Table 1.
Specific brainwaves with their characteristics.
| Common brainwave frequency | Frequency range (Hz) | General characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 1–4 | Sleep, repair, complex problem solving, unawareness, deep-unconsciousness |
| Theta | 4–8 | Creativity, insight, deep states, unconsciousness, optimal meditative state, depression, anxiety, distractibility |
| Alpha | 8–13 | Alertness and peacefulness, readiness, meditation, deeply-relaxed |
| Lower alpha | 8–10 | Recalling |
| Upper alpha | 10–13 | Optimize cognitive performance |
| SMR (sensorimotor rhythm) | 13–15 | Mental alertness, physical relaxation |
| Beta | 15–20 | Thinking, focusing, sustained attention, tension, alertness, excitement |
| High beta | 20–32 | Intensity, hyperalertness, anxiety |
| Gamma | 32–100 or 40 | Learning, cognitive processing, problem solving tasks, mental sharpness, brain activity, organize the brain |