Synaptic renormalization during sleep in young mice

Takeaway

• In the primary motor cortex of 2-week old mice, synaptic renormalization occurs normally during sleep compared to adult mice.

Why this matters

• During the day, synaptic functions strengthen to facilitate learning in adults, however, at night synaptic functions renormalize to conserve energy and prevent synaptic saturation.
• It is unknown whether renormalization occurs in children and adolescents as well, because synaptic growth occurs during sleep.