The effect of repeated partial sleep deprivation on sleep stages and sleep EEG parameters was investigated in young subjects. After 2 baseline nights (B1, B2) of 7.5 h, sleep was restricted for 2 nights (D1, D2) to the first 4 h of the habitual bedtime period. Two recovery nights (R1, R2) with 7.5 h sleep followed. During the deprivation nights, stages 1 and 2 and REM sleep were reduced, while slow wave sleep (SWS; stages 3 and 4) was not significantly affected. However, the time integral of EEG power density in the range of 0.75-4.5 Hz (slow wave energy) was reduced. In the recovery period, SWS showed an enhancement in R1, and REM sleep showed a rebound in R1 and R2. An increase of REM sleep in the early part of the sleep period was evident in R1. Sleep latency was reduced in D2, R1 and R2. In accordance with the 2-process model of sleep regulation, EEG power density in non-REM sleep in the range of 0.75-4.5 Hz (slow wave activity) was only slightly higher in D2 and R1 than in baseline. An enhancement of slow wave activity in REM sleep was present in D2. Power density in the frequency range of 13-16 Hz was reduced in non-REM sleep (R1), SWS (R2) and stage 2 (R1). The results show (1) that the moderate reduction of slow wave energy in the deprivation nights induces only a minor enhancement of slow wave activity during recovery sleep; and (2) that a REM sleep deficit gives rise to an immediate rebound when 'slow wave pressure' is low.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)