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Brain Waves: Difference between revisions
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==Alpha Waves== | ==Alpha Waves== | ||
Alpha waves are neural oscillations in the frequency range of 7.5–12.5 Hz[1] arising from synchronous and coherent (in phase or constructive) electrical activity of thalamic pacemaker cells in humans. They are also called Berger's wave in memory of the founder of EEG.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_wave Alpha Wave]</ref> | Alpha waves are neural oscillations in the frequency range of 7.5–12.5 Hz[1] arising from synchronous and coherent (in phase or constructive) electrical activity of thalamic pacemaker cells in humans. They are also called Berger's wave in memory of the founder of EEG.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_wave Alpha Wave]</ref> | ||
This frequency range bridges the gap between our conscious thinking and subconscious mind. In other words, alpha is the frequency range between beta and theta. It helps us calm down when necessary and promotes feelings of deep relaxation. If we become stressed, a phenomenon called alpha blocking may occur which involves excessive beta activity and very little alpha. Essentially the beta waves block out the production of alpha because we become too aroused. | |||
* Frequency range: 8 Hz to 12 Hz (Moderate) | |||
* Too much: Daydreaming, inability to focus, too relaxed | |||
* Too little: Anxiety, high stress, insomnia, OCD | |||
* Optimal: Relaxation | |||
* 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== | ||
Beta wave, or beta rhythm, is the term used to designate the frequency range of human brain activity between 12.5 and 30 Hz (12.5 to 30 transitions or cycles per second). Beta waves can be split into three sections: Low Beta Waves (12.5–16 Hz, "Beta 1 power"); Beta Waves (16.5–20 Hz, "Beta 2 power"); and High Beta Waves (20.5–28 Hz, "Beta 3 power"). Beta states are the states associated with normal waking consciousness.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_wave Beta Wave]</ref> | Beta wave, or beta rhythm, is the term used to designate the frequency range of human brain activity between 12.5 and 30 Hz (12.5 to 30 transitions or cycles per second). Beta waves can be split into three sections: Low Beta Waves (12.5–16 Hz, "Beta 1 power"); Beta Waves (16.5–20 Hz, "Beta 2 power"); and High Beta Waves (20.5–28 Hz, "Beta 3 power"). Beta states are the states associated with normal waking consciousness.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_wave Beta Wave]</ref> | ||
These are known as high frequency low amplitude brain waves that are commonly observed while we are awake. They are involved in conscious thought, logical thinking, and tend to have a stimulating affect. Having the right amount of beta waves allows us to focus and complete school or work-based tasks easily. Having too much beta may lead to us experiencing excessive stress and/or anxiety. The higher beta frequencies are associated with high levels of arousal. When you drink caffeine or have another stimulant, your beta activity will naturally increase. Think of these as being very fast brain waves that most people exhibit throughout the day in order to complete conscious tasks such as: critical thinking, writing, reading, and socialization. | |||
* Frequency range: 12 Hz to 40 Hz (High) | |||
* Too much: Adrenaline, anxiety, high arousal, inability to relax, stress | |||
* Too little: ADHD, daydreaming, depression, poor cognition | |||
* Optimal: Conscious focus, memory, problem solving | |||
* 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== | ||
Theta waves generate the theta rhythm, a neural oscillatory pattern in electroencephalography (EEG) signals, recorded either from inside the brain.In human EEG studies, the term theta refers to frequency components in the 4–7 Hz range, regardless of their source. Cortical theta is observed frequently in young children. In older children and adults, it tends to appear during meditative, drowsy, hypnotic or sleeping states, but not during the deepest stages of sleep.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theta_wave Tehta Wave]</ref> | Theta waves generate the theta rhythm, a neural oscillatory pattern in electroencephalography (EEG) signals, recorded either from inside the brain.In human EEG studies, the term theta refers to frequency components in the 4–7 Hz range, regardless of their source. Cortical theta is observed frequently in young children. In older children and adults, it tends to appear during meditative, drowsy, hypnotic or sleeping states, but not during the deepest stages of sleep.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theta_wave Tehta Wave]</ref> | ||
This particular frequency range is involved in daydreaming and sleep. Theta waves are connected to us experiencing and feeling deep and raw emotions. Too much theta activity may make people prone to bouts of depression and may make them highly suggestible based on the fact that they are in a deeply relaxed, semi-hypnotic state. Theta has its benefits of helping improve our intuition, creativity, and makes us feel more natural. It is also involved in restorative sleep. As long as theta isn’t produced in excess during our waking hours, it is a very helpful brain wave range. | |||
* Frequency range: 4 Hz to 8 Hz (Slow) | |||
* Too much: ADHD, depression, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness | |||
* Too little: Anxiety, poor emotional awareness, stress | |||
* Optimal: Creativity, emotional connection, intuition, relaxation | |||
* 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]] | ||