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.
Sermorelin
aka GHRH (1-29), GRF 1-29, Geref
Sermorelin, sold under the brand Geref, is a synthetic peptide identical to the first 29 amino acids of human growth hormone releasing hormone, the portion responsible for its activity. It binds GHRH receptors in the pituitary and stimulates the natural production and release of growth hormone. It was FDA approved for evaluating pituitary function and for growth hormone deficiency in children, but the branded product was later discontinued for commercial reasons.
How it works: It activates pituitary growth hormone releasing hormone receptors, prompting the gland to secrete growth hormone naturally.
Growth hormone deficiency; pituitary function testing; adult GH decline; body composition
Research dose
100-500 mcg, Once daily pre-bed
Real-world (reported)
200–300 mcg pre-bed SubQ. Stack with ipamorelin 200 mcg for synergy.
Administration
SubQ
Timing
Pre-bed on empty stomach
Cycle length
8–16 weeks
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Injection site reactions; flushing; headache; dizziness; nausea
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Considered the 'classic' GHRH; less potent than CJC-1295 no DAC but well-tolerated. Often first Rx GH peptide prescribed by clinics.
- Onset
- GH pulse 30 min; body composition weeks–months
- Half-life
- Approximately 12 minutes
- Storage
- Dry: Fridge 2–8°C; freeze long-term · Reconstituted: Refrigerate; use within 28 days
- Reconstitution
- Add 2 mL BAC water to 3 mg vial = 1.5 mg/mL; 100 mcg = ~6.7 IU
- Rare side effects
- Joint pain at high doses; blood sugar changes
- Contraindications
- Active malignancy; pregnancy; hypothyroidism (treat first); Active malignancy or history of cancer (GH-dependent tumors); Hypersensitivity to sermorelin or GHRH analogs; Acute critical illness (GH may worsen outcomes in critically ill patients); Active proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Drug interactions
- Glucocorticoids blunt response
- Recommended bloodwork
- IGF-1 (baseline + 4–8 wks); fasting glucose
- Stacks well with
- Ipamorelin: recommended combination. Less potent than Mod GRF 1-29 but well-studied.
- Secondary uses
- IGF-1 elevation; muscle preservation; skin quality
- Legal status
- Approved
- Typical price
- $30–$60 / 3 mg vial
- Research evidence
- Approved - large human trials
- Indications
- Growth hormone deficiency diagnostic testing; Anti-aging and regenerative medicine research; GH secretion stimulation studies; Combined GHRH/GHRP protocol investigations
- Chemical data
- CAS 86168-78-7 · C149H246N44O42S · 3357.88 Da
- Amino acids
- 235 aa
Key risk: The most serious documented risk is a rare hypersensitivity reaction at or around the injection site.
MK-677
aka Ibutamoren, MK-0677, Nutrobal
MK-677, also called ibutamoren, is an orally active non-peptide compound that mimics the hormone ghrelin and acts as a growth hormone secretagogue. In human trials it raised growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and increased fat-free mass. It is not a peptide and it is not approved for human use. Documented effects include increased appetite, fluid retention, and reduced insulin sensitivity.
How it works: It activates the ghrelin receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus, stimulating release of the body's own growth hormone.
Growth hormone research; body composition; appetite research; bone density research
Research dose
10-25 mg, Once daily (oral)
Real-world (reported)
10–25 mg nightly. Many prefer 10–12.5 mg long-term. 5 on/2 off used by some.
Administration
Oral
Timing
Evening (aligns with GH pulse and sleep)
Cycle length
8–12 wks on; 4–8 wks off; long-term use debated
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Increased appetite; peripheral edema; muscle pain; raised fasting glucose; decreased insulin sensitivity
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Very widely used. Sleep improvement and vivid dreams. 10 mg preferred for fewer sides.
- Onset
- Appetite increase within days; body composition 8+ wks
- Half-life
- Not established in humans
- Storage
- Dry: Room temp; dry; away from heat/moisture
- Reconstitution
- N/A (oral)
- Rare side effects
- Insulin resistance/glucose elevation (significant at 25 mg); theoretical tumor risk
- Contraindications
- Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance; active malignancy; pregnancy; History of or risk factors for congestive heart failure (identified safety signa; Diabetes mellitus or prediabetes (MK-677 increases fasting glucose and reduces i; Active malignancy or history of cancer (elevated IGF-1 may promote tumor growth); Not approved for human use; investigational compound onlyFrequency distribution
- Drug interactions
- Insulin/antidiabetics (glucose monitoring); CNS depressants (additive sedation)
- Recommended bloodwork
- IGF-1 (baseline + 4–8 wks); fasting glucose; HbA1c; fasting insulin
- Stacks well with
- CJC-1295+Ipamorelin: triple GH stimulation (monitor IGF-1). BPC-157: recovery stack.
- Secondary uses
- Bone density; fat loss; cognitive function; skin quality
- Legal status
- Investigational
- Typical price
- $30–$70 / month supply
- Research evidence
- Human trials - phase 2 or 3
- Indications
- Growth hormone deficiency (investigational); Age-related sarcopenia and frailty (investigational); Bone density and osteoporosis research; Body composition improvement in elderly populations
- Chemical data
- CAS 159634-47-6 · C27H36N4O5S · 528.67 Da
- Amino acids
- 51 aa
Key risk: Reduced insulin sensitivity and raised blood glucose, which may unmask or worsen impaired glucose tolerance.
Oveporexton
aka TAK-861
Oveporexton is an investigational oral small molecule that selectively activates the orexin receptor 2. It is being developed for narcolepsy type 1, a disorder caused by loss of orexin-producing neurons. Two pivotal phase 3 trials reported improvements across wakefulness, daytime sleepiness, and cataplexy measures versus placebo. It is not approved; a new drug application is under FDA priority review.
How it works: It is a selective orexin receptor 2 agonist that restores deficient orexin signaling in narcolepsy type 1 to promote wakefulness.
Narcolepsy type 1; excessive daytime sleepiness; cataplexy; disturbed nighttime sleep
Administration
Oral
Timing
Taken as oral tablets twice daily (morning and evening); onset of clinical improvement observed within the first weeks of treatment
Cycle length
12 weeks (Phase 3)
Common side effects: Insomnia; urinary urgency; urinary frequency
- Half-life
- Not established
- Contraindications
- No specific contraindications have been formally established as oveporexton is i; Patients with severe hepatic impairment should be evaluated individually (althou; Caution in patients with pre-existing insomnia or sleep-onset difficulty, as ove; Orexin receptor antagonists (suvorexant, lemborexant): C
- Legal status
- Investigational
- Research evidence
- Human trials - phase 2 or 3
- Indications
- Narcolepsy type 1 (excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy); Narcolepsy type 2 (under investigation)
- Chemical data
- CAS 2460722-04-5 · C23H25F5N2O4S · 520.52 Da
- Amino acids
- 170 aa
Ipamorelin
aka IPA, NNC 26-0161
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that acts as a selective growth hormone secretagogue, binding the ghrelin receptor to trigger release of growth hormone from the pituitary. Unlike some related compounds it does not meaningfully raise cortisol or prolactin. It was investigated in human trials for postoperative ileus but development was discontinued after it did not show clear efficacy, and it is not approved for any use.
How it works: It selectively activates the ghrelin receptor on the pituitary to stimulate growth hormone release.
Growth hormone stimulation; postoperative ileus; body composition; bone metabolism
Research dose
5-2000 mcg/ml, Daily for 21 days
Real-world (reported)
200–300 mcg pre-bed with CJC-1295 no DAC. No food 2h before for best GH pulse.
Administration
SubQ / IM
Timing
Pre-bed; or pre-workout
Cycle length
8–12 wks on; 4 wks off
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Not established
Community take: [ANECDOTAL – r/Peptides] Most recommended entry GHRP. Sleep improvement within 1–2 wks.
- Onset
- GH pulse 30 min; body composition weeks–months
- Half-life
- Approximately 2 hours
- Storage
- Dry: Fridge 2–8°C; freeze >12 mo; protect from light · Reconstituted: Refrigerate; use within 28 days
- Reconstitution
- Add 2 mL BAC water to 2 mg vial = 1 mg/mL; 200 mcg = 20 IU
- Rare side effects
- Cortisol elevation at very high doses (rare); joint pain at high doses (rare)
- Contraindications
- Active malignancy; pregnancy; diabetes (monitor glucose); acromegaly; Pregnancy (excluded from clinical trials; unknown fetal risk); Significant hepatic or renal impairment; Active cancer (theoretical risk from GH/IGF-1 elevation); Clinically significant ECG abnormalities or unstable cardiac statusFrequency dis
- Drug interactions
- Insulin (timing); glucocorticoids may blunt GH response
- Recommended bloodwork
- IGF-1 (baseline + 4 wks); fasting glucose; HbA1c if diabetic
- Stacks well with
- CJC-1295 no DAC: synergistic 2–3× GH pulse — primary recommended stack. MK-677: oral complement.
- Secondary uses
- Anti-aging; injury healing; bone density; improved IGF-1
- Legal status
- Investigational
- Typical price
- $20–$45 / 2 mg vial
- Research evidence
- Human trials - phase 2 or 3
- Indications
- Growth hormone secretion research; Body composition and metabolism studies; Anti-aging and regenerative medicine research; Synergistic GH-release protocol investigations
- Chemical data
- CAS 170851-70-4 · C38H49N9O5 · 711.85 Da
- Amino acids
- 229 aa
Pinealon
aka EDR, Glu-Asp-Arg
Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide of glutamate, aspartate, and arginine, also called EDR, from the Khavinson family of short peptide bioregulators. Research suggests it may enter cells and bind DNA promoter regions, influencing expression of genes tied to neuronal survival and oxidative stress. It has been studied in cell and animal models mainly for neuroprotection, cognitive function, and cellular aging processes.
How it works: It is thought to enter cells and bind DNA promoter regions, modulating expression of genes involved in neuronal survival and oxidative stress.
Neuroprotection research; cognitive function; oxidative stress; cellular aging
Research dose
5-10 mg, Daily ×10 day course
Real-world (reported)
5–10 mg SC daily ×10 days; 2 cycles/year.
Administration
SC / Intranasal
Timing
AM preferred
Cycle length
10 days; 2× per year
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Not established
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Positive reports of improved mental clarity, memory, sleep during course. Small enthusiast community.
- Onset
- Subjective cognitive improvement 1–2 wks of course
- Half-life
- Not established
- Storage
- Dry: Fridge 2–8°C; freeze long-term · Reconstituted: Refrigerate; use within 28 days
- Reconstitution
- Add 1 mL BAC water to 10 mg vial = 10 mg/mL
- Rare side effects
- Very limited Western safety data
- Contraindications
- Active malignancy; pregnancy; Pregnancy and lactation: no human safety data; epigenetic DNA/histone interactio; Active or recent cancer: preclinical signals of anti-apoptotic and proliferative; Immunocompromised individuals: Pinealon reduces neutrophil ROS/respiratory burst
- Drug interactions
- No significant documented interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- Cognitive assessments; optional BDNF
- Stacks well with
- Epitalon: anti-aging stack. Cortagen: brain + heart Khavinson protocol.
- Secondary uses
- Brain anti-aging; memory preservation; anti-Alzheimer's (preclinical)
- Legal status
- Preclinical Research
- Typical price
- $30–$70 / 10 mg vial
- Research evidence
- Animal studies only
- Indications
- Neuroprotection and cognitive function research; Peptide bioregulation studies; Epigenetic modulation investigations; Aging and neurodegeneration research
- Chemical data
- CAS 175175-23-2 · C15H24N4O9 · 404.37 Da
- Amino acids
- 17 aa
Sermorelin + Ipamorelin
This entry is a combination of two separate peptides rather than a single molecule. Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of the first twenty-nine amino acids of growth-hormone-releasing hormone, and ipamorelin is a selective growth-hormone secretagogue acting as a ghrelin receptor agonist. They are paired in research to promote pituitary growth hormone release through complementary pathways.
How it works: It pairs a GHRH analog with a selective ghrelin receptor agonist to stimulate pituitary growth hormone release.
Growth hormone research; body composition research; endocrine study
Research dose
200-300 mcg each, Pre-bed daily or 5 on/2 off
Real-world (reported)
Same as CJC+Ipa: 200–300 mcg each pre-bed SubQ. 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
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Injection site reactions; flushing; headache; transient dizziness
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Standard Rx anti-aging clinic protocol. 'What the clinic prescribed.' Community has largely switched to CJC-1295 no DAC for gray-market use (more potent and available).
- Onset
- GH pulse 30 min; sleep 1–2 wks; body composition 8–12 wks
- Half-life
- Not established
- Storage
- Dry: Fridge 2–8°C; freeze blended vials ≤7 days · Reconstituted: Refrigerate; use within 28 days
- Reconstitution
- Blended vial per compounding pharmacy instructions; or reconstitute separately
- Rare side effects
- Same as CJC+Ipa; joint pain at high dose; glucose changes
- Contraindications
- Active malignancy; pregnancy; hypothyroidism (treat first)
- Drug interactions
- Glucocorticoids; insulin
- Recommended bloodwork
- IGF-1 (baseline + 4–8 wks); fasting glucose; thyroid
- Stacks well with
- Note: CJC-1295 no DAC has replaced Sermorelin in most community use. Sermorelin still used in Rx anti-aging clinics.
- Secondary uses
- Same as CJC+Ipa but using Sermorelin (shorter half-life GHRH; was FDA-approved)
- Legal status
- US: Compounding pharmacy Rx; gray-market research chemical · UK: Legal for research; Rx compounding · Canada: Legal · Australia: Schedule 4 (Rx) · EU: Varies
- Typical price
- $40–$80 / blended vial
- Research evidence
- Minimal published research
DSIP
aka Emideltide, Delta sleep-inducing peptide, WAGGDASGE
Delta sleep-inducing peptide is a naturally occurring nonapeptide first isolated in 1974 from the blood of sleeping rabbits. Its mechanism is not fully understood, but it appears to influence sleep-regulating and stress-response pathways and is degraded quickly in blood. It has been studied in small human and animal experiments for sleep, stress, pain, and substance withdrawal, and it is not approved for any medical use.
How it works: It is an endogenous nonapeptide thought to modulate sleep-regulating and stress-response pathways, though its exact mechanism is unresolved.
Sleep regulation; stress response; opioid withdrawal; pain modulation
Research dose
100-300 mcg, Once 30–60 min before bed
Real-world (reported)
100–200 mcg SubQ 30–60 min before bed. Short cycles 2 wks on/1 wk off. Some titrate to 300 mcg.
Administration
SubQ / IM
Timing
30–60 min before intended sleep
Cycle length
2–4 wks on; break
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Not established
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Polarizing: some report dramatic deep sleep improvement; others notice nothing. Vivid dreams commonly reported.
- Onset
- Sleep effects within 30–60 min
- Half-life
- Approximately 15 minutes
- Storage
- Dry: Fridge 2–8°C; protect from light; freeze long storage · Reconstituted: Refrigerate; use within 28 days
- Reconstitution
- Add 1 mL BAC water to 1 mg vial = 1 mg/mL; 200 mcg = 20 IU
- Rare side effects
- HPA axis effects long-term; withdrawal effects if used daily extended periods
- Contraindications
- Seizure disorders; pregnancy; sleep apnea; Pregnancy and breastfeeding (no safety data); Known hypersensitivity to DSIP or its components; Severe hepatic or renal impairment (no pharmacokinetic data); Children and adolescents (no pediatric safety data)Frequency distribution of rep
- Drug interactions
- CNS depressants (additive); anxiolytics
- Recommended bloodwork
- No standard BW; optional cortisol (AM) long-term
- Stacks well with
- Selank: anxiolysis + sleep synergy. Semax (day) + DSIP (night): daytime cognition + nighttime recovery.
- Secondary uses
- Stress hormone modulation; pain management; anti-epileptic (preclinical); withdrawal assistance
- Legal status
- Preclinical Research
- Typical price
- $30–$60 / 1 mg vial
- Research evidence
- Human trials - early or small
- Indications
- Sleep regulation research; Stress response modulation studies; Neuroendocrine function investigations
- Chemical data
- CAS 62568-57-4 · C35H48N10O15 · 849 Da
- Amino acids
- 35 aa
CJC-1295 DAC
aka DAC:GRF, Modified GRF(1-29) with DAC
CJC-1295 with DAC is a synthetic long-acting analog of growth hormone releasing hormone that carries a drug affinity complex, allowing it to bind serum albumin and circulate for days. It stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone and raise IGF-1 over an extended period. It was tested in early human trials for its endocrine effects, but development was discontinued and it has no medical approval.
How it works: It binds serum albumin through a drug affinity complex and stimulates pituitary growth hormone release, raising IGF-1 for several days.
Growth hormone stimulation; IGF-1 elevation; body composition research; recovery research; endocrine research
Research dose
1-2 mg, Once or twice per week
Real-world (reported)
1–2 mg SubQ 1–2×/week. Less popular than no-DAC version in community.
Administration
SubQ
Timing
Any time (long half-life)
Cycle length
8–12 weeks
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Injection site reactions; facial flushing; headache; water retention; transient dizziness
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Convenient (once or twice weekly). However community has moved toward CJC-1295 no DAC for more physiological pulsatile profile. 'Blunts natural rhythm.'
- Onset
- GH/IGF-1 elevation within days; sustained; body composition weeks–months
- Half-life
- Approximately 7 days
- Storage
- Dry: Fridge 2–8°C; freeze long-term · Reconstituted: Refrigerate; use within 28 days
- Reconstitution
- Add 2 mL BAC water to 2 mg vial = 1 mg/mL; 1 mg dose = 100 IU
- Rare side effects
- IGF-1 elevation beyond normal range (tonic elevation risk); tumor promotion (theoretical); joint pain
- Contraindications
- Active malignancy; pregnancy; hypothyroidism; Active malignancy or history of cancer (GH/IGF-1 may promote tumor growth); Pregnancy and breastfeeding (no safety data); Known hypersensitivity to CJC-1295 or any excipients; Uncontrolled diabetes (GH elevation may worsen glucose tolerance)
- Drug interactions
- Glucocorticoids; insulin
- Recommended bloodwork
- IGF-1 (baseline + every 4–6 wks; more important than with short-acting); fasting glucose; thyroid
- Stacks well with
- Does NOT need to be stacked with GHRP as urgently as no-DAC. Some stack with ipamorelin for added pulse.
- Secondary uses
- Muscle preservation; fat loss; sleep quality
- Legal status
- Withdrawn From Market
- Typical price
- $30–$70 / 2 mg vial
- Research evidence
- Human trials - early or small
- Indications
- Growth hormone deficiency research; Age-related GH decline investigation; Body composition research; Anti-aging and longevity research
- Chemical data
- CAS 863288-34-0 · C165H271N47O46 · 3647.28 Da
- Amino acids
- 38 aa
Cortistatin
aka CST-14, Cortistatin-14, CST-17
Cortistatin is a neuropeptide structurally related to somatostatin that shares most somatostatin receptor binding while also engaging the ghrelin receptor. Preclinical research associates it with modulation of slow-wave sleep, cortical activity, and suppression of inflammatory and immune responses. It is studied as an endogenous signaling molecule rather than a marketed therapy, and human data remain limited.
How it works: It binds somatostatin receptors and the ghrelin receptor, modulating neuronal excitability, cortical rhythms, and immune signaling.
Sleep and cortical rhythm research; anti-inflammatory research; autoimmune models; neuroendocrine research
Administration
IV
Timing
Preclinical routes only (ICV and IP in animal models). No clinically applicable route has been established for human use.
Cycle length
Acute single-dose to 10 days
Common side effects: Not established
- Half-life
- Not established
- Contraindications
- No formal contraindications established as cortistatin has not entered human cli; Theoretical concern in patients with growth hormone deficiency due to potential; Theoretical concern in patients with diabetes due to potential effects on insuli; Somatostatin analogs (octreotide, lanreotide): Potential additive effects on s
- Legal status
- Preclinical Research
- Research evidence
- Animal studies only
- Indications
- Sleep regulation research (slow-wave sleep promotion); Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory research; Neuroprotection and cortical excitability studies; Anticonvulsant research
- Chemical data
- CAS 193829-96-8 · C81H113N19O19S2 · 1721.01 Da
- Amino acids
- 69 aa
Epitalon Oral
aka Oral Epitalon
This entry is an oral presentation of Epitalon, the synthetic tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly modeled on a pineal preparation. It is the same molecule as the existing Epitalon row and is not a separate compound. Epitalon is studied for reported effects on melatonin, telomerase activity, and aging markers, largely in animal models and small human studies. Oral peptide bioavailability is generally low.
How it works: It is reported to influence pineal and neuroendocrine signaling and telomerase activity in preclinical work.
Longevity research; telomere biology; aging studies
Research dose
20-30 mg, Daily (oral)
Real-world (reported)
20–30 mg oral daily ×10–20 consecutive days. 2 cycles/year.
Administration
Oral
Timing
Morning
Cycle length
10–20 day course; 2× per year
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Not established
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Many longevity users prefer oral for convenience vs injectable. Debate: injectable may have superior bioavailability. Community divided.
- Onset
- Sleep effects 1–2 wks; biomarker changes months
- Half-life
- Not established
- Storage
- Dry: Room temperature; dry
- Reconstitution
- N/A (pre-formulated)
- Rare side effects
- Same theoretical concerns as injectable; less studied than injectable
- Contraindications
- Active malignancy (theoretical); pregnancy
- Drug interactions
- No significant interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- Melatonin; telomere length (research context)
- Stacks well with
- Thymalin: immune complement. GHK-Cu: tissue repair longevity stack.
- Secondary uses
- Oral convenience vs injectable; lower bioavailability debated
- Legal status
- US: Research use only; PCAC July 2026 · UK: Legal for research · Canada: Legal research chemical · Australia: Schedule 4 · EU: Unregulated
- Typical price
- $30–$60 / pack
- Research evidence
- Human trials - early or small
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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