Sleep after motor learning enhances post-movement beta synchronization

The neural substrates supporting the beneficial effect of sleep on motor memory consolidation are well described. However, less is known about brain oscillatory dynamics underlying these processes. We characterized the oscillatory dynamics associated with motor sequence learning and their modulation by post-learning sleep using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in young healthy adults. After learning a motor sequence task while their brain activity was recorded with MEG, participants were distributed in two groups according to whether they slept or were totally sleep deprived during the first post-training night. Consolidation was assessed with a retest in the MEG three days later. Behaviorally, performance improved over the consolidation interval irrespective of whether sleep was afforded during the first night. MEG results showed that initial motor sequence learning was characterized by a decrease in beta event-related desynchronization (ERD, 18 to 25 Hz) over bilateral motor areas from early to late training. Interestingly, while practice-related modulations of beta ERD were not influenced by the sleep status, post-learned-movement beta event-related synchronization (ERS) over bilateral parietal areas increased over the consolidation interval in the sleep, compared to the sleep deprived, group. These results extend current models of motor memory consolidation by identifying ERS as an oscillatory marker of sleep-dependent consolidation.