Altered Sleep-Dependent Motor Learning in Williams Syndrome - Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by atypical sleep architecture [1-3]. Sequential motor skills are acquired in multiple stages, including a practice-dependent and a sleep-dependent phase of performance improvement [4]. In conditions with disrupted sleep, e.g., in schizophrenia, sequential motor learning is impaired, and has an atypical pattern [5]. The aim of our study was to determine how individuals with WS compare to typically developing (TD) ones in terms of sleep-dependent sequential motor learning. Practicedependent and sleep-dependent learning was estimated by speed and accuracy in a finger tapping (FT) task. Individuals with WS presented with a lower initial performance, they showed significant practice-dependent improvement, and however, they did not demonstrate any improvement in the sleep dependent stage. Age-matched TD individuals showed both practice and sleep-dependent improvement. This suggests that the characteristic and atypical sleep pattern in WS [1-3] might significantly limit the acquisition of motor skills. Our results also strongly point to the relevance of effective sleep interventions in WS, with a potential outcome of improved motor learning abilities.