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Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS)

Meaning

Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS), also known as deep sleep or stage N3 sleep, is the deepest and most restorative phase of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, characterized by high-amplitude, low-frequency delta brain waves on an electroencephalogram. This critical stage is physiologically associated with a significant decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate, allowing for physical and cellular repair processes to dominate. In the context of hormonal health, SWS is the period during which the largest and most significant pulsatile release of Growth Hormone (GH) occurs, making it indispensable for tissue repair, immune function, and metabolic regulation. Insufficient SWS profoundly impacts hormonal balance and overall longevity.