The Role of Sleep in Memory Consolidation and Reading in Dyslexia

Abstract

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reading difficulty, which has long been attributed to a phonological processing deficit. However, recent research suggests that general difficulties with learning and memory, but also in memory consolidation, may underlie disordered reading. This review article provides an overview of the relationship between learning and memory, memory consolidation during sleep, and reading and explores the emerging literature on consolidation during sleep in individuals with dyslexia. We consider evidence that sleep appears to be less effective for memory consolidation in children with dyslexia and how this may be related to their deficits in reading. This discussion highlights the need for further research to determine the extent to which atypical sleep patterns may contribute to learning deficits associated with disordered reading.