Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The restorative process refers to the idea that sleep serves a vital role in rejuvenating and repairing the body and mind after periods of wakefulness.
Related terms
Sleep Deprivation: Lack of adequate sleep can disrupt the restorative process, leading to negative effects on physical and cognitive functioning.
Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS): A stage of deep sleep characterized by slow brain waves, which is believed to be particularly important for the restorative process.
These are our internal biological clocks that regulate our sleep-wake cycles, helping to ensure an effective restorative process during nighttime sleep.