Effect of sleep-based consolidation on speech motor learning

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of sleep on motor speech learning. Forty-five participants practiced a non-meaningful speech phrase and were tested later for retention. Testing occurred 12-24 hours after practice. Participants were split into three groups: a sleep group, a no-sleep group, and a sleep with an extra practice group. Results revealed that participants who slept between practice and delayed retention testing performed better than those who did not. Additionally, those who slept and received an extra practice session did not perform better than those who slept and didn’t receive extra practice. These findings expand on the understanding of motor learning and may impact treatment in speech-language pathology.