A framework for interpretation of accuracy data.

<p>(A, B) A schematic account of the accuracy data of the 12 hr group is illustrated. Two processes are initiated—a learning process that facilitates performance on the finger tapping task (yellow curve), and fatigue of the neural substrate local to the learning and task (red curve). Observed performance (green curve) is a function of the difference between the two processes (learning – local fatigue). The difference is minimal early on in training (left dashed line), increases sharply to a maximum (middle dashed line), and later settles to an intermediate plateau level (right dashed line). The combined dynamics of the twin processes is qualitatively similar to the true accuracy data shown on the right for comparison. Sleep counteracts the fatigue in the neural circuitry that drives the task, which is exhibited as an overnight latent enhancement on post-sleep test trials the next morning (not shown).