mélyalvás

Mélyalvás, also known as deep sleep or slow-wave sleep (SWS), is a stage of sleep characterized by the most restorative and physically refreshing qualities. It is the fourth stage of the sleep cycle and is primarily associated with the body's repair and growth processes. During deep sleep, brain activity slows down significantly, with delta waves becoming the dominant pattern. Heart rate and breathing also reach their lowest points.

Physiologically, deep sleep is crucial for physical recovery. It is during this stage that the body releases growth hormone, which is essential for tissue repair, muscle growth, and bone development. The immune system also strengthens its function during deep sleep, helping to fight off infections and inflammation. Memory consolidation, particularly for declarative memories (facts and events), is also thought to occur during this stage, although REM sleep plays a more significant role in procedural and emotional memory processing.

Disruptions to deep sleep can have negative consequences for overall health and well-being. Insufficient deep sleep can lead to feelings of fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and a weakened immune system. Factors such as age, stress, certain medications, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea can interfere with the amount and quality of deep sleep achieved. Maintaining good sleep hygiene, including a consistent sleep schedule and a conducive sleep environment, is important for promoting sufficient deep sleep.