Alpha Brain Waves: What Are They and Why Are They Important?

13/09/2023, 18:19

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect SUBSCRIBE

ADVERTISEMENT

What Are Alpha Brain Waves and Why Medically reviewed by Heidi
Moawad, M.D. — By Jennifer

Are They Important? Larson on October 9, 2019

What are they? Different types of brain waves Measurement Benefits ADVERTISEMENT

Imbalance How to increase Bottom line

Your brain is a bustling hub of electrical activity. This is due to the fact that the cells in your
brain, called neurons, use electricity to communicate with each other.

When a group of neurons sends an electrical signal to another group of neurons, we call those
brain waves. This is because a computer-generated electroencephalogram (EEG) test that
detects and measures the electrical activity in your brain actually creates a picture that looks
like a wavelike pattern.

There are five basic types of brain waves that range from very slow to very fast. Alpha waves
fall in the middle of that series of waves. Your brain produces these waves when you’re awake
but not really concentrating on any one thing. ADVERTISEMENT

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly alpha brain waves are, what function they
serve, and how they compare to other brain waves.

What are alpha brain waves?

When you first wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you do? Perhaps you turn off your

https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves Page 1 of 8
Alpha Brain Waves: What Are They and Why Are They Important? 13/09/2023, 18:19

alarm clock and stretch. At this point, your brain might be relaxed.

So, while you’re warming up your muscles, your brain is producing alpha waves. You’re not
asking your brain to process a lot of information or solve any big problems. The waves simply
indicate that you are in a state of wakeful rest.

You may also be able to increase your brain’s production of alpha waves when you stop
focusing or concentrating on a task, and simply try to relax and unwind.

Interestingly, a 2009 study suggests that your brain may produce even more alpha waves in
the posterior part of your brain when you meditate. Your brain isn’t totally at rest, but it’s not
attempting to tackle anything big that requires concentration.

ADVERTISEMENT

How are alpha waves different from other

brain waves? ADVERTISEMENT

Alpha brain waves are only one type of brain wave. There are actually five common types of
brain waves.

Brain waves are measured by frequency, which is cycles per second, or hertz (Hz), and they
range from very slow to very fast. Alpha waves fit in the middle of the spectrum, between theta
waves and beta waves.

Here’s the full spectrum of the five common types of brain waves that you experience every
day, from slowest to fastest:

Delta
When you’re deep in a state of dreamless sleep, your brain is producing delta waves, which are
the slowest type of brainwave. They measure between 0.5 and 4 Hz.
For a Longer Life and Happier Gut,
Eat More Fiber !
Theta
When you’re sleeping more lightly or when you’re extremely relaxed, your brain may produce
more theta waves. Theta waves measure between 4 and 8 Hz.

Alpha
As mentioned, alpha waves fall in the middle of the brain wave spectrum.

Your brain produces these waves when you’re not focusing too hard on anything in particular.
Whatever you’re doing, you’re probably feeling relatively calm and relaxed. These waves
measure between 8 and 12 Hz.

ADVERTISEMENT

Beta
With these kinds of brain waves, you’re wide awake, alert, and focused. You’re going about

https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves Page 2 of 8
Alpha Brain Waves: What Are They and Why Are They Important? 13/09/2023, 18:19

your activities of daily living and making decisions. This is when your brain produces higher-
speed beta waves, which measure between about 12 and 35 Hz.

Gamma
Your brain produces the speediest of brain waves, the gamma waves, when you’re actively Top 6 Benefits of Taking Collagen
involved in processing information and learning. You’re concentrating and solving problems, Supplements !
and these brainwaves, which tend to measure upward of 35 Hz, are the proof.

How are brain waves measured?

We can’t see brain waves, but we can measure them. A test called an EEG can identify and
measure the electrical activity in your brain.

With an EEG, a technician will place a series of small metal discs called electrodes all over your
scalp. The discs convey the electrical activity of your neurons through wires to a machine,
which records and prints the patterns out on a screen or paper.

Your doctor may order an EEG to see if there are any unusual patterns in your brain waves, or
problems that might suggest you have epilepsy or another type of brain disorder.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

What are the benefits of alpha waves?

You may be wondering why alpha waves are so important. When your brain is producing these
waves, it’s responding to activities like meditation and rest that can reduce your stress levels
and help you feel calmer.

If you’re able to produce alpha brain waves, you’re probably able to tap into a state that can
help you get some rest and relaxation.
6 Ways to Boost Your Coffee with
Vitamins and Antioxidants !
Boosting your alpha waves might also increase your creativity levels. In a 2015 study,
researchers found evidence that they could trigger a surge in creativity if they specifically
focused on enhancing alpha waves.

The study was small — only 20 participants — but as a randomized trial, it could hold promise
for the use of noninvasive brain stimulation to rev up your brain’s production of alpha brain
waves.

What happens if alpha waves are

interrupted or out of balance?
Your brain doesn’t stop producing one type of brain wave just because you shift into a different
state of consciousness or alertness.

It’s more that one type of brain wave will dominate at any given time, based on whether you’re

https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves Page 3 of 8
Alpha Brain Waves: What Are They and Why Are They Important? 13/09/2023, 18:19

awake or asleep, focused, or floating along. If for some reason your brain isn’t producing very
many alpha waves, it means that you’re not in a relaxed, meditative state of mind.
ADVERTISEMENT

But there are times when your brain waves can become imbalanced.

Research indicates that some people who have depression may have an imbalance of alpha
waves, with more of them occurring in an area of the brain called the left frontal cortex.

A small 2019 study " looked at a brain stimulation technique called transcranial alternating
current stimulation (tACS) and found that it could increase alpha brain waves and reduce
depression symptoms in people affected by major depressive disorder (MDD).

Is there a way to produce or increase your

alpha brain waves? Was this article helpful?
You may actually be able to increase your alpha brain waves if you put your mind to it.
Yes No
"
A 2014 study found that neurofeedback training helped some people with generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD). Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback where you respond in real
time to the electrical activity in your brain and try to adjust it.

In this study, participants with GAD were divided into a treatment group and a control group.

The treatment group that underwent neurofeedback training was able to increase the
amplitude of their alpha brain waves. These bigger alpha waves increased the participants’
sense of calm and reduced feelings of anxiety.

One caveat: This particular study also included theta waves in the neurofeedback training,
which could have also played a role.

However, this study also suggests that it may be possible to train your brain to produce alpha
waves that can help you feel more relaxed.

A 2015 study also suggested that meditation and mindfulness training could achieve these
kinds of results.

The bottom line

There’s always some type of electrical activity going on in your brain, whether you’re aware of
it or not.

At different times of the day, depending on what you’re doing, one type of your brain’s
electrical waves will dominate. When your brain’s alpha waves are dominating, you’re likely in a
state of wakeful relaxation.

Relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation may help increase your alpha waves.
This, in turn, may help you feel calmer, less anxious, and, according to some studies, may even
boost your creativity levels.

ADVERTISEMENT

https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves Page 4 of 8
Alpha Brain Waves: What Are They and Why Are They Important? 13/09/2023, 18:19

Last medically reviewed on October 9, 2019

How we reviewed this article: Share this article

SOURCES
# $ % &

READ THIS NEXT

ADVERTISEMENT

What to Know About Gamma Brain

Waves
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH

Your brain produces five different types of brain waves that move
at a different speeds. Gamma waves are the fastest brain waves.…
Your brain tends to…
READ MORE !

What Is the Purpose of Theta Brain

Waves?
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH

Theta brain waves are slower than gamma, beta, and alpha
waves, but faster than delta waves. Your brain produces theta…
waves when you’re drifting off…
READ MORE !

ADVERTISEMENT

How to ‘Unfry’ Your Brain

Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD

Feeling brain fried? Hit "reset" with these tips.

READ MORE !

How to Relax: Tips for Chilling Out

https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves Page 5 of 8
Alpha Brain Waves: What Are They and Why Are They Important? 13/09/2023, 18:19

How to Relax: Tips for Chilling Out

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O.

Learning how to relax can prevent a host of stress-related

ailments from headaches and fatigue to irritability and poor…
performance at work or school…
READ MORE !

Craniopharyngiomas vs. Pituitary

Adenomas: Similarities and
Differences
Craniopharyngiomas and pituitary adenomas are two types of
brain tumors. Learn about their similarities and differences.

READ MORE !

Daily Low Dose Aspirin May

Increase Risk of Brain Bleeding.
What to Know
A new study finds that older adults taking low dose daily aspirin
are at higher risk for bleeding in the skull. The aspirin did not…
decrease the risk…
READ MORE !

What to Expect After Brain

Surgery: Recovery, Outlook, and
More
Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M.D.

Learn what to expect immediately after brain surgery, including

potential risks, follow-up monitoring, recovery, rehabilitation, an…
more.
READ MORE !

What Is Cataplexy?
https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves Page 6 of 8
Alpha Brain Waves: What Are They and Why Are They Important? 13/09/2023, 18:19

What Is Cataplexy?
Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, MD

Cataplexy happens when your muscles suddenly go limp or

significantly weaken without warning. Here's why it happens,…
other symptoms, and more.
READ MORE !

Microvascular Ischemic Disease

Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N.

Understand microvascular ischemic disease and its common

symptoms.

READ MORE !

ADVERTISEMENT

% & ' ( )

Get our wellness newsletter About Us Medical Affairs

Filter out the noise and nurture your inbox with health and wellness Contact Us Content Integrity
advice that’s inclusive and rooted in medical expertise.
Privacy Policy Newsletters

Enter your email SIGN UP © 2023 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our
Privacy Settings
website services, content, and products are for
Your privacy is important to us. Any information you provide to us via this website informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not
Advertising Policy
may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside of the EU. If you do provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See
not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. additional information. See additional information.
Health Topics

About | Careers | Advertise with us

OUR BRANDS Healthline Medical News Today Greatist Psych Central Bezzy

https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves Page 7 of 8
Alpha Brain Waves: What Are They and Why Are They Important? 13/09/2023, 18:19

https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves Page 8 of 8