Types of brain waves: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma

There are 5 types of brain waves that work almost like musical notes. Some act at a low frequency, others at a higher one. However, together they are capable of forming a harmonious harmony where our thoughts, emotions and sensations can reach a perfect balance.

Perhaps we have heard someone say that “I want to train my Alpha brain wave to feel more relaxed and achieve adequate serenity and personal peace.” Even more, lately there is even talk of biofeedback machines, capable of stimulating certain waves to allow us to achieve certain states of consciousness with them. Well, the truth is that it is advisable to be cautious with this data.

First of all, caution

In relation to our brain waves, the key to authentic well-being is for each of them to work appropriately, within their frequency and at an optimal level. Even more, we cannot ignore that these brain rhythms are not stable, but rather change as we grow, mature and age.

The truth is No There is one type of brain wave that is better than another or one that is more special compared to the others. They are all important, because they are all the result of the electrical activity of our neurons and each of our mental states.

What are brain waves?

Brain waves are the synchronized electrical impulses of a chain of neurons. Not all waves are the same, since they differ in terms of speed or frequency, which is why they receive different names.

Brain waves are measured using an electroencephalogram, which involves placing receptors for electrical activity on the scalp. All types of brain waves are measured in hertz (Hz).

The different types of brain waves

We all know that the brain is an electrochemical organ; In fact, neurologists explain to us that If all our nerve cells were activated at the same time we could obtain enough energy to light a light bulb..

In turn, all that electrical activity is responsible for the different types of brain waves, a kind of complex, fascinating and perfect process. In this process, each activity, each mental state and thought corresponds to a type of brain wave.

On the other hand, it is relevant to clarify that, Throughout the day, our brain keeps the 5 types of brain waves active. Depending on what we do at any given moment, there will be some waves that will show greater activity in certain areas of our brain and others will work with less intensity in other areas, but none of them will be, so to speak, “disconnected.”

For example, at one point in the day our Alpha wave may have intense activity in the frontal lobe, which will make us feel some anxiety. However, this same Alpha wave in the occipital area would imply an optimal state of relaxation. Let’s see below what the different types of brain waves are and how their effect is characterized.

1. Delta Waves (1 to 3 Hz)

Delta waves are those with the greatest wave amplitude and are related to deep sleep (but without dreams). Likewise, it is interesting to know that they are very common in babies and younger children, so that as we get older and older, we tend to produce fewer waves of this type.

This type of wave is mainly related to bodily activities that we are not aware of, such as regulating heart rate or digestion. An adequate level of delta waves favors and cares for the immune system, of our rest and our ability to learn.

When this wave appears in very high peaks on an electroencephalogram, it may indicate a brain injury, learning problems, or even be an indicator of severe ADHD. On the contrary, if this wave appears in low peaks it is indicative of poor sleep or problems activating and revitalizing the body and mind.

2. Theta waves (3.5 to 8 Hz)

The second type of brain waves ranges from 3.5 to 8 Hz and is mainly related to our imaginative abilities, reflection and sleep. As a curiosity, it should be said that Theta waves usually show high activity when we experience very deep emotions.

A simple example in which we can be aware of when this type of wave takes control is when we finish making an effort or a task that has required a lot of energy. Just at that moment when we relax and let our imagination “fly”, theta waves acquire a greater presence in our brain.

Other illustrative data are the following: a high peak of theta waves can be related to a depressive disorder or lack of attention. Low peaks present with anxiety, stress and low emotional self-awareness. However, An adequate level of delta waves promotes creativity, emotional connection and even our intuition.

3. Alpha waves (8 to 13 Hz)

The alphas emerge in that intermediate twilight where there is calm, but no sleep., where there is relaxation and a state conducive to meditating. We can also experience it when we are on the couch watching TV or in bed resting, but without falling asleep.

In fact, a high level of alpha waves would prevent us from being able to focus our attention or even feel like we have very little strength to perform a task. On the contrary, a low level causes anxiety, stress and insomnia.

As a curious fact, a study found that The consumption of L-theanine (an amino acid that is present in the green tea leaf and in its infusion), increases the generation of alpha waves in the occipital and parietal regions; thus causing a feeling of relaxation in people. Therefore, they suggest the consumption of this component as a new type of food ingredient due to its relaxing effect.

4. Beta waves (12 to 33 Hz)

When it comes to beta waves, we talk about very interesting states, as well as complex. States that are related to those daily activities where we put all our attention, when we remain alert and need to be aware of multiple stimuli.

Common activities such as driving, taking an exam, giving a presentation, being in a work meeting presenting a project, etc., are moments of maximum activation. However, an excess, neuronal overactivation, can lead to a state of anxiety or stress that can harm us.

On the other hand, a low level of beta waves, in turn, would lead us to a state that is too relaxed, lax or even depressed. An optimal level of these waves helps us to be much more receptive, focused on even improving our ability to solve problems.

Research in this area continues to bear fruit. A study recently published by a team of neuroscientists from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has revealed a great discovery about beta waves.

Specifically, when people perform tasks that require working memory, The brain uses these kinds of low-frequency waves to switch between different pieces of information. That is, it acts as a regulatory gate that decides when the information stored briefly in working memory is read or discarded, and that allows us to think about something else.

5. Gamma waves (25 to 100 Hz)

We know that when we hear the word “gamma” the famous gamma rays immediately come to mind, with their long wavelength and high electromagnetic radiation. Well, actually Gamma waves and gamma rays are similar in only one aspect: their extremely fast frequency.

It should be said that Neuroscientists are beginning to discover more data about this type of wave, but until recently very little was known.. What’s more, it is very difficult to capture it in electroencephalograms. We are talking about a type of wave that originates in the thalamus and moves from the back of the brain forward and at incredible speed.

Gamma waves are related to tasks of high cognitive processing. They have to do with our learning style, with the ability to absorb new information and also with our senses and perceptions.

It is known, for example, that people with mental or learning problems tend to have lower than average gamma wave activity. States of happiness also show high peaks in this type of wave.

To conclude, knowing the different types of waves allows us to understand Our mental processes, our emotions, activities and dynamics generate a type of “energy” in our brain.. The key, therefore, is to be aware of it, to learn to relax, to be more receptive, intuitive or to favor, for example, that emotional control, where our anxiety works in our favor and never against us.

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