The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to a system configured to detect slow waves based on adjusted slow wave detection criteria and time delivery of the sensory stimulation to correspond to slow waves detected based on the adjusted criteria. The system is configured to adjust slow wave detection criteria to enhance detection of slow waves in a subject. Slow wave detection using adjustable slow wave detection criteria produces more stimulation relative to prior art systems because more individual stimuli are provided if more slow waves are detected. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more of a sensory stimulator, a sensor, a processor, electronic storage, a user interface, and/or other components.