Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma waves are brain waves measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG), associated with different states of consciousness and mental activities. They are expressed in frequencies (hertz, Hz). Here’s an overview:
Delta Waves (0.5–4 Hz)
Characteristics: Slow, deep waves.
State: Deep, dreamless sleep, unconsciousness, physical and mental recovery.
Function: Essential for healing, regeneration, and restorative processes.
Theta Waves (4–8 Hz)
Characteristics: Slow waves, linked to light sleep and deep relaxation.
State: Dreaming, meditation, intuition, creativity, or a “dreamy” state.
Function: Connects to the subconscious, processing emotions and memories.
Alpha Waves (8–12 Hz)
Characteristics: Moderately fast waves, indicative of a calm yet alert state.
State: Relaxed wakefulness, such as during light meditation, daydreaming, or after closing the eyes.
Function: Promotes relaxation, creativity, and a sense of well-being.
Beta Waves (12–30 Hz)
Characteristics: Fast waves, associated with active mental processes.
State: Alertness, focus, problem-solving, logical thinking, or mild stress.
Function: Supports concentration and cognitive tasks, though high beta activity may indicate stress or anxiety.
Gamma Waves (30–100 Hz)
Characteristics: Very fast waves, the highest frequency.
State: Peak concentration, heightened awareness, complex problem-solving, or spiritual experiences.
Function: Linked to cognitive peak performance, memory processing, and integrating information across brain regions.
Summary:
These waves reflect various mental and physiological states, from deep sleep (Delta) to intense focus (Gamma). Their balance and dominance shift based on what you’re doing or feeling. They are widely studied in neuroscience, meditation, and sleep science to understand mental health and performance.