Understand 6 types of brain wave frequencies

2025-04-03

1, alpha alpha wave (α wave)

This frequency range fills the gap between our conscious mind and our subconscious mind. In other words, alpha is the frequency range between beta and theta. It helps us calm down when necessary and promotes a deep relaxation feeling. If we become stressed, a phenomenon called "alpha wave blocking" may occur, which involves excessive beta activity and very few alpha waves. Basically, the test wave "blocks" the generation of the alpha wave because we become too excited.

Frequency range: 8 Hz to 12 Hz (medium)

Too many: daydreaming, unable to focus, too relaxed

Too little: anxiety, high stress, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder

Best: Relax

Increased alpha waves: alcohol, marijuana, relaxants, some antidepressants

2, Beta wave (beta wave)

These are called high-frequency low-amplitude brain waves and are usually observed when we wake up. They involve conscious thoughts, logical thinking, and often have stimulating effects. Having a proper amount of beta waves allows us to easily concentrate on completing school or work tasks. There are too many tests that can cause us to experience excessive stress and/or anxiety. Higher beta frequency is associated with high levels of arousal. When you drink caffeine or have another stimulant, your beta activity will naturally increase. Think of these as very fast brainwaves that most people display throughout the day to accomplish conscious tasks such as critical thinking, writing, reading and socializing.

Frequency range: 12 Hz to 40 Hz (high)

Too much: adrenaline, anxiety, high excitement, inability to relax, stress

Too little: ADHD, daydreaming, depression, poor cognition

Best: Conscious focus, memory, problem solving

Added test waves: coffee, energy drinks and various stimulants

3. Gamma gamma wave (γ wave)

These involve higher processing tasks as well as cognitive functions. Gamma waves are very important for learning, memory and information processing. It is believed that 40 Hz gamma waves are important for our senses and perceptions, and are involved in learning new materials. It has been found that individuals with mental and learning disabilities tend to have below average gamma activity.

Frequency range: 40 Hz to 100 Hz (maximum)

Too much: Anxiety, Excitement, Stress

Too little: ADHD, depression, learning disability

Best: Binding senses, cognition, information processing, learning, perception, REM sleep

Increase Gamma Waves: Meditation

4, 5 Zeta and Delta Zeta and Triangular Waves (δ waves)

This is the slowest brain wave recorded by humans. They are most common in infants and young children. As we age, we tend to produce fewer triangular waves even when we sleep deeply, and they are associated with the deepest levels of relaxation and recovery, healing sleep. They have also been found to involve unconscious body functions such as regulating heartbeat and digestion. The full production of triangular waves helps us to fully rejuvenate after waking up after a good sleep. If there is abnormal triangular wave activity, the individual may experience learning disabilities or difficulty maintaining consciousness (such as brain injury).

Frequency range: 0 Hz to 4 Hz (slowest)

Too many: Brain damage, learning problems, inability to think, severe ADHD (ADHD)

Too little: Can't revitalize the body, can't revitalize the brain, can't sleep well

Best: immune system, natural healing, repair/deep sleep

Increase Deltapo: Inhibitor, Sleep

6. Theta wave (θ wave)

This particular frequency range involves daydreaming and sleep. Theta waves connect with us to experience and feel deep and primitive emotions. Too much theta activity may make people prone to depression and may make them "highly suggestive" because they are in a deep relaxed, semi-hypnotic state. Theta has its benefits of helping to improve our intuition, creativity, and make us feel more natural. It is also involved in restorative sleep. As long as the θ does not overgenerate during waking time, this is a very useful brain wave range.

Frequency range: 4 Hz to 8 Hz (slow speed)

Too many: ADHD, depression, hyperactivity, impulse, inattention

Too little: anxiety, poor emotional awareness, and high stress

Best: Creativity, emotional connection, intuition, relaxation

Increase theta wave: Inhibitor