Replaying our days learning in our sleep (w/ video)

Replaying our days learning in our sleep
Mean reaction times (RT) showing a reduction during training session and a further decrease between pre and post-sleep testing. Image: doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0018056

(PhysOrg.com) -- According to a recent study, our sleep may not be as empty of brain function as was originally thought. The study, published in Public Library of Science One, was led by sleep researcher Delphine Oudiette from the Universite Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris.

Original theories were that, while sleeping, our minds were essential empty slates with little neurological activity. However, this recent study provides evidence that during sleep, our body replays the cognitive and motor skills learned throughout the preceding day. Providing evidence of this ‘replay’ hypothesis was the goal of this study.

The research consisted of a simple test administered to 19 sleepwalkers, 20 REM sleep behavior disorder patients, and 18 healthy sleep control patients. Participants were taught a motor task involving hitting an assortment of colored-coded buttons in sequence. They were then asked to repeat this task while in bed but still awake. Researchers then taped the participants while they slept.

Execution of the structured sequence in the training setting by a wake control (Part 1); execution of the sequence from memory by a wake control lying in a bed (Part 2); overt replay of a part of the structured sequence during slow-wave sleep in a sleepwalker (Part 3). Video credit: doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0018056

What they discovered was that many of the participants would physically repeat and perform the tests they had previously been administered. Looking like a choreographed sleep dance, these participants were ‘practicing’ what they had learned, suggesting that cognitive and motor processing were functioning during sleep.

This study provides evidence that, while sleeping, our remains similar to that of when we are awake and learning. Essentially, for our brains, it appears as if sleep is not as much of a time of rest as it is a practice session for learning.

While previously seen in animal studies, this is the first study which shows evidence of 'replay' sleep behavior in humans. Researchers are hoping that continued study will help provide information about cognitive functions occurring during .

More information: Oudiette D, Constantinescu I, Leclair-Visonneau L, Vidailhet M, Schwartz S, et al. (2011) Evidence for the Re-Enactment of a Recently Learned Behavior during Sleepwalking. PLoS ONE 6(3): e18056. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0018056

© 2010 PhysOrg.com

Citation: Replaying our days learning in our sleep (w/ video) (2011, March 28) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-03-replaying-days-video.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Lack of sleep can provoke sleepwalking

 shares

Feedback to editors