Cued Memory Reactivation: A Tool to Manipulate Memory Consolidation During Sleep

Abstract Sleep supports the consolidation of newly encoded memories, leading to the strengthening, stabilization, and integration of new memories into long-term memory. These processes are assumed to rely on the reactivation (replay) of neuronal activation patterns elicited during learning. In this chapter, we discuss “cued memory reactivation” as an exciting novel approach to manipulate memory consolidation during sleep externally via learning-associated reminder cues. We describe typical experimental paradigms of cued memory reactivation during sleep and give a brief historical overview of this evolving research field. We further examine the effects of cued memory reactivation on different types of memory and consider the efficacy of different sensory cueing modalities (e.g., olfactory and auditory). We then discuss potential mechanisms, including neuronal replay, involved brain areas, neuronal oscillations, and neurotransmitters. Finally, we outline possible applications in the home setting and in the clinical field and examine open questions and directions for future research.