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SWS

Meaning

SWS is the clinical abbreviation for Slow-Wave Sleep, which refers to the deepest and most restorative stages of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, specifically stages N3 or N4, characterized by high-amplitude, low-frequency delta brain waves. This critical phase of the sleep cycle is physiologically essential for physical restoration, memory consolidation, and, crucially, the majority of endogenous Growth Hormone (GH) secretion. Compromised SWS is a direct threat to optimal hormonal health and metabolic function.