Temporal sleep spindle clustering and slow-oscillation coupling in motor memory consolidation and generalization.

ABSTRACT: Sleep benefits memory consolidation through periodic sleep spindle activity and associated memory reactivations. The temporal organization of spindles in "trains" is considered a critical sleep mechanism for the timed and repeated reactivation of memories. Evidence suggests that a timely phase-locking between slow oscillations (SO) and spindles facilitates learning-related synaptic plasticity. Here, we investigated the contribution of spindles' clustering and coupling with SO in motor memory consolidation by promoting local synaptic depression in sensorimotor cortical regions through upper-limb immobilization following motor sequence learning. Our results reveal that the cluster-based organization of spindles is independent of daytime sensorimotor experience, while leading to distinct over

SUBMITTER: Conessa A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12858894 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature