Dayvigo and DORAs recently has been talked about by Dr. Matt Walker as the drug seems to have helo to clear alzheimer’s related proteins.
Tim Ferris is using Belsomra for the same reason. Bryan Johnson tried Dayvigo.
If you must use sleep meds for sleep maintaince, this may be one of less evil one.
Mechanistically, it makes sense as Dayvigo or DORAs reduce “the wake” signal while you sleep.
Anyone? There are plenty DORAs papers out there talked about the alzheimer angle.
I saw this recently on X, has anyone tried these for sleep?
The scientific evidence supporting the use of CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin for sleep improvement is primarily mechanistic and extrapolated from studies on their endogenous counterparts (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone and Ghrelin) or related secretagogues (like MK-677).
While clinical wellness protocols frequently prescribe this stack to enhance sleep quality—specifically Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS) and REM—direct Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) quantifying sleep architecture changes specifically for this combination in healthy adults are largely absent from the peer-reviewed literature.
The following analysis details the evidence for each compound based on its pharmacological class.
Mechanism: GHRH Agonism Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS) Promotion
CJC-1295 is a long-acting analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). The strongest evidence for sleep improvement lies in the well-established neurobiology of endogenous GHRH, which acts as a sleep-promoting substance.
GHRH and Slow-Wave Sleep: Extensive research demonstrates a causal link between GHRH and the regulation of Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep.
Intravenous administration of GHRH in humans has been shown to robustly increase Slow-Wave Sleep (Stages 3 and 4), particularly when administered in the latter part of the night [1].
Conversely, the administration of GHRH antagonists (which block GHRH receptors) significantly suppresses SWS and growth hormone secretion, suggesting GHRH is essential for normal sleep depth [2].
Clinical Extrapolation: While CJC-1295 extends the half-life of GHRH via Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) or modified pharmacokinetics, it activates the same receptors. Therefore, the claim that CJC-1295 improves deep sleep is scientifically plausible based on the GHRH-SWS axis, even in the absence of a CJC-1295 specific polysomnography trial.
Mechanism: Ghrelin Receptor (GHS-R1a) Agonism Potential REM/SWS Modulation
Ipamorelin is a selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor. The evidence for its impact on sleep is more complex and derived largely from data on Ghrelin and other secretagogues like MK-677 (Ibutamoren).
Ghrelin and Sleep Architecture: Ghrelin is an endogenous sleep-promoting factor. Studies indicate that ghrelin administration in humans can increase SWS and enhance delta-wave activity [3].
The “Class Effect” Evidence:
MK-677 (Ibutamoren): A non-peptide ghrelin mimetic (functionally similar to Ipamorelin but orally active and longer-lasting) has demonstrated clear clinical efficacy in sleep. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that MK-677 treatment increased REM sleep by and Stage IV sleep (deep sleep) by in young adults () [4].
GHRP-2: Conversely, other peptides in this class (e.g., GHRP-2) have shown no significant effect on sleep architecture in some trials, despite raising GH levels [5].
Ipamorelin Specifics: Ipamorelin is distinct because of its high selectivity for the GH release pathway with minimal impact on cortisol or ACTH (unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6). While this makes it “cleaner” for metabolic use, there is a knowledge gap regarding its specific independent effect on sleep stages compared to the broader, “dirtier” secretagogues like MK-677 which have stronger clinical sleep data.
In longevity and performance medicine, these two peptides are stacked to mimic physiological pulsatility: CJC-1295 provides the basal GHRH “tone” (supporting SWS), while Ipamorelin provides the pulse (supporting GH release).
| Compound | Primary Sleep Target (Theoretical) | Strength of Mechanistic Evidence | Direct Clinical Trial Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 | Slow-Wave Sleep (Deep) | High (via GHRH studies) | Low (Extrapolated) |
| Ipamorelin | REM & SWS | Moderate (via Ghrelin studies) | Very Low (Inferred from MK-677) |
Scholarly Debate & Nuance:
There is strong mechanistic evidence that the GHRH pathway (targeted by CJC-1295) regulates Deep Sleep (SWS), and moderate clinical evidence from related compounds (MK-677) that the ghrelin pathway (targeted by Ipamorelin) can improve REM and sleep quality. However, specific peer-reviewed RCTs validating the sleep architecture effects of the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin stack remain a data gap. Current clinical confidence is based on the verified pharmacodynamics of their receptor targets rather than direct outcome studies.
[1] Evidence against a role for the growth hormone-releasing peptide axis in human slow-wave sleep regulation (Comparison of GHRH vs GHRP effects)
[2] Blockade of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors dissociates nocturnal growth hormone secretion and slow-wave sleep
[3] Ghrelin promotes slow-wave sleep in humans
[4] Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man
[5] Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue (Selectivity profile)
[6] Complex relationship between growth hormone and sleep in children: insights, discrepancies, and implications
This is the problem with many “research” peptides, not much in the way of peer reviewed studies. Lots of mechanistic based speculation though, which is not terrible, as that is always the starting point.
Personally, this combo IPA + CJC 1295 noDAC is one of my staples and have been taking it for 2.5 years, 5 nights a week, with a few breaks. Sleep is my super power, always has been, so I never noticed a difference, thus no opinion on the effect it might have on my sleep.
There are a lot of N-1 reports that it has improved sleep for other people. And it may have improved sleep for my wife who, as a mother of 4, became a very light sleeper and carried that through long after they left the nest. Over the last 2 years she has become a decent (not great but way better) sleeper and it may be due to IPA+CJC but I can’t say for sure.
We started tracking sleep too late to know what her sleep was really like before IPA+CJC.
When we did start tracking sleep as we prepared to evaluate DSIP, we have also seen a distinct benefit from this one, it has consolidated our deep sleep and increased the amount of DS significantly.
Had a quote to buy 100 pills of 5mg Dayvigo at $63 from India.
It seems to be pretty high price?
That sounds like an exceptionally good price actually!
The current best coupon price in the US is $4 a pill and you think 63 cents is high? You seem to be in the US but not sure.
The retail price in the US is $14 a pill. If on Medicare, you can’t use the coupon - technically.
So, no, that is not a high price. But each country is different and certainly in the US we pay the highest prices for nearly every medication.
It seems like our prices for expensive meds tends to be 5X other developed countries but that is usually looking at retail pricing - the $14 in this case. So even with that standard, 63 cents sounds pretty good.
On an expensive med that I recently ordered (Rybelsus) from India, the price was 85% off goodrx which in this case is close to retail. 63 cents is 85% off our best coupon price of $4. So by that comparison, 63 cents is an great price.
Thank you for the post because I was thinking of asking my primary for Dayvigo and sucking up the high price (which last I checked was more like $5 a pill). She was likely to say no and I really try to limit my requests. This saves me a request and some $.
If you are in the USA, importing Dayvigo would be a felony since it’s a controlled substance (even though imo it’s really stupid that these orexin antagonists are controlled since they don’t get you high). I have no idea if the same restrictions apply to European or other countries.
Yes, Jagdish said illegal to import. Too bad - I forgot it was controlled - which, agreed that is ridiculous.
There is some that will ship no problem. Got a random guy on Indiamart that shipped lately. I think they’re called India Medex
My experience with these has shown no improvement in sleep. It’s possible my dose is too low. However, I have had problems with sleep for decades and it could be that these are not powerful enough to help me.
The only side effects I notice are mild flushing after CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin. With Ibutamoren hunger has increased some.
The problem with US drug prices are really ridiculously. In Canada, 5mg for 100 pills is about $150 Canadian $. Good point about as a controlled substance.
As to effectiveness. 5mg is just enough but not optimal. But at least you won’t get the bezo effect compared to Ambien and etc.
The usually reliable J-F Tremblay ran the same experiment with epitalon and found, like you, that it did not increase the length of telomeres.
Just because they’ll ship it doesn’t mean you can’t be arrested when Customs inspects the package and finds a controlled substance.
I get your point, but I doubt they’d act on it. Obviously good to know such info, but I have a pretty high risk tolerance level on these things as I think would be stupid for any law enforcement agency/judge to take action on such petty issues, and I would be very loud and vocal saying it in front of a judge should that ever happen to me. They’ve got much bigger fish to fry and worry about than some random dude ordering 100 sleeping pills to improve their sleep LOL However, for those that feel intimidated by these things, you are right they should stay away from ordering controlled substances (as in medicine) for personal consumption.
As an example, I was told by my Indian supplier that LDN is a controlled substance also (not sure if true though) and they would not ship it. Nevertheless, I got it shipped from other people, and it was intercepted twice from customs. While I did receive a letter of seizure and destruction (both times), I never heard from them otherwise. So, I have no way of knowing how much trouble one would be in bringing medicines that are controlled substances, but I have no problem with the risks involved if I’m convinced of the health benefits they provide. I would never (as a matter of principle) bring illegal drugs though.
Naltrexone is not a controlled substance. Trying to import Dayvigo (schedule IV) is like trying to import Valium or Xanax (also sched IV).
I didn’t just try; I actually did import a good 300 pill order.
You have quite a high risk tolerance for federal criminal prosection. Not something I’d recommend anyone do.
Yeah, I have a pretty high risk tolerance level. I base it in the fact that they must have way bigger fish to fry than someone trying to get some cheap meds to help them sleep, but what do I know never been in trouble before and hoping it will stay that way.
I do understand. Sometimes we are in the no-risk, no-reward situation. I am in the same position. I want to try Adderall. I don’t even know if my usual suppliers will sell it to me. I am still pondering this. Let us know how it works out. I agree, especially if you do not order a large amount at one time. I think, but do not know, the only thing you would suffer is seizure of shipment and a nastygram.
