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Reward biases spontaneous neural reactivation during sleep

Author

Listed:
  • Virginie Sterpenich

    (University of Geneva
    University of Geneva
    University of Geneva)

  • Mojca K. M. van Schie

    (University of Geneva
    University of Geneva
    Leiden University Medical Center)

  • Maximilien Catsiyannis

    (University of Geneva)

  • Avinash Ramyead

    (University of California)

  • Stephen Perrig

    (University Hospital Geneva)

  • Hee-Deok Yang

    (Chosun University, Seosuk-dong, Dong-ku)

  • Dimitri Van De Ville

    (University of Geneva
    University of Geneva
    Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

  • Sophie Schwartz

    (University of Geneva
    University of Geneva
    University of Geneva)

Abstract

Sleep favors the reactivation and consolidation of newly acquired memories. Yet, how our brain selects the noteworthy information to be reprocessed during sleep remains largely unknown. From an evolutionary perspective, individuals must retain information that promotes survival, such as avoiding dangers, finding food, or obtaining praise or money. Here, we test whether neural representations of rewarded (compared to non-rewarded) events have priority for reactivation during sleep. Using functional MRI and a brain decoding approach, we show that patterns of brain activity observed during waking behavior spontaneously reemerge during slow-wave sleep. Critically, we report a privileged reactivation of neural patterns previously associated with a rewarded task (i.e., winning at a complex game). Moreover, during sleep, activity in task-related brain regions correlates with better subsequent memory performance. Our study uncovers a neural mechanism whereby rewarded life experiences are preferentially replayed and consolidated while we sleep.

Suggested Citation

  • Virginie Sterpenich & Mojca K. M. van Schie & Maximilien Catsiyannis & Avinash Ramyead & Stephen Perrig & Hee-Deok Yang & Dimitri Van De Ville & Sophie Schwartz, 2021. "Reward biases spontaneous neural reactivation during sleep," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-24357-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24357-5
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