GRF 1-29, GHRH(1-29)
How it works: Extends and amplifies the GH pulse by stimulating GHRH receptors, combining with GHRPs for stronger GH release.
GH pulse stimulation (combined with GHRP); body recomposition; sleep; recovery
Dosage range
100-300 mcg, 1–3×/day (combined with GHRP)
Administration
SubQ
Timing
Pre-bed (15 min before sleep); or pre-workout; ALWAYS with GHRP
Cycle length
8–16 wks on; 4–6 wks off
Ipamorelin
aka NNC 26-0161
How it works: Selectively stimulates GH release via ghrelin receptors without raising cortisol or prolactin.
GH pulse stimulation; body recomposition; recovery; sleep quality
Dosage range
200-300 mcg, 1–3×/day (pre-bed most common)
Administration
SubQ / IM
Timing
Pre-bed; or pre-workout
Cycle length
8–12 wks on; 4 wks off
Sermorelin
aka GHRH(1-29)
How it works: Binds pituitary GHRH receptor; stimulates natural pulsatile GH release; shorter half-life than modified GRF 1-29 analogs
GH stimulation; body composition; sleep; anti-aging (clinic use)
Dosage range
100-500 mcg, Once daily pre-bed
Administration
SubQ
Timing
Pre-bed on empty stomach
Cycle length
8–16 weeks
CJC-1295 with DAC
aka CJC-1295 DAC, Drug Affinity Complex CJC-1295
How it works: Binds GHRH receptor; DAC linker covalently bonds to plasma albumin → ~6–8 day half-life; produces tonic GH elevation rather than physiological pulsatile release
Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation; body composition; anti-aging; less frequent dosing
Dosage range
1-2 mg, Once or twice per week
Administration
SubQ
Timing
Any time (long half-life)
Cycle length
8–12 weeks
Epitalon
aka Epithalon, Epithalon, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
How it works: Activates telomerase enzyme to support telomere length maintenance and stimulates pineal melatonin production.
Anti-aging; telomere elongation; circadian rhythm regulation
Dosage range
5-10 mg, Daily ×10–20 day cycle
Administration
SC / IM / Intranasal
Timing
AM or PM (no strong data)
Cycle length
10–20 days; 2× per year
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide
aka DSIP, DSIP, Emideltide, Delta sleep peptide
How it works: A naturally occurring neuropeptide studied for its role in promoting slow-wave sleep onset.
Sleep induction; sleep quality improvement; delta wave enhancement
Dosage range
100-300 mcg, Once 30–60 min before bed
Administration
SubQ / IM
Timing
30–60 min before intended sleep
Cycle length
2–4 wks on; break
Sermorelin + Ipamorelin
aka Combo, Sermorelin + Ipamorelin Clinic Combination
How it works: Sermorelin stimulates GHRH receptor; Ipamorelin stimulates ghrelin receptor; combined 2–3× GH pulse vs either alone; same mechanism as CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipa but uses Sermorelin (older GHRH analog)
GH axis optimization via two-compound synergistic protocol; body composition; sleep; anti-aging
Dosage range
200-300 mcg each, Pre-bed daily or 5 on/2 off
Administration
SubQ
Timing
Pre-bed 15–30 min; 2h fast preferred
Cycle length
8–16 wks on; 4–6 wks off
Epitalon Oral
aka Oral Epitalon, Oral Epithalon capsules
How it works: Same mechanism as injectable Epitalon; small tetrapeptide may survive GI digestion partially; oral bioavailability claimed by manufacturers; FDA PCAC review (same compound)
Telomere support; circadian regulation; anti-aging — oral route convenience
Dosage range
20-30 mg, Daily (oral)
Administration
Oral
Timing
Morning
Cycle length
10–20 day course; 2× per year
Pinealon
aka EDR, Glu-Asp-Arg
How it works: Binds DNA regions in brain/retinal cells; stimulates neuroprotective gene expression; anti-apoptotic; antioxidant in neural tissue; Khavinson bioregulator targeting brain involution
Cognitive aging protection; neuroprotection; sleep/circadian modulation
Dosage range
5-10 mg, Daily ×10 day course
Administration
SC / Intranasal
Timing
AM preferred
Cycle length
10 days; 2× per year
Example stacks
Sleep - Beginner
Ipamorelin alone before bed is the most widely used and safest entry point. Clean GH pulse with minimal side effects, aligned with deep sleep cycles.
- • Inject 30 minutes before sleep
- • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
- • Eat your last meal 2+ hrs before injecting
Sleep - Intermediate
CJC-1295 extends and amplifies the GH pulse Ipamorelin initiates. The result is a deeper, longer GH release during sleep.
- • Mix in the same syringe - no need for two injections
- • Run 5 days on, 2 days off
- • Track sleep quality with a wearable if possible
Community outcome data
Collected from users researching this goal. Not a clinical database - for general reference only.
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