Definitions
The EEG (electroencephalograph) measures brainwaves of different frequencies within the brain. Electrodes are placed on specific sites on the scalp to detect and record the electrical impulses within the brain. A frequency is the number of times a wave repeats itself within a second. It can be compared to the frequencies that you tune into on your radio. If any of these frequencies are deficient, excessive, or difficult to access, our mental performance can suffer.
The raw EEG has usually been described in terms of frequency bands: Gamma greater than 30(Hz) BETA (13-30Hz), ALPHA (8-12 Hz), THETA (4-8 Hz), and DELTA(less than 4 Hz).
For example: Our brain uses 13Hz (high alpha or low beta) for “active” intelligence. Often we find individuals who exhibit learning disabilities and attention problems having a deficiency of 13Hz activity in certain brain regions that affects the ability to easily perform sequencing tasks and math calculations.
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Brain Wave Frequencies:
DELTA (0.1 to 3.5 Hz)
The lowest frequencies are delta. These are less than 4 Hz and occur in deep sleep and in some abnormal processes. It is the dominant rhythm in infants up to one year of age and it is present in stages 3 and 4 of sleep. It tends to be the highest in amplitude and the slowest waves. We increase Delta waves in order to decrease our awareness of the physical world. We also access information in our unconscious mind through Delta. Peak performers decrease Delta waves when high focus and peak performance are required. However, most individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, naturally increase rather than decrease Delta activity when trying to focus. The inappropriate Delta response often severely restricts the ability to focus and maintain attention. It is as if the brain is locked into a perpetual drowsy state.Another way to look at Delta is to imagine you are driving in a car and you shift into 1st gear….you’re not going to get anywhere very fast. So Delta would represent 1st gear.
DELTA (0.1-3 Hz): Distribution: generally broad or diffuse; may be bilateral, widespread
Subjective feeling states: deep, dreamless sleep, non-REM sleep, trance, unconscious
Associated tasks & behaviors: lethargic, not moving, not attentive
Physiological correlates: not moving, low-level of arousal
Effects of training: can induce drowsiness, trance, deeply relaxed states
THETA (4-8 Hz)
The next brainwave is theta. Theta activity has a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz and is classed as “slow” activity. It is seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a repository for memories, emotions, sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness. It reflects the state between wakefulness and sleep and relates to the subconscious mind. It is abnormal in awake adults but is perfectly normal in children up to 13 years old. It is also normal during sleep. Theta is believed to reflect activity from the limbic system and hippocampal regions. Theta is observed in anxiety, behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition. When the theta rhythm appears to function normally it mediates and/or promotes adaptive, complex behaviors such as learning and memory. Under unusual emotional circ*mstances, such as stress or disease states, there may be an imbalance of three major transmitter systems, which results in aberrant behavior. Back to our car example, Theta would be considered 2nd gear. Not as slow as 1st gear (Delta) but still not very fast.
THETA (3.5-7.5 Hz): Distribution: usually regional, may involve many lobes, can be lateralized or diffuse;
Subjective feeling states: intuitive, creative, recall, fantasy, imagery, creative, dreamlike, switching thoughts, drowsy; “oneness”, “knowing”
Associated tasks & behaviors: creative, intuitive; but may also be distracted, unfocused
Physiological correlates: healing, integration of mind/body
Effects of Training: if enhanced, can induce drifting, trance-like state. If suppressed, can improve concentration, ability to focus attention
ALPHA (8-12 Hz)
Alpha waves are those between 8 and 12(Hz). Alpha waves will peak around 10Hz. Good healthy alpha production promotes mental resourcefulness, aids in the ability to mentally coordinate, enhances overall sense of relaxation and fatigue. In this state you can move quickly and efficiently to accomplish whatever task is at hand. When Alpha predominates most people feel at ease and calm. Alpha appears to bridge the conscious to the subconscious. It is the major rhythm seen in normal relaxed adults – it is present during most of life especially beyond the thirteenth year when it dominates the resting tracing. Alpha rhythms are reported to be derived from the white matter of the brain. The white matter can be considered the part of the brain that connects all parts with each other. Alpha is a common state for the brain and occurs whenever a person is alert (it is a marker for alertness and sleep), but not actively processing information. They are strongest over the occipital (back of the head) cortex and also over frontal cortex. Alpha has been linked to extroversion (introverts show less), creativity (creative subjects show alpha when listening and coming to a solution for creative problems), and mental work. When your alpha is within normal ranges we tend to also experience good moods, see the world truthfully, and have a sense of calmness. Alpha is one of the brain’s most important frequency to learn and use information taught in the classroom and on the job. You can increase alpha by closing your eyes or deep breathing or decrease alpha by thinking or calculating. Alpha-Theta training can create an increase in sensation, abstract thinking and self-control. In our car scenario, Alpha would represent neutral or idle. Alpha allows us to shift easily from one task to another.
ALPHA(8-12 Hz): Distribution: regional, usually involves entire lobe; strong occipital w/eyes closed
Subjective feeling states: relaxed, not agitated, but not drowsy; tranquil, conscious
Associated tasks & behaviors: meditation, no action
Physiological correlates: relaxed, healing
Effects of Training: can produce relaxation
Sub band low alpha: 8-10: inner-awareness of self, mind/body integration, balance
Sub band high alpha: 10-12: centering, healing, mind/body connection
BETA (above 12 Hz)
Beta activity is ‘fast’ activity. It has a frequency of 14 and greater Hz. It reflects desynchronized active brain tissue. It is usually seen on both sides in symmetrical distribution and is most evident frontally. It may be absent or reduced in areas of cortical damage.
It is generally regarded as a normal rhythm and is the dominant rhythm in those who are alert or anxious or who have their eyes open.
It is the state that most of brain is in when we have our eyes open and are listening and thinking during analytical problem solving, judgment, decision making, processing information about the world around us.
Beta would represent overdrive or hyperdrive in our car scenario.
The beta band has a relatively large range, and has been divided into low, midrange and high.
LOW BETA (12-15HZ): Distribution: localized by side and by lobe (frontal, occipital, etc)
Subjective feeling states: relaxed yet focused, integrated
Associated tasks & behaviors: low SMR can reflect “ADD”, lack of focused attention
Physiological correlates: is inhibited by motion; restraining body may increase SMR
Effects of Training: increasing SMR can produce relaxed focus, improved attentive abilities,
MID BETA (15-18hz): Distribution: localized, over various areas. May be focused on one electrode.
Subjective feeling states: thinking, aware of self & surroundings
Associated tasks & behaviors: mental activity
Physiological correlates: alert, active, but not agitated
Effects of Training: can increase mental ability, focus, alertness
HIGH BETA (above 18hz): Distribution: localized, may be very focused.
Subjective feeling states: alertness, agitation
Associated tasks & behaviors: mental activity, e.g. math, planning
Physiological correlates: general activation of mind & body functions.
Effects of Training: can induce alertness, but may also produce agitation
GAMMA (above 30 Hz)
GAMMA (above 30hz Hz): Distribution: very localized
Subjective feeling states: thinking; integrated thoughts
Associated tasks & behaviors: high-level information processing, “binding”
Physiological correlates: associated with information-rich task processing
Effects of Training: not known
Gamma is measured between 30 and 44 (Hz) and is the only frequency group found in every part of the brain. When the brain needs to simultaneously process information from different areas, its hypothesized that the 40Hz activity consolidates the required areas for simultaneous processing. A good memory is associated with well-regulated and efficient 40Hz activity, whereas a 40Hz deficiency creates learning disabilities.
FAQs
The EEG (electroencephalograph) measures brainwaves of different frequencies within the brain. Electrodes are placed on specific sites on the scalp to detect and record the electrical impulses within the brain. A frequency is the number of times a wave repeats itself within a second.
What is the best brainwave state for studying? ›
Beta waves – These brain waves are the fastest frequency of brainwaves (13-40 Hz). They are responsible for focus, concentration and analytical thinking.
Does alpha waves music really work? ›
Six healthy male subjects were tested with a series of cognitive tests after having listened to the music. However, the results show that the alpha brainwave music does not induce more alpha components than the resting status, nor could it bring any significant effect to the cognitive test results.
Are brain waves real science? ›
Brain waves are oscillating electrical voltages in the brain measuring just a few millionths of a volt. There are five widely recognized brain waves, and the main frequencies of human EEG waves are listed in Table 2.1 along with their characteristics.
How do you control brain waves? ›
Meditation or Exercise
Regular meditation has been shown to increase alpha waves – your relaxation brain waves – and reduce beta waves – the brain waves of active thought and learning. That's why it's most commonly recommended for reducing stress.
What frequency affects the brain? ›
6 Hz beat enhances all area of the brain within 10 minutes. 8 Hz and 25 Hz beats have no clearly responses while 40 Hz beat enhances the responses in frontal lobe. These brain responses can be used for brain modulation application to induce the brain activity in further studies.
What brain waves increase intelligence? ›
If your brain produces high levels of gamma waves, you tend to be happier and more receptive. You may also have a higher intelligence quotient or IQ and better concentration. If your brain produces low levels of gamma waves, you may develop learning and memory problems.
What are the most powerful brain waves? ›
Gamma waves (> 25 Hz.): This is the fastest brain wave. It's responsible for learning, memory, and processing new information. Beta waves (> 13 Hz.): This brain wave is most prominent when we are awake and problem-solving or concentrating.
What brain waves are best for ADHD? ›
What Is the Goal? Many ADHD brains generate an abundance of low-frequency delta or theta brain waves, and a shortage of high-frequency beta brain waves. Over 20 to 40 training sessions, neurofeedback works to reverse that ratio. The end goal is an activated, engaged brain, and an overall reduction in ADHD symptoms.
Does listening to gamma waves do anything? ›
Binaural beats in the gamma range can help to improve mental clarity and increase focus. Listening to binaural beats for 30 minutes daily has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Theta brain waves can also occur when you're awake, but in a very deeply relaxed state of mind; a state that some may describe as “autopilot.” However, if you experience high levels of theta waves while you're awake, you might feel a little sluggish or scattered.
How do I get into Delta state of mind? ›
Other helpful activities for balancing brainwaves include listening to calming music, spending time in nature, and practicing deep breathing exercises. However, our favorite way to increase delta brainwaves is by practicing meditation and mindfulness. Meditation helps to calm the mind and bring about a sense of peace.
Is it good to listen to brain waves? ›
This type of brain activity is associated with alertness, concentration, and problem solving. A small study found that people listening to binaural beats at gamma frequencies of 40 Hz experienced improved memory. View Source , cognition, and even mood. Beta (β) pattern: Beta waves range between 13 Hz and 30 Hz.
Can we pick up brain waves? ›
We can measure brain waves using a technique known as electroencephalography (EEG), in which small detectors, called electrodes, are placed on a person's head [1].
Can brain waves be decoded? ›
Artificial intelligence is now able to decode brain activity to unlock emotions, productivity, and even pre-conscious thought, according to a futurist. Wearable technology that's already available is assisting the brainwave-monitoring technology.
Can someone listen to your thoughts? ›
Frequently Asked Questions. Can anybody hear your thoughts? It is not possible for other people to hear your thoughts. If you feel that others can hear your thoughts, it is important to talk to your doctor or mental health professional, as this may be a symptom of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
How can I amplify my brain waves? ›
Meditation or Exercise
Deep breathing and closed-eye visualization – techniques that mindfulness meditation usually employs – also boost alpha waves. Besides relaxation, alpha waves may also help boost creativity and thereby act as a natural anti-depressant by promoting the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
What can brain waves power? ›
Brain waves are patterns of electrical activity occurring in the brain. They are crucial to all aspects of brain functioning: thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
What frequency messes with humans? ›
In addition to decibel levels, harmful sound frequencies can also be damaging to human hearing. Low frequencies (under 20 Hz) and high frequencies (above 20,000 Hz) that humans cannot perceive can also affect the ear and have adverse effects on our health.
What frequency bothers humans? ›
The noises that become excruciating for humans, then, are explained by the contour's sudden dip between two and five kHz. For example, a high-pitched scream or instrument at four kHz is audible at just negative two decibels.
Human Vibration Parameter Comparison and Result Discussion. According to the existing research, the natural frequency of a human-standing body is about 7.5 Hz, and the frequency of a sitting posture in the cab is generally 4–6 Hz.
Can you boost your IQ? ›
Although science is on the fence about whether you can raise your IQ or not, research does seem to suggest that it's possible to raise your intelligence through certain brain-training activities. Training your memory, executive control, and visuospatial reasoning can help to boost your intelligence levels.
Which frequency is best for sleep? ›
Music has been a part of meditation since ancient times. Certain records mention use of 432 Hz music as very beneficial tone for inducing sleep.
What does alpha state feel like? ›
Alpha waves induce feelings of calm, increase creativity, and enhance your ability to absorb new information. Meditating and practicing mindfulness are some of the most obvious ways to prolong your ability to stay in an alpha state, but there are other ways, as well.
Are people's brain waves unique? ›
It has been shown in previous studies that the brain-wave pattern of every individual is unique and that the electroencephalogram (EEG) can be used for biometric identification.
What brain wave is anxiety? ›
Anxiousness is associated with decreased alpha waves, increased beta waves, and can be affected by low delta and theta waves. Anxiousness and feelings of panic can be caused by more than fear and insecurities. They can be chemically driven states from an imbalanced and poorly regulated brain.
Which color noise is best for ADHD? ›
Brown noise for ADHD is thought to be particularly beneficial. Brown noise, like white noise, plays sound at all frequencies. However, brown noise plays lower frequencies louder and high frequencies softer. It's thought to be a better color of noise to fall asleep to, because it can support sleep and relaxation.
What sounds relax ADHD? ›
White Noise
The options include the old standbys (Ocean, Streams, and Rain Storms) and some unusual sounds, like Tibetan Singing Bowl and Cat Purring. People with ADHD who chill out best with manmade sounds can choose Clothes Dryer, Fan, Vacuum, or Washer.
What foods increase gamma brain waves? ›
Eating nuts regularly strengthens gamma brain waves related to cognition, learning, memory and even healing, new research finds. Pistachios were particularly good at boosting the brain's gamma wave response.
What does 40Hz do to your brain? ›
40Hz has proven to be particularly beneficial to the brain. According to studies, our brain cells communicate at a frequency of 40Hz. Research has found this frequency to demonstrate "promising" results in terms of increasing cognition, clarity and alertness.
Our results demonstrate that 40 Hz binaural beats improve working memory, and induce frequency-following responses. Besides, changes in both HFD and microstates are correlated with attention, which may also account for the changes in working memory performance affected by 40 Hz binaural beats.
What frequency is the subconscious mind? ›
Theta (4-7.5Hz).
It is the realm of your subconsciousness.
How do you know if you are in a theta state? ›
The next state, theta brainwaves, are typically of even greater amplitude and slower frequency. This frequency range is normally between 5 and 8 cycles a second. A person who has taken time off from a task and begins to daydream is often in a theta brainwave state.
What happens when theta is high? ›
Higher Theta is an indication that the value of the option will decay more rapidly over time. Theta is typically higher for short-dated options, especially near-the-money, as there is more urgency for the underlying to move in the money before expiration.
What is the highest form of consciousness? ›
lucid dreaming; out-of-body experience; near-death experience; mystical experience (sometimes regarded as the highest of all higher states of consciousness)
What is Delta consciousness? ›
Abstract. A common observation in EEG research is that consciousness vanishes with the appearance of delta (1–4 Hz) waves, particularly when those waves are high amplitude.
What does 528 Hz do to the brain? ›
Frequency of 528 Hz also reduces total concentration of reactive oxidative species in brain tissue. Prolonged exposure to this sound wave showed reduction of anxiety related behaviors in rats. The results reveal that reduced anxiety is related to increased concentration of testosterone in brain.
Can music stimulate brain waves? ›
Music stimulates brain waves
When we listen to music with a strong beat, our brain waves can be stimulated. Faster beats encourage more concentrated and alert thinking, while slower beats are associated with relaxed meditative states.
What happens if you listen to theta waves? ›
Theta waves (3-8 Hz) produce many benefits, from reducing anxiety to reducing chronic pain. Theta brain waves are associated with dreaming, short-term memory, and a meditative state. Relaxing theta waves are excellent for meditation. Theta waves are especially beneficial during meditation.
Is consciousness a brain wave? ›
The level of wakefulness and consciousness can be shown through the frequency of brain's electrical activity; therefore, high levels of consciousness are recorded as rapid waves, especially the beta rhythm, while slow waves (theta and delta) can be recorded during sleep and low brain activity (Fig.
Brain energy is associated commonly with electrochemical type of energy. This energy is displayed in the form of electromagnetic waves or better known as brainwaves.
Is it possible to intercept brain signals? ›
Neural control signals can be intercepted at various points in the neural signal transduction pathway, including the brain (electroencephalography, electrocorticography, intracortical recordings), the nerves (peripheral nerve recordings) and the muscles (electromyography).
Can brain waves be converted to images? ›
For years now, scientists from around the world have shown that computers and algorithms can indeed understand brain waves and make visual sense out of them through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machines, the same devices doctors use to map neural activity during a brain scan.
Can brain waves be translated into words? ›
Researchers at UC San Francisco have successfully developed a “speech neuroprosthesis” that has enabled a man with severe paralysis to communicate in sentences, translating signals from his brain to the vocal tract directly into words that appear as text on a screen.
What does 40 Hz do to the brain? ›
40Hz has proven to be particularly beneficial to the brain. According to studies, our brain cells communicate at a frequency of 40Hz. Research has found this frequency to demonstrate "promising" results in terms of increasing cognition, clarity and alertness.
Are brain waves quantum? ›
In other words, one may say that the brain has both an electromagnetic field (EMF) or electric field (EF) and a quantum field (QF) or quantum–light field (QLF); alternatively, it can be said that the brain has both high-EF and low-QF waves.
What Hz increases intelligence? ›
Gamma: 30-100 Hz.
With a higher frequency than beta, these brain waves help in: Increased cognitive enhancement.
What does 432 Hz do to your brain when sleeping? ›
Playing 432 Hz music for 15 to 20 min before sleeping induces sleep and increases deep sleep phase (Stage 3 and 4).
What does 5 Hz do to the brain? ›
Conclusion: Auditory stimulation over a long time at a frequency of 5 Hz generates a coupling of brain activity that increases the capacity of immediate verbal memory.
Do thoughts have a frequency? ›
Our minds generate vibration that is constantly at work. Our thoughts and feelings all have frequency, just like sound and light, radio or ultraviolet waves, a thought vibrates through the mind and whether we're aware of it or not, our thinking manifests into reality.
Every thought and emotion has its own vibrational frequency or wave frequency.
Do thoughts have electromagnetic energy? ›
Thoughts are viewed as electromagnetic representations of neuronal information, and the experience of free will in our choice of actions is argued to be our subjective experience of the cemi field acting on our neurons.
