Types of brain waves: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma.

These electrical oscillations are behind everything that occurs in brain activity.

The electrical activity of the neurons that populate the human brain is part of the basis of all thoughts, feelings and emotions. is part of the basis for all the thoughts, feelings and actions we perform. That is why it is so difficult to understand what neurons do at any given moment; 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 very simple thing into mental processes in all their complexity.

That is to say, that there is something in the way these nerve cells coordinate with each other that causes sensations, thoughts, memories, etc., to appear.etc.

Of course, we are still a long way from understanding in any detailed way what kind of electrical signals in one part of the brain produce such a thought in a particular person at a particular time, but there is one thing that is known about the workings of the organ of the mind; it depends on what is known as neuronal oscillatory activitythat is, the firing frequencies of electrical impulses that generate what are known as the different types of brain waves. the different types of brain waves.

Oscillations in neuronal electrical activity

The concept of oscillations in neuronal activity refers to the different rhythms and frequencies expressed by electrical activity in the central nervous system. This idea is very broad, and applies both to what an individual neuron does and to what a group of neurons working in a network does..

For example, oscillation can refer to the degree of electrical activation of a single neuron over time, with the rate at which the occurrence of a nerve impulse becomes more likely depending on the degree of depolarization being measured; but it can also be used to refer to the the frequency with which several neurons in a group send signals at nearly the same time..

In any case, in all cases these oscillations in electrical activity can be represented by waves by encephalography, in a similar way in which the heartbeat is measured by the electrocardiogram.

Types of brain waves

As we have seen, the activity of the neurons in the brain is not absolutely chaotic, but follows a very complex logic in which it can be seen 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 wavesThese activation patterns, unlike the activation frequency of a single neuron, are powerful and clear enough to be recorded by placing sensors outside the scalp (using encephalography, one of the most widely used technologies in research on the nervous system).

At the same time, brain waves can be classified into different types according to their frequency, i.e., the time it takes for the brain waves to pass through the brain.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 waves are those with the largest wave amplitudethat is to say that their frequency is very low. They are characteristic of the deep sleep phase, which is the phase in which we rarely dream. However, the fact that they represent the activation patterns of this deep sleep phase does not mean that the brain is relatively shut down. Although it is in a state of rest, it is no longer activated, although it is occupied with processes that do not depend on being in a state of consciousness.

2. Theta waves (3.5 to 7.5 Hz)

After the Delta waves, the Theta waves are the ones with the largest wave amplitude. They are associated with states of deep calmThey are associated with states of deep calm, relaxation and immersion in memories and fantasies, and also with the REM sleep stage, which is when we dream. Therefore, when these waves appear, it is considered that there is consciousness or that it is very likely that there is consciousness, 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 is more frequent than theta waves, although it is still related to states of relaxation. For example, they can 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 alertness and agile management of attention, such as a speech in front of an audience.such as a speech in front of a large audience, the process of answering an exam question, etc.

Thus, this type of brainwave is linked to an agile management of the focus of attention, depending on the objectives, and with the concern for what is happening in the present, usually around us, since it is necessary to react quickly to possible unforeseen events.

5. Gamma waves (25 to 100 Hz)

These are the type of brain waves with a higher frequency and lower amplitude. They appear in states of wakefulness and it is believed that their presence is related to the appearance of consciousness, with the widening of the attentional focus.with the widening of the attentional focus and with memory management.