Final answer:
Elaborate and intense dreams are not characteristic of slow-wave sleep; rather, they are associated with REM sleep. Slow-wave sleep entails decreased brain activity and muscle tone with increased parasympathetic activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question about which of the following is NOT characteristic of slow-wave sleep: elaborate and intense dreams are not characteristic of slow-wave sleep. Slow-wave sleep is known for its low frequency, high amplitude delta waves and is a state of deep sleep (NREM stage 3 sleep) that is characterized by decreased brain activity, decreased muscle tone, and increased parasympathetic activity, making it difficult to awaken the sleeper. On the other hand, elaborate and intense dreams are a feature of REM sleep, which is marked by rapid eye movements and brain wave patterns similar to wakefulness.
During slow-wave sleep, an individual's heart rate and respiration slow down significantly, and it is much more difficult to wake someone from sleep. Despite reduced muscle tone, phenomena such as snoring can occur in slow-wave sleep due to the relaxation of throat muscles. In contrast, REM sleep is associated with muscle paralysis except for the muscles that control circulation and respiration, allowing for vivid dreaming without physical action.