The brain is one of the most important elements to ensure the proper functioning of our vital functions. In fact, it is so important that any problem in this organ could interfere with our daily lives. Medicine has been interested in understanding its operation in detail, performing hundreds of investigations aimed at making visible the main mechanisms that act in the processes that just.
The complexity of the human mind can take us to unimaginable limits. For this reason, to this day, research continues about it. In this Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information about the types of brain waves.
Index
- What are brain waves
- gamma waves
- beta waves
- Alpha waves
- Theta waves
- Delta waves
What are brain waves.
Before explaining what brain waves are, it is important to understand how neural communication occurs. In general terms, the neurons that are in the brain are connected to each other through a process called synapses, which consists of the transmission of information through chemical substances. This procedure is repeated every time two neurons communicate through their ends.
In this way, the synapse gives rise to brain waves, which consist of electrical impulses having various intensities. Similarly, this fact denotes differences in the speed of information processing, since some brain waves may be faster than others.
Gamma waves.
Gamma brain waves are the electrical impulses that have the highest frequency. In general terms, the Gamma brain wave oscillates between 25 and 100 hz, although its most common frequency is located at 40 hz.
Gamma waves are associated with the perception of stimuli during states of consciousness, because in these cases the possibility of focusing attention is higher than in other situations. In turn, this type of brain waves allow the processing of information linked to tasks of considerable cognitive demand.
Beta waves.
These brain waves are not as intense as Gamma. However, its frequency ranges from 12 to 33 hz of intensity. Beta brain waves manifest when they are carried out high cognitive functioning activities that require specific skills and abilities.
Likewise, a high attentional focus appears here, since a high degree of concentration is necessary on the part of the person. Some examples of this type of activity could be speaking in public or giving a speech, among others.
Alpha waves.
Alpha waves are electrical signals that have an intermediate frequency, with an intensity that oscillates between 8 and 13 hz. Unlike the brain waves that we have previously explained, Alpha waves are manifested in states of mental and physical relaxation.
For this reason, the main function of this type of brain wave is to give calm warnings in certain situations that require it. In this way, Alpha waves can appear, for example, at moments of meditation or doing reactive activities.
Theta waves.
This type of brain waves have a lower intensity than those mentioned above, with a general range of 3.5 to 7.5 or 8 hz. Theta waves promote body relaxation and they are in charge of intervening in the moments prior to falling asleep.
For this reason, the operation of Theta Waves is vital when prolonging moments of relaxation during the course of life.
Delta waves.
Finally, Delta waves are the lowest type of brain waves. These electrical signals have a low frequency, since they oscillate between 1 and 3 Hz, resulting in moments of deep mental and physical relaxation in people.
Delta waves affect many vital functions that are carried out involuntarily, such as regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate or the deep sleep cycle, among others. For this reason, Delta waves can be indirectly related to the decrease in alertness produced by the body against stressful situations.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to types of brain waves, we recommend that you enter our category of neuropsychology.
Bibliography
- Barrera, R. (2017). EvoEEG: a study based on the analysis of brain waves using a brain-computer interface. Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada, Baja California.
- Superior Council of Scientific Investigations. The brain uses different rhythms of slow and fast waves to adapt to cognitive demands. Recovered from: https://www.csic.es/sites/default/files/11agosto2020cerebro_ondas.pdf
- Garcia Rodriguez, A. AND. (2015). Analysis of brain waves to determine emotions from visual stimuli. Veracruz University. Faculty of Statistics and Informatics.
