Deep sleep

Deep sleep is the most physically restorative stage of sleep, supporting muscle repair, growth hormone release, recovery, and immune function. This tag covers how to improve deep sleep to boost testosterone-friendly physiology, training performance, and long-term health.

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The essentials for deep sleep — then explore the latest posts below.

Patrick sleep and heat exposure: The science-backed way to fall asleep faster and sleep deeper

Patrick sleep and heat exposure: The science-backed way to fall asleep faster and sleep deeper

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Dec 28, 2025 · 10 min read

A warm bath, shower, or sauna taken about 1–2 hours before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more efficiently by increasing skin blood flow and speeding the post-heat drop in core body temperature. Keep the bedroom cool and use this “heat-then-cool” timing to nudge deeper, more restorative slow-wave sleep for better recovery ...

How much deep sleep do you need for recovery and hormone optimization?

How much deep sleep do you need for recovery and hormone optimization?

Dr. Jonathan Pierce, PhD avatar
Dr. Jonathan Pierce, PhD: Clinical Psychologist & Neuroscience Specialist
Dec 21, 2025 · 9 min read

Deep (Stage 3 NREM) sleep should make up about 13%–23% of your total sleep time—roughly 60–110 minutes per night if you sleep 7–8 hours—for optimal physical recovery and hormone regulation. Because this slow‑wave window drives growth hormone release, supports overnight testosterone production, and powers the brain’s glymphatic “rinse cycle,” you can feel run‑down even when ...

Glycine for sleep and performance: The amino acid you might be missing

Glycine for sleep and performance: The amino acid you might be missing

Dr. Jonathan Pierce, PhD avatar
Dr. Jonathan Pierce, PhD: Clinical Psychologist & Neuroscience Specialist
Dec 09, 2025 · 10 min read

Glycine may improve sleep quality by helping lower core body temperature by roughly 2–3°F—a key physiological trigger for entering slow-wave (deep) sleep—by increasing blood flow to the extremities to dissipate heat. That thermoregulatory “cooling switch” is why this overlooked amino acid can support deeper, more restorative sleep rather than just making you feel sedated. “We ...

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