Each image below depicts a one second snapshot of human brainwave activity, as detected by an electroencephalogram (EEG). As you’ll notice, greater values indicate more brainwave activity within the one second time-frame.

 

 

BETA BRAINWAVES are characteristic of an engaged mind, which is highly alert and well focused. Beta activity is quick-connect, fast activity and tends to dominate the normal waking state of consciousness when-attention is directed towards the outside world.

 

Typically detected in the frontal lobes (where decisions are managed), Beta is usually seen on both sides of the brain in geometric distribution. It may be absent or reduced in areas of brain damage. It is generally regarded as a normal rhythm and tends to be the dominant rhythm in those who are alert, anxious or have their eyes open

 

 

ALPHA BRAINWAVES are slower than beta and can represent a relaxed awareness in the mind. This rhythm is seen when the brain sets itself to rest or reflect. Alpha rates are increased by closing the eyes and relaxation, yet are offset by opening one’s eyes or any concentrated effort.

Alpha is usually best detected in the frontal regions of the head, on each side of the brain. Alpha is the major rhythm seen in normal relaxed adults and is typically regarded as the common relaxation mode beyond the age of 13.

 

 

THETA BRAINWAVES can indicate drowsiness, daydreaming, the first stage of sleep or ‘indirect’ imagination/thinking. Theta activity is not often seen in awake adults (unless engaged in a meditative practice), but is perfectly normal in alert children up to 13 years and in most sleep.

 

A Theta state can be regarded as a gateway to hypnagogic states that lay between being awake and falling asleep. Often Theta entrainment can promote vivid flashes of mental imagery as one becomes receptive to brain/mind information beyond one’s typical conscious awareness. Theta has also been identified as a part of learning, memory and reductions in stress.

 

 

DELTA BRAINWAVES can reveal deep sleep or slow-wave ‘background’ thinking. Much like bass sound, Delta tends to be the highest in amplitude and the slowest waves. Delta is often associated with deep sleep. Certain frequencies, in the delta range, have been shown to trigger the body’s healing and growth mechanisms.

 

Interestingly, Delta is the dominant rhythm in infants up to one year, as well as stages 3 and 4 of dreamless sleep.

FINALLY, here is an example EEG reading from a BrainEv user after 15 minutes of listening:

The recommendation is once a day due to the potential for weakening the effectiveness of the system.

 

This can be compared to how people can desensitize to stimuli that the brain no longer considers relevant. Say, for example, when people live near noisy environments (like train tracks or airports), and adjust to not being disturbed by a constant bombardment of loud noises.

Our testing shows that brainwave entrainment can also be filtered out by the brain in a similar fashion. We recommend listening once per day as the manual instructs, in order to prevent the brain from getting so used to the audio that it begins to ignore the brainwave entrainment.