Brain Waves and States of Your Mind

Our brain consists of 5 different types of brain waves; Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma brain waves. Each of these brain waves has a normal frequency range in which they operate. The table below gives a brief overview of the primary function of these brain waves.

Name	Frequency Range	Usually Associated With
Delta waves	< 4 Hz	Deep dreamless sleep, loss of body awareness. This is probably the only time your brain is reasonably still and quiet, but it is still active.
Theta waves	4–8 Hz	Deep meditation /relaxation, REM sleep. The hypnogogic/hypnopompic state; is a meditative state just before you slip into a deep sleep or transition into full wakefulness. Considered a highly creative level. Hypnosis targets this level.
Alpha waves	8–13 Hz	Calm relaxed yet alert state. This is considered a creative, thoughtful level. Sitting down and relaxing after working on a task puts the brain at this level. Hypnosis begins with this level.
Beta waves	13–39 Hz	Active, busy thinking, active processing, active concentration, arousal, and cognition.
Gamma waves	40 Hz	Higher mental activity, including perception, problem-solving, and consciousness.