Sleep - Slow-Wave

Also known as:  Deep Sleep;  Delta Wave Sleep;  Non-REM Sleep;  NREM Sleep;  Orthodox Sleep

Slow-Wave Sleep is a restorative Stage of Sleep during which Delta Brain Waves occur.  Only very strong stimulation can awaken people during this Stage of Sleep.  Slow-Wave Sleep encompasses Stages 3 and 4 of the Sleep Cycle.  For adults, approximately 20% of total Sleep time is spent in Slow-Wave Sleep.  In normal persons, this equates to 70 - 90 minutes per night.

During Slow-Wave Sleep the Thalamus and the surface of the Brain send Nerve Impulses back and forth with millions of Neurons all firing together in synchronization.  Other Brain structures that are involved in Slow-Wave Sleep include the Cerebral Cortex, the Basal Forebrain, the Oral Pontine Reticular Nucleus, the Deep Cerebellar Nuclei and the Solitary Tract Nucleus.

Slow-Wave Sleep is believed to be the most restful and restorative stage of Sleep.

Cardiovascular System

 A sleeping person records their lowest Blood Pressure during Slow-Wave Sleep.

 A sleeping person records their lowest Heartbeat rate during Slow-Wave Sleep.

Cells

 The individual Cells of the body are believed to repair and rejuvenate themselves during Slow-Wave Sleep.

Hormones

 Human Growth Hormone (hGH) is released from the Brain during Slow-Wave Sleep.  ^[1]

Metabolism

 A person is at their lowest body Temperature during Slow-Wave Sleep.