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Multiple Choice

Blood pressure in NREM sleep is

During NREM sleep, the autonomic nervous system shifts toward reduced sympathetic activity and increased parasympathetic influence. This creates a cardiovascular state with fewer fluctuations, so blood pressure remains steady across the night. Although the overall level is typically lower than when awake, the key characteristic is the regular, stable pattern rather than large changes, which is why regular is the best description. In contrast, REM sleep tends to show more variable or phasic blood pressure changes due to bursts of autonomic activity.

During NREM sleep, the autonomic nervous system shifts toward reduced sympathetic activity and increased parasympathetic influence. This creates a cardiovascular state with fewer fluctuations, so blood pressure remains steady across the night. Although the overall level is typically lower than when awake, the key characteristic is the regular, stable pattern rather than large changes, which is why regular is the best description. In contrast, REM sleep tends to show more variable or phasic blood pressure changes due to bursts of autonomic activity.