From the Research
Stages of NREM Sleep
- NREM sleep is divided into three stages: N1, N2, and N3 1
- Stage 3 of NREM sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep (SWS), is characterized by low-frequency, high-amplitude slow waves in the electroencephalogram (EEG) 2
Restorative Sleep
- SWS, which consists of stages 3 and 4 of NREM sleep, is thought to contribute to the recovery processes that occur during sleep 2
- The slow oscillations that occur during SWS enable information processing, synaptic plasticity, and prophylactic cellular maintenance, also known as the "recovery process" 3
- SWS is regulated by homeostatic mechanisms, which respond to the duration and intensity of wakefulness and sleep 2
Role of SWS in Restorative Sleep
- SWS is essential for restorative sleep, and its deficiency has been associated with insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and impaired cognitive function 2
- Experimental reductions of SWS have been shown to lead to increased daytime sleep propensity and reduced performance 2
- Enhancing SWS through pharmacological or other means may have therapeutic benefits for insomnia and other sleep disorders 2