Alpha Waves

Definition

Alpha waves are neural oscillations in the frequency range of 8–12 Hz arising from synchronous and coherent electrical activity of thalamic pacemaker cells in humans. They are associated with relaxed mental states, such as meditation and the initial stages of sleep.

Analogy

Imagine your brain is a radio station. When you're fully awake and alert, it's like playing fast-paced rock music (beta waves). But when you start to relax and unwind, it switches over to smooth jazz (alpha waves).

Related terms

Beta Waves: These are high-frequency brainwaves that dominate our normal waking state of consciousness when attention is directed towards cognitive tasks and the outside world.

Theta Waves: These brainwaves occur most often in sleep but are also dominant in deep meditation. Theta is known as a twilight state where we experience reduced consciousness.

Delta Waves: The slowest type of wave produced by our brains, delta waves occur mainly during deep meditation and dreamless sleep.