Which sleep stage tends to dominate the earlier part of the night for physical restoration?
Answer
Deep Sleep (Slow-Wave Sleep)
Sleep is divided into cyclical stages, each serving distinct restorative purposes. Deep Sleep, also formally known as Slow-Wave Sleep, is characterized by being the most physically restorative phase of the entire sleep period. During this stage, essential biological activities such as tissue repair occur, and the release of the growth hormone is stimulated. Due to the body prioritizing immediate physical recovery following the day's stresses, this stage is concentrated and dominates the earlier cycles of the night when the sleeper first enters deep rest. As the night progresses, the proportion of time spent in Deep Sleep naturally decreases.
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