Brain Waves: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma

There are 5 types of brain waves and they work almost like musical notes. Some are low frequencies, others are high frequencies. Together they have the power to create harmony. Your thoughts, emotions and feelings are in perfect balance, focused and open to everything around you.

Have you heard someone say something like “I want to train my Alpha brainwaves to be more relaxed and find inner peace”? In fact, people are talking about biofeedback machines that can activate certain brain waves to put them into certain states of consciousness. Well, here we must tread carefully…

When it comes to our brainwaves, the key to authentic health and happiness lies in allowing each to function at their own frequency and optimal levels. We must also remember that they are not static. They change more as they get older. So it is useless to try to train Beta waves for better focus or Gamma waves for better mental health.

The truth is, no type of brainwave is better or more "special" than another. All of them are important because they are the result of the electrical activity of our neurons and mental states.

Different Brain Waves

We all know that the brain is an electrochemical organ. In fact, neurologists explain that if all of our nerve cells were activated at the same time, there would be enough energy to turn on a light bulb. Isn't that surprising!

This electrical activity is what is responsible for the different brain waves. It is a complex, fascinating, and wonderful process in which every activity, state of mind, and thought can radiate some kind of brainwave.

Throughout the day, our brain keeps five types of brain waves active. Depending on what we're doing at the time, some brain waves will be more active in some areas of the brain, others less active in other areas, but none of them will be "off" on their own.

For example, your Alpha waves may be intensely active in your frontal lobe at some point, which will make you feel a little anxious. However, these same Alpha waves in the occipital area would mean an ideal state of relaxation. These nuances are good to keep in mind. Now let's look at the different brain waves and what they do.

1. Delta waves (1-3 Hz)

Delta waves have the largest wave amplitude and are related to deep but dreamless sleep. Interestingly, it is very common in infants and young children. As we get older, we get less of these brain waves that we produce. Our sleep and ability to relax are getting worse and worse over the years.

In general, Delta brain waves are related to unconscious bodily activities such as regulating your heart rate and digestion.

What if delta brain waves show up at very high peaks on an electroencephalogram (EEG)? It can be a sign of brain damage, learning disabilities, or even severe ADHD.

What if they show up in the stock on the EEG? It may indicate poor sleep.

A healthy delta wave level is good for your immune system, sleep and learning.

2. Theta Waves (3.5-8 Hz)

This second type of brain waves is between 3.5 and 8 Hz and is mostly related to imagination, thinking and sleep. Fun fact: Theta waves are more active when we are experiencing very deep emotions.

For example, when we finish a task or task that takes a lot of energy, when we relax and let our imaginations fly, Theta waves take over our brains.

High theta waves may be associated with a depressive disorder or attention deficit.

Low corresponds to anxiety, stress, and low emotional self-awareness.

A healthy level of delta is good for creativity, emotional connection, and intuition.

3. Alpha waves (8-13 Hz)

Alpha waves occur occasionally during twilight times when calm but not asleep. When we are relaxed and ready for meditation. When we are on the couch watching TV or relaxing in bed, but before falling asleep.

A high level of Alpha wave can prevent us from focusing and even make us feel like we have no energy.

Low alpha waves correspond to anxiety, stress and insomnia.

4. Beta waves (12-33 Hz)

We have now moved from low/mid brain waves to a higher level. We are now in higher frequencies that come from intense neuronal activity. They are as interesting as they are complex. While giving our full attention, they have to make times when we are very awake and associated with the awakening of stimuli.

Activities such as driving, taking exams, and giving presentations are good examples. However, overactivation of our neurons can lead to harmful anxiety and stress.

On the other hand, low level Beta waves will lead to an overly relaxed, relaxed, even depressed state…

The ideal level helps us to be more open and focused. This is the best for solving problems.

5. Gamma waves (25-100 Hz)

When you hear the word “gamma”, the first thing that comes to mind is gamma rays, which are famous for their long wavelengths and high electromagnetic radiation. Gamma waves and gamma rays have only one thing in common: their very high frequency.


Neuroscientists are now starting to learn more facts about gamma waves, but little was known about them until recently. Also, they are very difficult to catch on an EEG. They originate in the thalamus and travel at incredible speed from the back of the brain.

Gamma waves are associated with higher cognitive processing tasks.

It has to do with our learning style, our ability to acquire new information, our senses, and our perceptions.

For example, people with mental problems or learning difficulties tend to have less than half of the Gamma wave activity.

High peaks of gamma waves occur in states of happiness.

The REM sleep phase also tends to be characterized by high levels of activity in this frequency range.

As a result, learning about different brain waves allows us to understand that our mental processes, emotions, activities and behaviors generate "energy" in our brain. So the key is to be aware of this, relax and learn to be more open and intuitive and work on emotional management so that our anxiety works in our favor, not against us.