What are brainwaves?

Moongate features a wide variety of binaural beat soundscapes, each tuned to a precise brainwave frequency that corresponds to specific mental states like sleep, relaxation, focus, or meditation.

Brainwaves are rhythmic patterns of electrical activity in the brain. These frequencies shift naturally throughout the day as you move between states like sleep, relaxation, and active focus. Slower brainwaves are linked to deep rest, while faster ones appear during concentration and problem-solving, with creativity and calmness falling in between.

Brainwaves are measured in Hertz (Hz), which refers to the number of cycles per second. A wave that cycles once per second is 1 Hz; ten cycles per second is 10 Hz, and so on.

Scientists measure these rhythms using a technique called electroencephalography (EEG). Small sensors placed on the scalp detect the brain’s electrical activity and translate it into wave patterns. By looking at the frequency of these waves, researchers can identify which brainwave frequency range is most active at a given time.

Brainwaves are categorized based on their frequency in Hz and are typically divided into five main spectrums: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Each has a distinct range of frequencies and is associated with different states of mind and cognitive functions:

Deep sleep, regenerative healing, and unconscious thought processes.

Delta waves are the slowest brainwaves and are typically observed during deep, dreamless sleep. They are linked to deep physical rest and regeneration and are often considered the healing brainwaves.

REM sleep, deep relaxation, meditation, and improved memory.

Theta waves are present during light sleep and deep meditation. This spectrum is often associated with intuition, creativity, and vivid visualization. It is considered a gateway to learning, memory, and subconscious processing.

Relaxed alertness, enhanced creativity, light meditation, and stress reduction.

Alpha waves dominate when we are relaxed but awake, often with closed eyes. They are associated with a calm state, reduced stress, and mental coordination. Alpha waves are common during daydreaming and light meditation, and they help bridge the conscious and subconscious minds.

Active analytical thought, problem solving, and focused attention.

Beta waves are high-frequency waves that dominate during active thinking, problem-solving, and focus. They are linked to higher levels of cognition, decision-making, and everyday alertness. However, excessive beta activity can be associated with anxiety and stress.

​Heightened perception, problem solving, and consciousness awareness

Gamma waves have the highest frequency and are associated with high-level cognitive functioning, including the integration of information from different brain regions. They are often observed during moments of insight, peak performance, and heightened perception.

Moongate's binaural beats soundscapes are designed to shift your brainwaves to one of these ranges to induce your desired state of mind. This is accomplished by using a specific binaural frequency to entrain your brain to a specific brainwave frequency range. To learn more about how binaural beats can influence brainwave activity see: How do binaural beats work?