Acronyms that contain the term slow-wave sleep 

Slow-wave sleep

Slow-wave sleep, often referred to as deep sleep, consists of stage 3 and 4 of non-rapid eye movement sleep, according to the Rechtschaffen & Kales standard of 1968. As of 2008, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has discontinued the use of stage 4, such that the previous stages 3 and 4 now are combined as stage 3. An epoch which consists of 20% or more slow wave sleep, now is considered to be stage 3. Slow-wave sleep is considered important to consolidate new memories. Sleep deprivation studies with humans suggest that the primary function of slow-wave sleep may be to allow the brain to recover from its daily activities. As it turns out, glucose metabolism in the brain increases as a result of tasks that demand mental activity. Other functions slow-wave sleep can effect includes the secretion of growth hormone. It is always greatest during this stage. It is also thought to be responsible for a decrease in sympathetic and increase in parasympathetic neural activity.

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