Abstract
Reconsolidation theory describes memory formation as an ongoing process that cycles between labile and stable states. Though sleep is critical for the initial consolidation of a memory, there has been little evidence that sleep facilitates reconsolidation. We now demonstrate in two experiments that a sleep-consolidated memory can be destabilized if the memory is reactivated by retrieval. The destabilized memory, which can be impaired if an interference task is encountered after, but not before, the memory is reactivated, is then reconsolidated after sleep. In two additional experiments, we provide evidence suggesting that the learning of the interference task promotes the subsequent sleep-dependent enhancement of the original memory. These results provide novel insight into the complex mechanisms of memory processing, as well as critical evidence supporting the view that long-term memory formation involves a dynamic process of sleep-dependent consolidation, use-dependent destabilization, and sleep-dependent reconsolidation.
Highlights
Reconsolidation theory describes memory formation as an ongoing process that cycles between labile and stable states
Memory consolidation has traditionally been described as a process in which a newly acquired, labile memory trace is converted into a stable form that is resistant to disruption by subsequent interference from other experiences[1]
Reconsolidation theory posits memory storage after acquisition as a dynamic process that begins with the initial consolidation of the memory but is followed by cycles of memory destabilization and reconsolidation[2,3,4,5,6]
Summary
Reconsolidation theory describes memory formation as an ongoing process that cycles between labile and stable states. We provide evidence suggesting that the learning of the interference task promotes the subsequent sleep-dependent enhancement of the original memory These results provide novel insight into the complex mechanisms of memory processing, as well as critical evidence supporting the view that longterm memory formation involves a dynamic process of sleep-dependent consolidation, usedependent destabilization, and sleep-dependent reconsolidation. 1234567890():,; Memory consolidation has traditionally been described as a process in which a newly acquired, labile memory trace is converted into a stable form that is resistant to disruption by subsequent interference from other experiences[1]. According to this perspective, labile memories become increasingly stable until the consolidation process is complete and the trace persists as a long-term memory. We show that training on the interference tasks promotes a sleep-dependent enhancement of the primary learning task even without explicit task retrieval, a novel observation indicating that an instance of learning can enhance related memories through a sleep-dependent mechanism
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