Targeted memory reactivation of newly learned words during sleep triggers REM-mediated integration of new memories and existing knowledge

•Targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during sleep known to enhance declarative memory.•TMR during slow wave sleep (SWS) did not enhance memory integration in word learning.•TMR did impact on the role of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in this process.•SWS and REM may have complementary roles in memory integration.

Recent memories are spontaneously reactivated during sleep, leading to their gradual strengthening. Whether reactivation also mediates the integration of new memories with existing knowledge is unknown. We used targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during slow-wave sleep (SWS) to selectively cue reactivation of newly learned spoken words. While integration of new words into their phonological neighbourhood was observed in both cued and uncued words after sleep, TMR-triggered integration was predicted by the time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These data support complementary roles for SWS and REM in memory consolidation.