A Comparison of Sleep-Based and Retrieval-Mediated Memory Consolidation Using Sigma-Band Activity

Sleep and retrieval training both promote memory consolidation, likely via similar neural mechanisms, but they have not yet been directly compared in a counterbalanced design that accounts for potential masking of nap effects by prior retrieval training. The current study aimed to see if we could replicate sleep spindles enhancement of weakly encoded memories, across both sleep-based and retrieval-mediated memory consolidation, using EEG sigma power (~11–16 Hz) as a proxy for sleep spindles (i.e., sigma-band activity). Thirty subjects (27F, 18–34, M=22.17) participated in four separate sessions where they learnt different sets of 104 object-word pairs. Subjects were then tested on their recognition accuracy of the pairs before and after one of four 120 min memory interventions where EEG was recorded: retrieval training (i.e., cued recall practice), restudy (i.e., pair re-exposure), a nap opportunity, or a wakeful rest. Our results did not replicate an enhancement of weakly encoded memories, moderated by either sleep spindles of sigma power. Contrary to expectations, sigma power demonstrated a negative impact on memory outcomes. We also detected a prioritisation to enhance memory outcomes for strongly encoded memories and greater memory outcomes following retrieval training and restudy compared to sleep and wake interventions. These results challenge the assumptions of encoding-strength-dependent enhancements across consolidation. Importantly, our study provides a methodological approach to comparing sleep-based and retrieval-mediated memory consolidation that should be explored across different memory paradigms in future studies.