Cited by 548Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation StudiesSleep and Wakefulness ResearchMemory and Neural Mechanisms

Transcranial direct current stimulation during sleep improves declarative memory

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Marshall, Lisa, Mölle, Matthias, Hallschmid, Manfred, Born, Jan·2004·The Journal of Neuroscience

Abstract

In humans, weak transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates excitability in the motor, visual, and prefrontal cortex. Periods rich in slow-wave sleep (SWS) not only facilitate the consolidation of declarative memories, but in humans, SWS is also accompanied by a pronounced endogenous transcortical DC potential shift of negative polarity over frontocortical areas. To experimentally induce widespread extracellular negative DC potentials, we applied anodal tDCS (0.26 mA) [correction] repeatedly (over 30 min) bilaterally at frontocortical electrode sites during a retention period rich in SWS. Retention of declarative memories (word pairs) and also nondeclarative memories (mirror tracing skills) learned previously was tested after this period and compared with retention performance after placebo stimulation as well as after retention intervals of wakefulness. Compared with placebo stimulation, anodal tDCS during SWS-rich sleep distinctly increased the retention of word pairs (p < 0.005). When applied during the wake retention interval, tDCS did not affect declarative memory. Procedural memory was also not affected by tDCS. Mood was improved both after tDCS during sleep and during wake intervals. tDCS increased sleep depth toward the end of the stimulation period, whereas the average power in the faster frequency bands (,alpha, and beta) was reduced. Acutely, anodal tDCS increased slow oscillatory activity <3 Hz. We conclude that effects of tDCS involve enhanced generation of slow oscillatory EEG activity considered to facilitate processes of neuronal plasticity. Shifts in extracellular ionic concentration in frontocortical tissue (expressed as negative DC potentials during SWS) may facilitate sleep-dependent consolidation of declarative memories.

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Crossref · 10.1523/jneurosci.2725-04.2004

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Authors
Marshall, L., Mölle, M., Hallschmid, M., & Born, J.
Affiliations
University of Lübeck (DE)
Venue
The Journal of Neuroscience
Published
2004-11-03
Volume
24
Issue
44
Pages
9985-9992
ISSN
  • 0270-6474 (ISSN-L)
  • 1529-2401
OpenAlex
W2097201141
Cited by
548
References
75
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 20 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 18 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 38 · 2019: 35 · 2018: 30 · 2017: 37 · 2016: 37 · 2015: 34 · 2014: 45 · 2013: 32 · 2012: 41
FWCI
6.60
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Neuroscience (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (MA 2053, BO 854)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Sleep and Wakefulness Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Keywords
transcranial direct current stimulation, sleep, slow-wave sleep, declarative memory, memory consolidation, anodal tDCS, slow oscillations, procedural memory, mirror tracing, mood, sleep depth, neuroplasticity
MeSH terms
Adult, Brain, Cerebral Cortex, Double-Blind Method, Electric Stimulation, Electroencephalography, Humans, Male, Memory, Paired-Associate Learning, Mental Recall, Sleep, Sleep Stages, Wakefulness, Polysomnography, Cross-Over Studies

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