Effects of Brain Stimulation During Daytime Nap on Memory Consolidation in Younger, Healthy Subjects

Impact of Transcranial Slow Oscillating Stimulation on Memory Consolidation During Daytime Slow Wave Sleep in Younger, Healthy Subjects

The beneficial effect of daytime sleep on memory consolidation has been shown in young, healthy subjects. Especially, periods rich in slow-wave sleep (SWS) have shown a memory enhancing effect on hippocampus-dependent declarative memory. Slow oscillatory activity typically occuring during SWS has been implicated in the consolidation effect. In this study we investigate if the consolidation effect can be amplified by the application of a weak transcranial oscillatory electric current within the frequency range of SWS in humans (0,7-0,8 Hz) during daytime SWS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy Subjects
• unobtrusive, neuropsychological screening
• age: 18-35 years
• right handed

Exclusion Criteria:

• untreated severe internal or psychiatric diseases
• epilepsy
• other severe neurological diseases eg., previous major stroke, brain tumour
• contraindications to MRI