Brain Waves

Epsilon Waves (<0.5 Hz)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Extraordinary states of consciousness
  • High states of meditation
  • Ecstatic states of consciousness
  • High-level inspiration states
  • Spiritual insight
  • Out-of-body experiences

K-Complex (0.8 Hz)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Information processing
  • Protecting sleep

Delta Waves (0.5 - 3 HZ)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Slow-wave sleep
  • Reduces cortisol
  • Increases melantonin

Increased by

  • Temporal lobe epilepsy

Theta Waves (4 - 7 Hz)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Idling
  • Repression of behaviors
  • Emotional connection
  • Creativity
  • Boost immune system
  • Inability to focus
  • Depression
  • Impulsiveness

Increased by

  • Music
  • Playing video games
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Creative visualization
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Alcohol
  • Hallucinogens
  • Benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Diazepam, Clonazepam, etc.)

Alpha Waves (8 - 15 Hz)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Deep thought
  • Relaxed
  • Inhibition control
  • Creativity
  • Balanced mood
  • Boost immune system
  • Positive thinking
  • Increased levels of serotonin
  • Deep self-introspection
  • Extrovert
  • Lack of focus
  • Daydreams
  • Tiredness
  • Lack of excitement
  • Lack of visual acuity

Reduced by

  • Sleep
  • Open Eyes
  • Drowsiness

Increased by

  • Yoga
  • Hot tubes
  • Deep-breathing
  • Meditation
  • Watching TV
  • Alcohol
  • Marijuana

Mu Waves (7.5 – 12.5 Hz)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Resting muscles
  • Body at rest

Sleep Spindle (12 - 14 Hz)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Aid in sleep

Sensorimotor Rhythm or SMR Waves (12.5 – 15.5 Hz)

Low Beta Waves or Beta 1 Power (12.5 - 16 Hz)

Medium Beta Waves or Beta 2 Power (16.5 - 20 Hz)

High Beta Waves or Beta 3 Power (20.5 - 28 Hz)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Active thinking

Beta Waves (16 – 31 Hz)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Active thinking
  • Alert
  • Busy
  • Anxious
  • Active concentration
  • Logical thinking
  • Quick thinking
  • Excited feeling
  • Energy
  • Positive thoughts
  • IQ increase
  • Addiction
  • Insomnia
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Paranoia
  • Stress
  • Anxiety

Increased by

  • Stimulants (such as caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, etc.)

Gamma Waves (32 – 100 Hz)

Associated Activity and Effects

  • Major thinking
  • Natural antidepressant
  • Increased compassion
  • Binds senses
  • Boost memory
  • Energy
  • Focus
  • Positive thoughts
  • Anxiety
  • Clear perception

Increased by

  • Transcendental mental states (Tibetan Buddhist Monks)