The most commonly measured brainwaves are Delta, Theta, Alpha, and Beta. Each wave type indicates a level of activity that is occurring in the brain.

If you get a brainwave scan, these are the type of waves your doctor will read (2):

Delta Brainwaves (1 – 4 Hz) – Deep Sleep
Delta Waves are the slowest type with the highest amplitude (wavelength). These brainwaves are most commonly observed in people during deep sleep when no dreaming occurs. They are primarily located in the brain’s right hemisphere during stages 3 and 4 of sleep and increase in intensity as the sleep becomes more profound. If you’ve ever awakened confused, irritable, and disoriented, this is likely because you woke up in the middle of your delta brainwave sleep stage.

Besides favoring deep sleep, reaching this mental state has many benefits (5):

  • Improves memory performance by improving hippocampus function
  • Induces a deep state of body relaxation
  • Promotes the release of human growth hormone

Although Delta waves are vital to deep, restorative sleep, if they’re prominently experienced during the waking hours, they can affect brain performance. Therefore, excessive Delta waves during the day have been associated with brain injuries, learning problems.

Theta Brainwaves (4 – 7 Hz) – Deep Meditation and First Stages of Sleep
The next step up from Delta waves are the Theta Brainwaves. They are particularly prevalent in the first stage of sleep and when people are daydreaming. For example, Theta waves are present when you wake up from a very light dream where you’re not yet asleep nor fully conscious. In this light sleep, you can even have the sensation of dreaming or sensory hallucinations.

Theta waves are also associated with REM sleep, as we have the most vivid dreams. In the waking state, Theta Waves are most profound during meditation, spiritual activities, and deep reflection. Great ideas can come from this state as people become more connected to their inner selves. If you have ever been driving down a highway and found yourself in a state of mind where the last few miles went by in the blink of an eye, then you were in a mixture of Theta and Alpha states.

When you’re fully awake, the right proportion of theta waves has a few benefits:

  • Helps with creativity
  • Relaxes your body
  • Connects yourself with your intuition and subconscious mind

Like Delta waves, excessive Theta waves during the waking hours could indicate issues with brain performance. These range from head injuries to neurological deficits and an inability to focus and maintain attention. The ratio of Theta waves to Beta waves indicates how much RESTING brainwave activity we have (Theta) versus how much ACTIVE brainwave activity we have (beta). This is represented as Theta/Beta Ratio.

Alpha Brainwaves (7 – 12 Hz) – Relaxation
Alpha waves are usually found in the brain’s occipital lobe (backside of the brain) when patients are awake with their eyes closed. Opening our eyes would reduce the intensity of alpha brainwaves. Unlike Delta and Theta waves, these Alpha waves are not present when we are asleep.

During the day, after a mental activity, the period of time right after the task is completed and you are relaxing is a state of Alpha. Another example would be walking through a garden in a contemplative state.

Alpha brainwaves also relate to visualization and daydreaming. They increase as we reach a relaxed state of mind, and creative individuals have a higher ratio of alpha brainwaves. However, we can all increase alpha brainwaves by using visualization techniques, practicing meditation, and using deep breathing exercises.

Using alpha waves brings out several benefits:

  • Promotes relaxation in the body and mind, reducing nervousness and anxious thoughts
  • Boosts creative thinking and provide us with more insight into heightened problem-solving skills
  • Helps artists and athletes reaching that “in-the-zone” state of mind where performance is at its peak

As Alpha waves are also indicative of a relaxed state of mind, an excess of these waves in the frontal lobes has shown to indicate ADHD and depressive symptoms.

Beta Brainwaves (12 – 40 Hz) – Conscious Reasoning
These brainwaves are the 2nd fastest type of brain frequency and most accurately associated with the engaged brain.

You will likely display Beta brainwaves when solving complex math problems or a puzzle. Logical thinkers tend to have a higher rate of Beta brainwave activity depending on their cognitive abilities. Interestingly, Beta brainwaves show an increase as we grow older.

The downside of Beta brainwaves is that too much causes anxiety and stress. An intense Beta brainwave session, like taking an IQ test, may sometimes result in a mild headache as the blood flow to the brain increases. Still, you can seize the positive aspects and avoid the negative part of Beta brainwaves by taking breaks between sessions of deep concentration. The benefits of maximizing Beta brainwaves include:

  • An increased level of alertness
  • Improved focus
  • Goal-oriented concentration
  • Quick thinking ability
  • Improvements in problem-solving capacity
  • Self-confidence

Bonus Brainwave: Gamma Waves (40 – 70 Hz)
An interesting type of brainwave, and one that is less talked about, is the Gamma brainwave.

These waves reflect a conscious awareness of what is around us and relate to feelings of happiness and compassion. They are also prevalent while processing information and learning at a high level. Think about how you feel when you’re immersed in a complex situation or listening to a subject matter expert on a topic of great interest to you. This is when the brain feels like it’s firing on all cylinders.”

Currently, these waves are difficult to measure with current EEG technology, but in the future, researchers will study these more closely as they’re an integral part of what makes us human.

Benefits of Gamma brainwaves include (4):

  • Improvements in memory and information processing
  • Accurate perception of our reality
  • Compassion and positive thinking
  • Advanced learning and intelligence boost
  • High focus and high energy levels
  • Reduction of depressive symptoms