Why Alpha Brain Waves Are Vital for Improving Your Sleep, Relaxation and Stress Management

There are five different types of brain waves, gamma, beta, alpha, theta and delta. Depending on our activity our brain produces 5 different brain frequencies and these 5 brainwaves produce different type of feelings and state of consciousness in people.

In this article I will focus on alpha waves as they provide enormous psychological and physical health benefits and play a significant role in restoring life balance.


There are many conditions that benefit from an increase in these waves, conditions such as depression, insomnia, chemical and food allergies, headaches, tension, adrenal fatigue, alcoholism and other addictions, PTSD, MS and many other stress related condition.

The waves can be used in coping with chronic pain, enhancing sleep, relieving anxiety and stress, basic relaxation and improving mood.

Alpha waves increase the level of DHEA an important hormone produced by the adrenal gland and melatonin, the hormone that puts us to sleep and helps to achieve a quality sleep. This in turn slows down the aging process.

People who produce more of these brain waves experience less anxiety and their immune system appear healthier.

Scientists have also discovered that the alpha state, also called 'aware relaxation', improves mental faculties such as increased focus and concentration, clarity of thinking, decision-making, relaxed alertness and memory improvement, hence increases learning ability. Also alpha waves help to increase energy and productivity.

The alpha waves state stimulates imagination, creativity, intuition and higher awareness. Scientists studying highly creative people have found an increase in alpha waves above the norm. They found that in the moment of having an insight or an inspiration the brain produces bursts of more alpha waves. So, one way to increase creativity is to increase alpha brain waves.

And recently, sport scientists have found that an increase of alpha brain waves precedes peak performance. One key difference between novice and elite athletes is in their brain waves. Just before their best shots, throws or strokes, elite athletes produce a burst of alpha waves.

The alpha state also promotes the healing process by decreasing the production of lactic acid and adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol while increasing the production of endorphins and the calming hormone serotonin. This process accelerates the rehabilitation and redistribution of oxygen and nutrients, reduces blood pressure, pulse, and heart rate, and lowers oxygen consumption.

And it has also proven to be extremely beneficial in the prevention and/or reduction of psychosomatic disorders such as hypertension, migraines, headaches, asthma attacks and formation of ulcers.

Now in order to induce the alpha state at will research has shown that one of the simplest and fastest ways is to meditate or practice deep relaxation. Regular deep relaxation helps to access feelings, increases self-confidence and reduces self-blame.

Deep relaxation or meditation when alpha waves are produced is considered the best preventative measure for stress build up.

It is the simple way to induce the meditative brain alpha waves which boost the immune system and reduce stress. Meditation or deep relaxation is one of the simplest, most affordable, effective and holistic self-care strategies that you can find.

Joanna Preston is a personal coach and clinical counsellor with a lifelong interest in how the mind influences everything that we think and do. She is also the creator of The Healing Alpha Self-relaxation System.

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