Acquisition and Processing of Information During States of REM Sleep and Slow-Wave Sleep

Abstract

Review, analysis and summary of experimental literature on Sleep Learning. Findings: (1) Serious methodological flaws found in all reported positive results. No evidence that semantic learning occurs when verbal material is presented to sleeping subjects. (2) A critical, but open minded test of sleep learning has not been done. Recommendations made for an appropriate experiment. (3) If novel material is presented to the sleeping subject, there is danger that it may interfere with normal night time processing of earlier, day time experiences. (4) It is possible that external stimuli could be used to prompt and direct information processing during sleep to favor one set of material in preference to others. This could apply to skill learning as well as declarative memory with considerable potential relevance to soldier training.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA341361

Entities

People

  • J. D. Mollen

Organizations

  • University of Cambridge

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Applied Psychology
  • Army Personnel
  • Brain
  • Cognition
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Simulations
  • Computers
  • Information Processing
  • Instructors
  • Learning
  • Materials
  • Motor Skills
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Students
  • Training

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Systems Analysis and Design