Brain Relief. Lamda 200Hz, Hyper Gamma 100Hz, Gamma 38-90 Hz, Beta 12-38 Hz, , Alpha 7.5-12 Hz, Theta 4-6.7 Hz, Delta 0.5-4 Hz, Epsilon < 0.5 Hz

Lamda 200Hz, Hyper Gamma 100Hz, Gamma 38-90 Hz, Beta 12-38 Hz, , Alpha 7.5-12 Hz, Theta 4-6.7 Hz, Delta 0.5-4 Hz, Epsilon < 0.5 Hz

My brain’s ability to become flexible and/or transition through various brain wave frequencies plays a large role in how successful I AM at managing stress, focusing on tasks, and getting a good night’s sleep. If one types of brain waves is either overproduced and/or under produced in my brain, it can cause problems. For this reason, it is important to understand that there is no single brain wave that is “better” or more “optimal” than the others.

Gamma Waves

These are involved in higher processing tasks as well as cognitive functioning. Gamma waves are important for learning, memory and information processing. It is thought that the 40 Hz gamma wave is important for the binding of my senses in regards to perception and are involved in learning new material. It has been found that individuals who are mentally challenged and have learning disabilities tend to have lower gamma activity than average.

Frequency range: 40 Hz to 100 Hz (Highest)

Too much: Anxiety, high arousal, stress

Too little: ADHD, depression, learning disabilities

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

Increase gamma waves: Meditation

Beta Waves

These are known as high frequency low amplitude brain waves that are commonly observed while I'm awake. They are involved in conscious thought, logical thinking, and tend to have a stimulating affect. Having the right amount of beta waves allows me to focus and complete school or work-based tasks easily. Having too much beta may lead to me to experiencing excessive stress and/or anxiety. The higher beta frequencies are associated with high levels of arousal. When I drink caffeine or have another stimulant, my 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

Alpha Waves

This frequency range bridges the gap between my conscious thinking and subconscious mind. In other words, alpha is the frequency range between beta and theta. It helps me calm down when necessary and promotes feelings of deep relaxation. If I 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, marijuana, relaxants, some antidepressants

Theta Waves

This particular frequency range is involved in daydreaming and sleep. Theta waves are connected to me experiencing and feeling deep and raw emotions. Too much theta activity may make me prone to bouts of depression and may make me “highly suggestible” based on the fact that I'm in a deeply relaxed, semi-hypnotic state. Theta has its benefits of helping improve my intuition, creativity, and makes me 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

Delta Waves

These are the slowest recorded brain waves in human beings. They are found most often in infants as well as young children. As I age, I 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 me feel completely rejuvenated after I wake up from a good night’s sleep. If there is abnormal delta activity, I 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