While we sleep, information acquired throughout the day is spontaneously reactivated across different sleep stages. During Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, these reactivations facilitate the transfer of information across brain regions, supporting memory consolidation. In contrast, reactivation during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep has been associated with the integration of new memories into pre-existing neural networks. Reactivations can also be externally induced by presenting previously associated cues (odor/sound) during sleep, through a technique known as Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR). TMR has been shown to promote both memory consolidation and related dream content.
In this project, we will analyze the effect of memory reactivation during NREM and REM sleep on dream content generated in REM, as well as its impact on memory consolidation and integration. Participants will perform a word-definition-image task, followed by TMR and a serial awakening protocol with dream reports. The protocol spans two nights: one adaptation night and one experimental night. On the experimental night, participants will learn the task before sleep, receive targeted reactivations, and provide dream reports during serial awakenings. In the morning, they will provide a general dream report and perform the task test. This preliminary study aims to advance our understanding of how memory processes during sleep can influence and shape dreams.