Episodic long-term memory formation during slow-wave sleep
- PMID: 38661727
- PMCID: PMC11045222
- DOI: 10.7554/eLife.89601
Episodic long-term memory formation during slow-wave sleep
Abstract
We are unresponsive during slow-wave sleep but continue monitoring external events for survival. Our brain wakens us when danger is imminent. If events are non-threatening, our brain might store them for later consideration to improve decision-making. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether novel vocabulary consisting of simultaneously played pseudowords and translation words are encoded/stored during sleep, and which neural-electrical events facilitate encoding/storage. An algorithm for brain-state-dependent stimulation selectively targeted word pairs to slow-wave peaks or troughs. Retrieval tests were given 12 and 36 hr later. These tests required decisions regarding the semantic category of previously sleep-played pseudowords. The sleep-played vocabulary influenced awake decision-making 36 hr later, if targeted to troughs. The words' linguistic processing raised neural complexity. The words' semantic-associative encoding was supported by increased theta power during the ensuing peak. Fast-spindle power ramped up during a second peak likely aiding consolidation. Hence, new vocabulary played during slow-wave sleep was stored and influenced decision-making days later.
Keywords: consciousness; human; memory; neuroscience; sleep; sleep-learning; slow-wave sleep; unconscious memory.
© 2023, Schmidig et al.
Conflict of interest statement
FS, SR, KH No competing interests declared
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Update of
- doi: 10.1101/2022.10.24.513503
- doi: 10.7554/eLife.89601.1
- doi: 10.7554/eLife.89601.2
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