Enhancing and advancing the understanding and study of dreaming and memory consolidation: Reflections, challenges, theoretical clarity, and methodological considerations
Anthony Bloxham, Caroline L. Horton
Consciousness and Cognition June 27, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2024.103719 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Keywords | Clarity Memory consolidation Consolidation business Dream Empirical research Cognitive science Cognitive psychology Epistemology |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key points | Proposes that Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR) can help clarify whether dream content is linked to specific cued memory activations, and that methodological improvements are needed to study the relationship between dreaming and memory consolidation. |
Abstract
Empirical investigations that search for a link between dreaming and sleep-dependent memory consolidation have focused on testing for an association between dreaming of what was learned, and improved memory performance for learned material. Empirical support for this is mixed, perhaps owing to the inherent challenges presented by the nature of dreams, and methodological inconsistencies. The purpose of this paper is to address critically prevalent assumptions and practices, with the aim of clarifying and enhancing research on this topic, chiefly by providing a theoretical synthesis of existing models and evidence. Also, it recommends the method of Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR) as a means for investigating if dream content can be linked to specific cued activations. Other recommendations to enhance research practice and enquiry on this subject are also provided, focusing on the HOW and WHY we search for memory sources in dreams, and what purpose (if any) they might serve.