Types Of Brain Waves: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta And Gamma
The electrical activity of the neurons that populate the human brain It is part of the basis of all the thoughts, feelings and actions we perform. That is why it is so difficult to understand what neurons do at all times; Everything that makes up our mental life consists of that inexplicable leap that goes from the frequency with which neurons send electrical impulses to the transformation of this simple thing into mental processes in all their complexity.
That is There is something in the way these nerve cells coordinate with each other that causes sensations, thoughts, memories to appear etc.
Of course, we are still very far from understanding in detail what type of electrical signals in a part of the brain produce such a thought in a specific person and at a specific time, but there is something that is known about the functioning of the organ. of the mind; depends on something known as neuronal oscillatory activity that is, firing frequencies of electrical impulses that generate what is known as the different types of brain waves
The concept of oscillation in the activity of neurons refers to the different rhythms and frequencies expressed by electrical activity in the central nervous system. This idea is very broad, and It is applied both to refer to what an individual neuron does and to a group of neurons that work as a network
For example, oscillation can refer to the degree of electrical activation of a single neuron over time, measuring the rate at which the occurrence of a nerve impulse becomes more probable depending on the degree of depolarization; but can also be used to refer to the frequency with which several neurons in a group send signals almost simultaneously
Be that as it may, in all cases these oscillations in electrical activity can be represented by waves using encephalography, in a similar way in which heartbeats are measured using the electrocardiogram.
Types of brain waves
As we have seen, the activity of the neurons in the brain is not absolutely chaotic, but rather follows a very complex logic in which we can notice how different neurons fire electrical signals almost at the same time in a continuous manner.
This frequency constituted by the activity of several neurons forms what is known as brain waves activation patterns that, unlike what occurs with the activation frequency of a single neuron, are powerful and clear enough to be recorded by placing sensors outside the scalp (through encephalography, one of the most advanced technologies). used in research on the nervous system).
At the same time, Brain waves can be classified into different types depending on their frequency that is, the time that passes between the moments in which many neurons fire electrical signals at the same time.
These types of brain waves are called Delta waves, Theta waves, Alpha waves, Beta waves and Gamma waves.
1. Delta waves (1 to 3 Hz)
Delta waves They are the ones with the greatest wave amplitude, that is, its frequency is very low. They are characteristics of the deep sleep phase, which is the one in which we rarely dream. However, just because they represent the activation patterns of this phase of deep sleep does not mean that the brain is relatively turned off. Although it is in a state of rest, it is no longer activated, but busy with processes that do not depend on being in a state of consciousness.
After Delta waves, Theta waves are the ones with the greatest wave amplitude. You are associated with states of deep calm, relaxation and immersion in memories and fantasies, and also with the REM sleep stage, which is the one in which we dream. Consequently, when these waves appear, it is estimated that there is consciousness or that it is very likely that there is, although it is a consciousness disconnected from what is happening around us and focused on imaginary experiences.
3. Alpha waves (8 to 13 Hz)
Alpha waves are a type of brain wave that has a higher frequency than theta waves, although they are still related to states of relaxation. For example, They may appear during walks in a park, lying on a beach, or watching television Thus, they are not typical of the state of sleep, but of deep calm, an intermediate step.
4. Beta waves (12 to 33 Hz)
In Beta waves neuronal activity is intense. They are related to actions that require remaining in a certain state of alert and agile management of care such as a speech to a large audience, the process of answering an exam question, etc.
Thus, this type of brain waves is linked to agile management of the focus of attention, depending on the objectives, and with concern for what is happening in the present, normally around us, since we must react quickly to possible unforeseen.
5. Gamma waves (25 to 100 Hz)
These are the type of brain waves with a higher frequency and lower amplitude. They appear in waking states and it is believed that their presence is related to the appearance of consciousness with the expansion of attentional focus and memory management.
