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Brain Waves: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Brain-Frequency-Chart.jpg|thumb|Brain Frequency Chart]] | |||
At the root of all our thoughts, emotions and behaviours is the communication between [[Neurons]] within our [[Brain]]s called [[Brain Waves]]. Brain waves are produced by synchronised electrical pulses from masses of neurons communicating with each other. | At the root of all our thoughts, emotions and behaviours is the communication between [[Neurons]] within our [[Brain]]s called [[Brain Waves]]. Brain waves are produced by synchronised electrical pulses from masses of neurons communicating with each other. | ||
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Each serves a purpose to help us cope with various situations – whether it is to help us process and learn new information or help us calm down after a long stressful day. The five brain waves in order of highest frequency to lowest are as follows: gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta.<ref>[http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/15/5-types-of-brain-waves-frequencies-gamma-beta-alpha-theta-delta/ Mental Health Daily]</ref> | Each serves a purpose to help us cope with various situations – whether it is to help us process and learn new information or help us calm down after a long stressful day. The five brain waves in order of highest frequency to lowest are as follows: gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta.<ref>[http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/15/5-types-of-brain-waves-frequencies-gamma-beta-alpha-theta-delta/ Mental Health Daily]</ref> | ||
==Neural | ==Neural Oscillations== | ||
[[Neural Oscillations]] have been most widely studied in neural activity generated by large groups of neurons. Large-scale activity can be measured by techniques such as EEG. In general, EEG signals have a broad spectral content similar to pink noise, but also reveal oscillatory activity in specific frequency bands. The first discovered and best-known frequency band is alpha activity (7.5–12.5 Hz) that can be detected from the occipital lobe during relaxed wakefulness and which increases when the eyes are closed. Other frequency bands are: delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), beta (13–30 Hz) and gamma (30–70 Hz) frequency band, where faster rhythms such as gamma activity have been linked to cognitive processing. Indeed, EEG signals change dramatically during sleep and show a transition from faster frequencies to increasingly slower frequencies such as alpha waves. In fact, different sleep stages are commonly characterized by their spectral content. Consequently, neural oscillations have been linked to cognitive states, such as awareness and consciousness.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_oscillation Neural Oscillation]</ref> | [[Neural Oscillations]] have been most widely studied in neural activity generated by large groups of neurons. Large-scale activity can be measured by techniques such as EEG. In general, EEG signals have a broad spectral content similar to pink noise, but also reveal oscillatory activity in specific frequency bands. The first discovered and best-known frequency band is alpha activity (7.5–12.5 Hz) that can be detected from the occipital lobe during relaxed wakefulness and which increases when the eyes are closed. Other frequency bands are: delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), beta (13–30 Hz) and gamma (30–70 Hz) frequency band, where faster rhythms such as gamma activity have been linked to cognitive processing. Indeed, EEG signals change dramatically during sleep and show a transition from faster frequencies to increasingly slower frequencies such as alpha waves. In fact, different sleep stages are commonly characterized by their spectral content. Consequently, neural oscillations have been linked to cognitive states, such as awareness and consciousness.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_oscillation Neural Oscillation]</ref> | ||
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* Too little: Anxiety, high stress, insomnia, OCD | * Too little: Anxiety, high stress, insomnia, OCD | ||
* Optimal: Relaxation | * Optimal: Relaxation | ||
* Increase alpha waves: Alcohol, relaxants, some antidepressants | * Increase alpha waves: Alcohol, relaxants, some antidepressants<ref>[http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/15/5-types-of-brain-waves-frequencies-gamma-beta-alpha-theta-delta/ Mental Health Daily]</ref> | ||
==Beta Waves== | ==Beta Waves== | ||
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* Too little: ADHD, daydreaming, depression, poor cognition | * Too little: ADHD, daydreaming, depression, poor cognition | ||
* Optimal: Conscious focus, memory, problem solving | * Optimal: Conscious focus, memory, problem solving | ||
* Increase beta waves: Coffee, energy drinks, various stimulants | * Increase beta waves: Coffee, energy drinks, various stimulants<ref>[http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/15/5-types-of-brain-waves-frequencies-gamma-beta-alpha-theta-delta/ Mental Health Daily]</ref> | ||
==Delta Waves== | ==Delta Waves== | ||
A delta wave is a high amplitude brain wave with a frequency of oscillation between 0.5–4 hertz. Delta waves, like other brain waves, are recorded with an electroencephalogram (EEG) and are usually associated with the deep stage 3 of NREM sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep (SWS), and aid in characterizing the depth of sleep.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_wave Delta Wave]</ref> | A delta wave is a high amplitude brain wave with a frequency of oscillation between 0.5–4 hertz. Delta waves, like other brain waves, are recorded with an electroencephalogram (EEG) and are usually associated with the deep stage 3 of NREM sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep (SWS), and aid in characterizing the depth of sleep.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_wave Delta Wave]</ref> | ||
These are the slowest recorded brain waves in human beings. They are found most often in infants as well as young children. As we age, we tend to produce less delta even during deep sleep. They are associated with the deepest levels of relaxation and restorative, healing sleep. They have also been found to be involved in unconscious bodily functions such as regulating heart beat and digestion. Adequate production of delta waves helps us feel completely rejuvenated after we wake up from a good night’s sleep. If there is abnormal delta activity, an individual may experience learning disabilities or have difficulties maintaining conscious awareness (such as in cases of brain injuries). | |||
* Frequency range: 0 Hz to 4 Hz (Slowest) | |||
* Too much: Brain injuries, learning problems, inability to think, severe ADHD | |||
* Too little: Inability to rejuvenate body, inability to revitalize the brain, poor sleep | |||
* Optimal: Immune system, natural healing, restorative / deep sleep | |||
* Increase delta waves: Depressants, sleep<ref>[http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/15/5-types-of-brain-waves-frequencies-gamma-beta-alpha-theta-delta/ Mental Health Daily]</ref> | |||
==Gamma Waves== | ==Gamma Waves== | ||
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* Too little: ADHD, depression, learning disabilities | * Too little: ADHD, depression, learning disabilities | ||
* Optimal: Binding senses, cognition, information processing, learning, perception, REM sleep | * Optimal: Binding senses, cognition, information processing, learning, perception, REM sleep | ||
* Increase gamma waves: Meditation | * Increase gamma waves: Meditation<ref>[http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/15/5-types-of-brain-waves-frequencies-gamma-beta-alpha-theta-delta/ Mental Health Daily]</ref> | ||
==Theta Waves== | ==Theta Waves== | ||
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* Too little: Anxiety, poor emotional awareness, stress | * Too little: Anxiety, poor emotional awareness, stress | ||
* Optimal: Creativity, emotional connection, intuition, relaxation | * Optimal: Creativity, emotional connection, intuition, relaxation | ||
* Increase theta waves: Depressants | * Increase theta waves: Depressants<ref>[http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/15/5-types-of-brain-waves-frequencies-gamma-beta-alpha-theta-delta/ Mental Health Daily]</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
[[Brain Signals]] | |||
[[Mind Control]] | [[Mind Control]] | ||