Alpha waves

Alpha waves are brainwaves that occur in the 8-12 Hz range, typically associated with states of relaxation, calmness, and reduced anxiety. They are present during activities like gentle meditation and when you are relaxed but aware. Alpha waves are considered beneficial for stress reduction and can potentially enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities by helping to link conscious thought with the subconscious mind.

The topic of alpha waves was recently discussed by Andrew Huberman in relation to general nervous states and mental processes. Though he didn't specifically focus on alpha waves in the context of meditative or relaxed states, he acknowledged the complex interactions within the brain's neurochemical landscape, which includes the production of various brainwave states like alpha, theta, and gamma waves. Despite the recognized roles of these waves, he noted that most practical applications and everyday settings don't specifically monitor or modulate these states, such as via an EEG. Instead, he emphasized the broader understanding of alertness, calmness, and their appropriateness for different activities, acknowledging the difficulty in measuring or leveraging specific brainwave states without specialized equipment outside of laboratory settings 1.