People can learn new information and consolidate memories while asleep
Multiple recent neuroscientific studies using targeted memory reactivation demonstrate that the brain processes learning cues and consolidates memories during both NREM and REM sleep.
The retrieved papers consistently support the claim that sleep is an active state for memory consolidation. Studies utilizing targeted memory reactivation (TMR) across NREM and REM sleep demonstrate that external cues presented during sleep can successfully reactivate neural circuits, influence electrophysiological markers like spindles and ripples, and improve subsequent memory recall and recognition.
Rebeca Sifuentes Ortega, Péter Simor, Philippe Peigneux. Does targeted memory reactivation during NREM sleep require complementary REM sleep for memory consolidation?. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.05.08.539563
The study shows that presenting learning-related cues during NREM sleep (targeted memory reactivation) improves memory consolidation.
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Lai J, Pandey P, Baum DM, Klinzing JG, Sánchez-Corzo A, Sitaram R. Covariance-based analysis of spindle-band EEG during declarative and non-declarative odor cueing in sleep.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2026.1810323
The research demonstrates that sleep supports memory consolidation through the reactivation of neural circuits engaged during learning, enhancing declarative memory retention.
Mutreja V, Gupta P, Lungu O, Lazzouni L, Gabitov E, Benali H, Jourde HR, Beltrame G, Coffey EBJ, Lina J, Albouy G, King BR, Boutin A, Carrier J, Doyon J. Sleep Spindle-Locked Targeted Memory Reactivation Enhances Declarative Memory Consolidation. 2026. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.08.723823
Findings reveal that time-locking targeted memory reactivation to sleep spindles significantly enhances declarative memory recall accuracy.
Schwimmbeck F, Martini J, Vollmar C, Staudigl T, Trinka E, Rémi J, Doeller CF, Jensen O, Schreiner T. Non-invasive tracking of ripple-like activity during human sleep using MEG. 2026. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.20.739563
The study demonstrates that replaying learning cues during sleep via targeted memory reactivation improves memory performance and recruits memory-related neural dynamics.
Patriota J, Brouwer T, Bergers M, van Hattem T, Wijers K, Meulmeester W, Juan E, Olcese U, Talamini L. Theta phase-locked memory reactivation during REM sleep reduces memories’ emotional tone. 2026. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.06.05.730360
Results show that memory cues targeted to specific phases of REM sleep theta oscillations successfully influence emotional memory processing without disrupting recognition.
Elizabeth Espinal, Evangelia G. Chrysikou, Stephan Bickel. Neurophysiological mechanisms of memory consolidation during sleep uncovered through targeted memory reactivation. https://doi.org/10.17918/00011088
The research highlights that delivering auditory cues during sleep influences neural signatures of memory consolidation and predicts post-sleep memory performance.
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