The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to manage a sleep session of a subject. In some embodiments, the sleep session is a nap and the system is configured to increase the restorative value of the nap by enhancing and/or maintaining sleep slow waves (and/or slow wave activity estimated using an EEG) in the subject during the nap with sensory stimuli. The present system is configured to enhance restorative sleep during a nap by delivering sensory stimulation to the subject during lighter NREM sleep stages (e.g., during a portion of stage N2 sleep) while still avoiding arousals. In some embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate a “powernap” by delivering the sensory stimulation to the subject in such a way so as to prevent transition into deep sleep (e.g., stage N3 sleep).
System and method for increasing the restorative value of a nap