Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
A protocol to examine the learning effects of 'multisystem mapping' training combined with post-training sleep
Felipe Pegado1, Ana Raquel Torres2, Janaina Weissheimer2,3
1Laboratory of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Language Communication and the Brain, CNRS and Aix-Marseille University- 3 place Victor Hugo, 13331 Marseille, France.
Abstract:
We have recently used randomized controlled trials to examine the impact of a short neuroscience-informed causal intervention using a targeted training to inhibit a deeply rooted visual mechanism (mirror invariance) that hinders literacy acquisition, combined with post-training sleep (for learning consolidation). Using this training protocol, we have shown unprecedented improvements in visual perception of letters, writing, and a two-fold increase in reading fluency in first graders. Here, we describe this ecologically valid school-based intervention protocol to probe inhibition of mirror invariance for letters, including the detailed training instructions, post-training sleep consolidation, as well as practical tips and potential adaptations to different school sizes. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Torres et al., (2021).

