Processing of learned information in paradoxical sleep: relevance for memory.

ABSTRACT

After a short review of the post-learning paradoxical sleep (PS) deprivation effects and of the PS changes induced by learning, we present a set of electrophysiological and behavioural experiments showing that (1) processing of relevant information is possible during PS; (2) new associations can be formed during PS; (3) previously learned information can be reprocessed during PS; and (4) the effects of information processed during PS can be transferred to the awake state and be expressed in behaviour. Altogether, these results support the idea that dynamic processes occurring during post-learning PS can contribute to the effectiveness of memory processing and facilitate memory retrieval in wakefulness.