Alpha waves usually occur when you are engaged in activities such as daydreaming, meditating, or practicing mindfulness.
Research suggests that this throw in of brain wave may play a role in reducing symptoms ofdepressionand improving creativity.
So what exactly is a brain wave?
janiecbros / Getty Images
The brain is made up of millions of neurons that use electrical signals to transmit information.
These electrical patterns are associated with different types of activity in the brain as well as different states ofconsciousness.
These waves measure between 8 and 12 Hz, indicating the brain is active but relaxed.
Increasing this jot down of brain activity may help lower depression, combat anxiety, and increase creativity.
How Are Alpha Brain Waves Measured?
There are five different types of brain waves.
Brain waves are measured by a tool known as an electroencephalogram (EEG).
The picture that the tool creates portrays this electrical activity in a way that looks like waves.
An EEG looks at the frequency of these waves, or the cycles of activity per second.
Some of these waves are faster and some are sloweralpha waves are somewhere in the middle.
This is why people experience these waves when they are doing stress-relieving activities such as meditating.
How does brain activity look on an EEG when alpha wave activity is prominent?
They tend to ignore sensory activity and are in a relaxed state.
Some evidence suggests that finding ways to boost these alpha waves may have several benefits.
Click below to listen now.
Greater Creativity
Increasing alpha waves may also help make you a more creative thinker.
While such effects may help boost creative thought, it also offers promise for helping reduce depression.
People with depressive symptoms often get stuck in repetitive patterns of thinking.
Finding ways to break out of those destructive patterns may help reduce symptoms of depression.
In this mind-body technique, people receive auditory and visual feedback about their brain activity using an EEG monitor.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation and mindfulness may also help.
What Happens When Alpha Waves Are Imbalanced?
When alpha waves occur in excess during sleep, they can contribute to sleep disorders.
The brain normally produces delta waves during deep sleep.
If alpha waves dominate, it disrupts sleep and leaves people feeling tired the following day.
2015;6(1):14-20.
2021;11(3):e02024.
