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, MK-0677
How it works: An oral compound that signals your body to release more of its own growth hormone, studied for muscle growth, recovery, and deeper sleep.
GH and IGF-1 elevation; muscle mass; recovery; sleep quality; anti-aging
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 (strong); water retention; fatigue first 2 wks; mild joint pain
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
- ~24h
- 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
- Research status
- Multiple Phase 2 human trials; no FDA approval; investigational drug status
- FDA status
- No
- Legal status
- US: Not FDA-approved; investigational drug; sold as research chemical · UK: Legal to import as research chemical · Canada: Legal research chemical · Australia: Schedule 4 · EU: Research chemical most EU
- Typical price
- $30–$70 / month supply
- Research evidence
- moderate
- 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
ipamorelin acetate
aka IPA, NNC 26-0161
How it works: Selectively stimulates GH release via ghrelin receptors without raising cortisol or prolactin.
Growth hormone secretion, reproductive axis stimulation
Research dose
5-30 µg, 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: Mild head rush/flushing; mild water retention; slightly increased hunger
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
- ~2h
- 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
- Research status
- Preclinical (animal model study)
- FDA status
- No
- Legal status
- US: Subject to FDA enforcement action and recall · UK: Legal for research · Canada: Legal research chemical · Australia: Schedule 4 · EU: Unregulated research chemical
- Typical price
- $20–$45 / 2 mg vial
- Research evidence
- low
- 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
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
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: Vivid dreams (commonly reported); mild next-day grogginess at high doses; rare nausea
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
- Minutes plasma
- 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
- Research status
- Limited human studies (1970s–1980s Swiss/German research); preclinical data; FDA PCAC April 2026
- FDA status
- No
- Legal status
- US: Research use only; PCAC July 2026 · UK: Legal for research · Canada: Legal research chemical · Australia: Schedule 4 · EU: Unregulated most EU
- Typical price
- $30–$60 / 1 mg vial
- Research evidence
- low
- Indications
- Sleep regulation research; Stress response modulation studies; Neuroendocrine function investigations
- Chemical data
- CAS 62568-57-4 · C35H48N10O15 · 849 Da
- Amino acids
- 35 aa
Sermorelin Acetate
aka Sermorelin, GHRH(1-29), GRF 1-29
How it works: Prompts the pituitary to release your own growth hormone in a natural pulse, studied for body composition, recovery, and sleep.
GH stimulation; body composition; sleep; anti-aging (clinic use)
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: Mild flushing/head rush; injection-site reactions; water retention
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
- ~10–20 min
- 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
- Research status
- Was FDA-approved (Geref, withdrawn 2008 by manufacturer); widely used in compounding practice; human data solid
- FDA status
- No (Rx compounded)
- Legal status
- US: Not FDA-approved (Geref withdrawn); compounding legal; gray-market research chemical · UK: Legal for research; Rx compounding available · Canada: Legal research chemical or Rx · Australia: Schedule 4 (Rx) · EU: Varies by member state
- Typical price
- $30–$60 / 3 mg vial
- Research evidence
- moderate
- 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
CJC-1295 with DAC
aka CJC-1295 DAC, Drug Affinity Complex CJC-1295, Modified GRF(1-29) with DAC
How it works: A long-acting growth-hormone booster that keeps GH and IGF-1 elevated for days from one dose, studied for body composition and anti-aging.
Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation; body composition; anti-aging; less frequent dosing
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: Fluid retention; numbness/tingling; water retention; flushing (less acute than pulsatile)
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
- ~6–8 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
- Research status
- Preclinical; human compounding clinical use; some concern about tonic vs pulsatile GH regarding safety
- FDA status
- No
- Legal status
- US: Research use only · UK: Legal for research · Canada: Legal research chemical · Australia: Schedule 4 · EU: Unregulated
- Typical price
- $30–$70 / 2 mg vial
- Research evidence
- moderate
- 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
Epitalon Oral
aka Oral Epitalon, Oral Epithalon capsules
How it works: An oral form of Epitalon, the telomere and sleep peptide, studied for circadian rhythm and anti-aging without injections.
Telomere support; circadian regulation; anti-aging — oral route convenience
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: Generally well tolerated; rare mild GI
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
- Variable
- 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
- Research status
- Same as injectable Epitalon; oral bioavailability based on peptide simplicity principle
- FDA status
- No
- 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
Sermorelin + Ipamorelin
aka Combo, Sermorelin + Ipamorelin Clinic Combination
How it works: Pairs two growth-hormone boosters - Sermorelin and Ipamorelin - to roughly double the GH pulse compared with either alone.
GH axis optimization via two-compound synergistic protocol; body composition; sleep; anti-aging
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: Same as CJC-1295+Ipa: flushing; water retention; head rush; hunger (milder than GHRP-6)
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
- Sermorelin ~10–20 min; Ipa ~2h
- 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)
- Research status
- Established anti-aging clinic protocol based on Sermorelin NDA data + ipamorelin preclinical/clinical experience
- FDA status
- No
- 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
Pinealon
aka EDR, Glu-Asp-Arg, EDR Peptide
How it works: A short brain peptide that switches on neuron-protecting genes, studied for sleep, cognition, and brain aging.
Cognitive aging protection; neuroprotection; sleep/circadian modulation
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: Generally well tolerated; mild injection-site reactions
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
- Hours
- 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)
- Research status
- Russian Khavinson lab animal and limited human studies; no Western RCTs
- FDA status
- No
- Legal status
- US: Research use only · UK: Legal for research · Canada: Legal research chemical · Australia: Schedule 4 · EU: Unregulated
- Typical price
- $30–$70 / 10 mg vial
- Research evidence
- low
- Indications
- Neuroprotection and cognitive function research; Peptide bioregulation studies; Epigenetic modulation investigations; Aging and neurodegeneration research
- Chemical data
- C15H24N4O9 · 404.37 Da
- Amino acids
- 17 aa
Cortistatin
aka CST-14, Cortistatin-14, CST-17
How it works: Cortistatin is a 14-amino-acid cyclic neuropeptide (CST-14) discovered in 1996 in the cerebral cortex. It shares 11 of 14 residues with somatostatin-14 but is encoded by a separate gene (CORT) and has distinct physiological functions. Cortistatin selectively promotes deep slow-wave sleep, exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects in models of IBD, sepsis, and arthritis, and regulates cortical excita
Sleep regulation research (slow-wave sleep promotion); Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory research; Neuroprotection and cortical excitability studies; Anticonvulsant 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
- Half-life
- Short (minutes); exact value not well characterized in humans
- 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
- Research status
- Preclinical
- FDA status
- Not approved
- Legal status
- US: Preclinical Research
- Research evidence
- low
- 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
Oveporexton
aka TAK-861, Suntinorexton
How it works: Oveporexton (TAK-861) is a first-in-class oral orexin receptor 2 (OX2R)-selective agonist developed by Takeda for the treatment of narcolepsy type 1 (NT1). It activates OX2R with an EC50 of 2.5 nM and exhibits approximately 3000-fold selectivity over OX1R. In two pivotal Phase 3 trials (FirstLight and RadiantLight), oveporexton met all primary and secondary endpoints, significantly improving wakef
Narcolepsy type 1 (excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy); Narcolepsy type 2 (under investigation)
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)
- Half-life
- Not publicly disclosed; supports once-daily and twice-daily oral dosing regimens
- 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
- Research status
- Phase 3
- FDA status
- Not approved
- Legal status
- US: Investigational
- Research evidence
- high
- 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
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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