SWS is an acronym that stands for Slow-Wave Sleep. It refers to a stage of sleep characterized by slow, synchronized brain waves known as delta waves. This stage is considered to be deep and restorative sleep, occurring predominantly in the first half of the night. SWS is one of the two main stages of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, the other stage being called REM sleep.
During the SWS stage, the body experiences a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic activity. It is often associated with physical recovery and memory consolidation. This stage of sleep is particularly important for allowing the body to recover from physical exertion, promote growth and development, support immune system functioning, and regulate mood and emotions.
Characteristically, SWS involves decreased muscle tone, slow and regular breathing, and limited eye movements. It is typically more difficult to wake up from SWS compared to other sleep stages, as individuals tend to be in a deep state of relaxation.
Disruption or insufficient amount of SWS can lead to various sleep disorders, such as insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Monitoring SWS is often done through polysomnography, a sleep study that records brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, and breathing patterns.
In summary, SWS refers to the deep, restorative stage of sleep characterized by slow brain waves, occurring predominantly in the first half of the night, essential for physical recovery, memory consolidation, and overall well-being.
