Which term applies to the time spent in various non-REM sleep stages?

The term that specifically applies to the time spent in various non-REM (NREM) sleep stages is NREM sleep itself. This encompasses the different stages of sleep that occur prior to the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase. These stages include light and deep sleep, which are essential for physical health, recovery, and overall restorative processes in the body.

While sleep architecture refers more broadly to the structure and patterns of sleep cycles, including both NREM and REM phases throughout the night, it does not exclusively denote the time specifically allocated to NREM stages. Sleep latency refers to the amount of time it takes for an individual to transition from full wakefulness to sleep, rather than the duration spent within sleep stages. The sleep cycle refers to the progression through various stages of sleep, but again, does not specifically isolate the NREM stages.

Therefore, the focus on NREM sleep accurately reflects the specific non-REM sleep stages and their importance in overall sleep health.