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Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Prior knowledge is essential for the beneficial effect of targeted memory reactivation during sleep
Sabine Groch1, Thomas Schreiner2,3, Björn Rasch3
1University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Prior knowledge speeds up system consolidation and accelerates integration of newly acquired memories into existing neocortical knowledge networks. By using targeted memory reactivations, we demonstrate that prior knowledge is also essential for successful reactivation and consolidation of memories during sleep, both on the behavioral and oscillatory level (i.e., theta and fast spindle activity). Thus, prior knowledge is a prerequisite for new memories to enter processes of system consolidation during sleep.
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