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Slow Wave Sleep Architecture

Meaning

The structural organization and duration of the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, characterized by high-amplitude, low-frequency delta brain waves, which is critical for physical restoration, memory consolidation, and the majority of pituitary growth hormone release. The quality and quantity of this sleep architecture are direct clinical indicators of restorative capacity and neuroendocrine health. Deterioration of this architecture is a common feature of aging and chronic stress.