A category of short-chain amino acid compounds that act as signaling molecules to selectively modulate the neuroendocrine pathways governing sleep architecture and duration. These peptides target specific receptors or enzyme systems to promote the initiation of sleep, deepen the slow-wave sleep stages, or regulate the circadian release of sleep-related hormones. They represent a targeted, physiological approach to improving the restorative quality of nocturnal rest. This is a precise intervention in the domain of chronobiology.
Origin
This concept stems from the discovery of endogenous regulatory peptides, such as delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) and various neuropeptides, that play a role in sleep homeostasis. The term reflects the development of bio-identical or synthetic analogs to therapeutically enhance these natural sleep-promoting signals. It is an advanced application of peptide endocrinology.
Mechanism
These peptides typically exert their effect by crossing the blood-brain barrier to interact with specific receptors in sleep-regulating nuclei, such as the suprachiasmatic nucleus or the thalamus. Mechanisms include modulating the balance between inhibitory (GABAergic) and excitatory (glutamatergic) neurotransmission. Furthermore, some peptides can influence the release pattern of growth hormone or prolactin during sleep, thereby enhancing the anabolic and restorative processes of the sleep cycle.
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