Coupled sleep rhythms for memory consolidation

Journal article : Review

How do passing moments turn into lasting memories? Sheltered from external tasks and distractions, sleep constitutes an optimal state for the brain to reprocess and consolidate previous experiences. Recent work suggests that consolidation is governed by the intricate interaction of slow oscillations (SOs), spindles, and ripples - electrophysiological sleep rhythms that orchestrate neuronal processing and communication within and across memory circuits. This review describes how sequential SO-spindle-ripple coupling provides a temporally and spatially fine-tuned mechanism to selectively strengthen target memories across hippocampal and cortical networks. Coupled sleep rhythms might be harnessed not only to enhance overnight memory retention, but also to combat memory decline associated with healthy ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.

Authors: Staresina, BP

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Cell Press
• Journal: Trends in Cognitive Sciences
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 339-351
• Place of publication: England
• Publication date: 2024-03-04
• Acceptance date: 2024-02-02
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2024.02.002
• EISSN: 1879-307X
• ISSN: 1364-6613
• Pmid: 38443198
• Language: English
• Keywords: ripples; memory; slow oscillations; sleep; spindles; coupling; consolidation
• Subtype: Review